Swine FluEven though the swine flu virus is no longer classified as a pandemic, the H1N1 swine flu virus will continue to be one of the main viruses circulating this winter. The government and NHS have produced lots of information for the public, so you can find out more by visiting:


How does Swine Flu spread?

The main way that illnesses like flu and colds are spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This is called "droplet spread".

Flu viruses are made up of tiny particles that can be spread through the droplets that come out of your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

When you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth with a tissue, those droplets can spread and others will be at risk of breathing them in.

If you cough or sneeze into your hand, those droplets and the germs in them are then easily spread from your hand to any hard surfaces that you touch, and they can live on those surfaces for some time. Everyday items such as door handles, computer keyboards, phones and the tv remote control are all common surfaces where flu viruses can be found.

If other people touch these surfaces and then touch their faces, the germs can enter their systems and they can become infected. That's how all flu and cold viruses, including swine flu, are passed on from person to person.

What can I do to protect myself and others against flu?

The most important way to stop flu spreading is to have good respiratory and hand hygiene.

Please click here to find out about good hygiene practices!
Swine flu is the common name given to a relatively new strain of influenza (flu) that caused a flu pandemic in 2009-2010.

It is also referred to as H1N1 influenza (because it is the H1N1 strain of virus).
 
The government and NHS have produced lots of information for the public. Use the links in our article to find out more.

Remember
CATCH IT. BIN IT. KILL IT.