The current Influenza A (H1N1) epidemic is transmitted by droplet infection through coughing and sneezing. It can also be transmitted through contact of contaminated surfaces. It is therefore important that in the prevention of the spread of this disease, one need to be prudent in maintaining personal hygiene as well as adopting good social habits.

Personal Hygiene

• Regular hand washing with soap and water (or the use of alcohol based hand sanitisers)
  1. Before and after meals
  2. Before and after food preparations
  3. Before touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands
  4. After using the toilets
  5. Whenever you think you may have contacted or touch areas that may be contaminated such as public eating areas etc
  6. After handling animals or pets
• Keeping away from crowded places with poor ventilations
• Keeping away from enclosed places during the peak of influenza epidemic such as cinemas and areas where there is increase contact with bodily fluids such as saliva or nasal discharges eg swimming pool or spas
• Eating well cooked dishes as the virus can thrive on uncooked dishes
• Avoid sharing of food; use a serving spoon when sharing food dishes with your friends and family
• Avoid sharing of personal items such as toothbrush, face towels and hand towels
• Maintaining a clean environment such as regular mopping and proper disposing of rubbish

Maintaining Your Health

You should keep your body healthy by

• Doing regular aerobic exercises about 3-5 times a week
• Ensuring you have adequate rest and sleep
• Managing your work stress
• Eating a healthy and balance diet which includes more servings of fruits and vegetables
• Avoiding vices such as smoking and excessive alcohol intake
• Ensure daily fluid intake of about 1.5 to 2 litres

Social Habits

Be a socially responsible individual by

• Seeing a doctor and taking sick leave if you are stricken with flu symptoms until you are well
• Putting on a surgical mask when you are having flu symptoms
• Covering your mouth with a tissue or hand when coughing or sneezing; dispose the tissue appropriately and wash your hands immediately
• Washing of hands whenever they are contaminated with nasal discharges or sputum
• Not spitting on the floor
• Avoiding unnecessary travelling to areas that are affected with the virus
• Imposing self home quarantine if you have contacted or exposed to infected patients or had been to high risk affected areas