The swine flu scare has created panic with the rising number of people tested with the H1N1 virus and rising casualties. The need for public health awareness for safety measures against the H1N1 virus is absolutely essential. Lets explore some protection measures each individual can follow to keep oneself as safe as possible?
Face masks and surgical masks will surely help cough or sneeze droplets from spreading. If you are around any infected loved one, it is a good idea to wear a face mask constantly. But wearing face masks does not mean that you are foolproof from contracting swine flu infection.
You may also contract the H1N1 virus if this happens. An infected person sneezes or coughs in their hand. Then their hand touches a doorknob or a switch button. After sometime you happen to touch the same button or doorknob and then touch your eyes, face, mouth or nose; you get infected with the swine flu H1N1 virus.
Wearing face masks is not the most effective strategy to prevent swine flu because sneezing or coughing is not the only way for you to contract respiratory viruses from people.
You need to exercise greatest caution when you are in public places such as public transport, offices, movie theatres or just about any place where there are crowds. Take care not to touch anything when you are outside. Make doubly sure you aren't touching your face in public. Preferably use a tissue and discard it immediately if you have to use it.
The most effective way to prevent getting respiratory viruses like swine flu is washing your hands with soap and water for a good half minute. Wipe off with a paper towel and discard it immediately. Most of us do not do this often enough or correctly.
Remember to wash your hands after you sneeze or cough into your hands. If you do not have a soap and water handy, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are very effective to kill the flu viruses.
If you have any of the swine flu symptoms, contact your health provider immediately. It is a good idea to keep yourself isolated from people until you feel better. This prevents just only for the H1N1 swine flu virus but for all flu viruses.
