Much has been said and is being done to prevent swine flu from affecting the masses. But as individuals, we can prevent the disease from affecting us and also from spreading. There are a number of ways in which you can make a difference and bring about awareness of maintaining hygiene to prevent swine flu.
The first and foremost point that should be considered to prevent swine flu is to lower the odds of the infection and maintain proper hygiene. Always carry disposable tissues with you and sneeze and cough into the tissue and dispose the tissue after use, this helps the virus from spreading. Opt to use disposable cups when drinking from a public waterspouts and do not touch the spout. Carry sanitizing wipes and clean your work place with them before you start your days’ work. It is important to avoid close contact with sick people, as swine flu spreads mainly when people sneeze or cough. Covering the face and nose with mask is another way in which you can prevent the spread of the infection and prevent interaction with the virus. When eating from a public place make sure that you don’t share your plates with others. Take ample rest and eat nutritious food to maintain a good immune system so that your body is healthy enough to fight infections.
Wash your hands with soap and water at regular intervals and use a sanitizing gel when there is no soap and water available. Though there is no sanitizing gel that would guarantee the prevention of swine flu, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, practicing hand hygiene is the best way to control the disease. These hand-sanitizing gels are easily available, and it is recommended that they be used frequently to keep your hands clean. The sanitizing gels are alcohol based and when used results in damaging the shell of the virus and inactivates it, hence preventing the disease from developing.
Carry the swine flu gels whenever you move out of the house so that you can keep your hands clean. Use the gel frequently and especially after visiting the washroom, touching elevator buttons, using the ATM, after getting down from public transport, before eating, in schools or day care centers, after using public phones, etc. Hands are the most frequent route of transmission for diseases and this makes it maintaining proper hand hygiene the most important aspect to prevent spread of swine flu.