Preventing Swine Flu Infection
What measures then can I take to prevent infection?
As yet there is no vaccine, but manufacturers are trying to develop one. Good progress is being made and the first doses may be available in the UK by August. However the NHS says it may be next year before everyone can be immunised.
Older people and those under 16 – as well as health workers and those with existing clinical conditions – will be given priority.
It is hoped that even if the virus mutates in coming months, the vaccine would still confer a high degree of protection against related strains.
In the meantime, avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.
General infection control practices and good hygiene can help to reduce transmission of all viruses, including the human swine influenza.
This includes covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible and disposing of it promptly.
It is also important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people, and cleaning hard surfaces like door handles frequently using a normal cleaning product.
In Mexico masks have been handed out to the general public, but experts are sceptical about how useful this is.
Some suggest it may even be counterproductive.
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