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Swine Flu Information

06/05/2009

What is swine flu?

The World Health Organisation and UK governement have recently issued warnings about swine flu. Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease which occurs frequently in pigs, caused by type-A influenza virus. It is very rare for humans to contract swine flu, but infections can and do happen.

GPs, hospitals, and businesses across the UK are preparing for the possibility of a pandemic and the UK Government and the World Health Organization are closely monitoring the situation.

Read how you can help to prevent swine flu in your business

How is swine flu spread?

In the past the swine flu virus was contracted by people that worked in close proximity to pigs such as farmers, but in this current outbreak, the swine flu virus has been spread further by person-to-person contact.

It is thought that the virus is spreading in the same way as other seasonal influenza (flu), via coughs and sneezes, and it is contagious.  Droplets from a cough or a sneeze from an infected person can travel through the air before being inhaled or landing on surrounding surfaces. 

By touching these contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, mouth or nose, people may infect themselves and carry the infection onto other surfaces they touch, hence spreading the virus. The swine flu virus can survive on surfaces such as tables, door handles, telephones, desks for 2 hours or longer.

Read how you can help to prevent swine flu in your business

How can I protect myself from swine flu?

Some steps you can take to defend against swine flu are:

  • Wash you hands frequently with anti-bacterial soap and water, ensuring your hands are completely dry after washing.
  • Cough into a tissue and dispose of the tissue immediately after use
  • Clean hard surfaces, such as door handles and work benches frequently using a normal cleaning product.
  • Sanitise office equipment such as phones, and keyboards regularly
  • If you feel unwell, avoid the risk of cross-infection by distancing yourself from others.

Read how you can help to prevent swine flu in your business

 
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