Don’t panic, just take simple precautions

Atul K Patel, MD
Swine flu spreads from person to person through infected respiratory droplets released into the air when a patient coughs or sneezes.

A person can also contract the disease when he touches the infectious droplets lying on a person or on objects in public places, such as door knobs or handles, and restaurant tables. Swine flu can also be transmitted while touching nose or mouth without first washing hands.

Hence, the key to prevention lies in not coming into contact with the infectious respiratory droplets either by touch or through inhalation. To avoid infection, wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are particularly effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Try to avoid close contact with other sick people.

If you think you have contracted swine flu, isolate yourself in a well-ventilated room with good sunlight, and follow all hygiene guidelines for cough. If you are in close contact with patients, you should wear an N-95 mask that fits you properly. Consult a doctor and take anti-viral drugs as a preventive measure, at least for 10 days after the last known exposure to a H1N1 patient. 
 (The writer is an infectious diseases expert)
 (Adapted from www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu)