How Swine Flu Spreads:

The pandemic influenza virus is thought to spread in much the same way as seasonal flu viruses, which is:

• Not washing your hands frequently or properly
• In the air from coughs, sneezes or even talking by people with influenza who are close by.
• By touching contaminated surfaces, like door knobs or bench tops, and then touching your mouth or nose.
• When there is skin to skin or oral contact with an infected person.

Contagious time line

With seasonal flu, people may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to seven days after they get sick, although contagiousness declines rapidly after five days.

Longer for kids

Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.

How long can the swine flu virus live ?

Flu viruses can survive on some hard surfaces for up to two days. You should regularly clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, taps, tables, benches and fridge doors. Flu viruses can be inactivated and removed with normal household detergents.

Unwashed hands

Flu viruses can survive on unwashed hands for 30 minutes, and on cloth, paper and tissues for up to 12 hours. This is why it is important to always wash your hands after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, and to dispose of used tissues in a bin straight away.

How to minimise the spread

You can minimise the spread of the pandemic influenza in your household and in the community by maintaining good household and personal hygiene, avoiding close contact from others (at least 1 metre apart) if you or they are ill, and covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.