Protecting yourself and others against swine flu

Swine flu spreads in the same way as ordinary colds and flu, through the droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. It is also transmitted through hands, which can carry the infection. Following good hygiene (coughing and sneezing into a tissue and washing your hands thoroughly) can prevent the spread of the disease. The best way to protect yourself against swine flu is to get vaccinated. Public health authorities do not recommend that people who show no symptoms of influenza use face masks.

The best way to protect yourself against swine flu is to get vaccinated.
Swine flu vaccine

Good hygiene advice

• When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue. Bin the used tissues immediately. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand cleansers, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

When a person infected with influenza is at home

Other people in the same household can reduce the spread of the disease by avoiding close contact with the patient and washing their hands regularly with soap and water.
Read more about home care