Published: Thursday, 29th October, 2009 9:00am

Spread of swine flu in our hands

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Viewpoint

The increasing spread of swine flu is not only to do with the virulence of this strain but probably more about our own lack of precautions to prevent it spreading in the first place.

A local GP has issued some timely advice to people to reduce their chances of contracting this H1N1 strain of flu in addition to encouraging those called for vaccination to take up the offer.

The more people become vaccinated - initially this has been offered to all health professionals, children and staff at special schools and those "at risk" - there will be a reducing risk of swine flu spreading further. As the GP states, those who have the vaccine will have immunity against this strain of flu, currently the only flu doing the rounds at this early stage of winter.

But the biggest challenge to us all is adopting good hygiene over the coming months, going that little bit extra than normal. Hand dispensers, for example, commonplace at entrances to hospital wards are now being installed in many public buildings even churches! Perhaps they should be considered at home too.

But apart from avoiding those spreading swine flu by coughing and sneezing, surfaces frequently handled such as door handles, should be regularly cleaned with antiseptics wipes.

Reducing contact with swine flu patients is key to the prevention message. Doctors are advising those family members with it to "isolate" themselves as far as possible by confining themselves in a room in the house while they are ill.

But not everyone will suffer badly, some have only mild symptoms from a lengthy list which includes fever, aches and pains, sore throat, headaches, vomiting, cough and fatigue.

Nevertheless, the same GP has advised those with flu to stay off work or school until they are fully recovered. The GP even highlighted a case where swabs were taken from a patient and sent for tests. When he phoned the patient that it had proved positive, he discovered they had returned to work, obviously ahead of schedule.

Again children who are off school with flu, should not return until they are feeling fine and without a cough. Children rarely keep a hand over their mouths when coughing and it is recommended they should not return to school until they are feeling fine and without a cough to prevent it spreading among dozens of children.