General Health Advice

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

The ACT Chief Health Officer has provided the following information on Slowing the spread of influenza: information for ACT tertiary institutions and Preventing the spread of influenza: Hygiene information for students and staff.

Slowing the spread of influenza: Information for ACT tertiary institutions

• One of the most effective ways to slow the spread of Human Swine Influenza and other types of influenza is to practice good personal hygiene, including washing hands regularly with soap and ensuring that used tissues are disposed of properly.
  
  
• It is therefore important for tertiary institutions to ensure that they provide, in all academic and residential buildings, appropriate facilities for personal hygiene.

• Institutions should ensure that restrooms in all buildings provide warm water, soap, hand-drying facilities (preferably paper towels) and appropriate waste disposal.

• Waste bins should be emptied regularly and not be allowed to overflow.

• Surfaces in common areas, including door handles in restrooms and similar areas, should be kept clean and disinfected regularly.

• Information about swine flu, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on the ACT Health website at: www.health.act.gov.au and following the links to H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu).

• You may wish to display posters and distribute other information. Information, including downloadable posters, is available from: www.healthemergency.gov.au by following the link for 'Individuals and households'.

Preventing the Spread of Influenza: Hygiene Information for Students and Staff

Influenza is a common viral respiratory infection that affects many people each year. Typical symptoms include chills, fever, generalised muscle aches, headache, runny nose, cough and sore throat. Although most people recover from the flu quickly, flu can be a serious disease and can lead to complications, such as pneumonia.

Symptoms of Human Swine Influenza are very similar to those of seasonal flu. However, Human Swine Influenza is a particular concern for a number of reasons. It is new and there is no vaccine. It appears to be more contagious than normal, seasonal flu. Unlike normal, seasonal flu, it is mostly affecting young people under the age of 30. Some people experience quite serious symptoms and need hospital care, and some people have died. An infected person can be contagious for 24 hours before symptoms appear and up to 7 days later. If you are unwell, particularly if you have recently returned from overseas or have been in contact with someone who has, you should seek medical advice. Healthdirect Australia can be contacted at any time on 1 800 022 222.

There are measures that staff and students can take to reduce the spread of influenza. One of the most important of these measures is to practice good personal hygiene.

 

Specific measures include the following:

1. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
The flu virus can travel through the air when a person coughs or sneezes. Whenever you cough or sneeze, you should;

• Turn away from other people.
• Cover your mouth and nose (with a clean tissue, if you have one).
• Use disposable tissues rather than a handkerchief (which could store the virus).
• Put used tissues into the nearest bin immediately.  

2. Wash your hands regularly with soap.
Washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based product (gels, rinses, foams - available at supermarkets and pharmacies) that does not require water - even when they aren't visibly dirty - is effective in killing the flu virus.
Always wash your hands:

• after you've been to the toilet
• after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• after being in contact with someone who has a cold or flu
• before touching your eyes, nose or mouth before preparing food and eating  

3. Don't share personal items.

The flu virus can spread when someone touches an object with the virus on it and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.

• Never share personal items such as towels or drink bottles.
• If you are living with someone who has the flu:
  • keep personal items, such as towels, bedding and toothbrushes separate, and
  • do not share eating and drinking utensils, food or drinks.  

4. Keep surfaces clean.

Flu viruses can live on surfaces for several hours. If you are living in a place where someone has the flu:

• make sure that surfaces such as tables, benches, fridge doors and door knobs are cleaned regularly with soap and water or detergent.  

5. If you are unwell with flu you should avoid close contact with others.

• If you are unwell, you should remain at home and avoid going out where you would be in contact with other people. If you must go out, keep your distance from others (at least a metre away).
  
  
• If you are living with someone who has the flu, that person should be separated from other people in the home and encouraged to wear a surgical mask. If you are caring for someone who has the flu, you too should wear a mask and gloves when you are in close contact with that person. If you are unwell, particularly if you have recently returned from overseas or have been in contact with someone who has, you should seek medical advice.