As concern about swine flu sweeps the globe, the best way to protect yourself from contracting it or other infectious diseases is with a dose of common sense: Wash your hands frequently, cover your coughs and sneezes and stay home from work or school if you feel ill.
These guidelines may seem basic, but they’re effective in warding off the spread of infections. Richard Besser, acting director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said, "Control of an outbreak of infectious disease is a shared responsibility. It’s important that individuals realize they have a key role to play in reducing their own likelihood of getting infected."
Specifically, people are wise to wash their hands often with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds at a time or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if water isn’t accessible. The CDC also recommends avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular seasonal influenza. People with swine flu often get a fever, headache, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue. Some also have gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting.
Swine flu is a virus that usually affects pigs but appears to have acquired the ability to pass from person to person, though it’s unclear how easily it can be transmitted this way.
If you become sick, stay home for the period of infection, which is typically seven days, although children may be contagious for longer. Once on the mend, don’t return to work or school until at least a day after symptoms have disappeared, Besser said.
"Wearing a face mask when out in public isn’t warranted in most cases," he said. "I know some people feel more comfortable having a mask, and there are certain circumstances where that may be of value, but I would rather people really focus on hand-washing, as well as covering coughs and sneezes.
Other social practices may need to be adjusted, such as the salutary kiss that’s customary in some regions.
"If you’re in an affected area or you have the swine flu, it’s probably best not to give a kiss," Besser said. "But we’re not recommending the end of affection during the period.\
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