Swine influenza H1N1 novel strain is highly contagious. An infected person is able to spread the disease one day prior to and 7 days after symptoms are present. Children, especially the younger ones, may pass along the virus for even longer time.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD
Spread is by droplet infection which may occur by following means:

• Direct droplet spread: Person to person by cough and sneeze.
• Direct touch: When a healthy person touches the droplets from a sick person and then touches his/her own eyes, nose or mouth without hand washing.
• Indirect droplet exposure: From desk surface, used tissue papers and glasses. Direct contact is needed for spread.
• Drinking water: Contaminated water can be a source of infection. The standard drinking water treatment process has been found to prevent from avian flu strain. Studies regarding safety from novel H1N1 are under process. No swine flu case has been reported due to drinking water.
• Water in recreational venues: Swimming pools, spas, interactive fountains etc treated according to CDC guidelines are safe for avian flu prevention, and similar is being extrapolated for novel H1N1. However, studies are still under process.
• Influenza virus is killed by heat at 75-100 degree centigrade; and by chemicals like chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents, iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols when used in proper concentration and for sufficient time.
• Self protection by washing hands, staying away from infected people, using face masks in public areas, and trying not to touch contaminated surfaces.
• Minimizing chances of getting sick by maintaining a healthy life style.
• In case if someone gets sick he/she should stay home for 7days from appearance of symptoms, or at least 24hours after getting symptom free, which ever is longer.


MISCONCEPTIONS:

• Eating pork: Properly handled and cooked pork has no risk for transmitting novel H1N1 virus.
• Living with swine: This novel strain has not been isolated in swine. But there is a minimal risk of swine influenza from other strains of the virus after prolonged exposure.