Swine Flu: "What if...."

1. Can you catch Swine Flu from the air, or do you have to have direct contact with someone who has it or something they have touched?

Yes. If someone who has swine flu coughs or sneezes and you inhale the tiny drops that contain the infection you can catch swine flu.
That’s why everyone should cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, dispose of the tissue they have used carefully, and wash their hands thoroughly. The virus leaves the body via the nose and mouth, travels through the air and enters another body via the nose, mouth and, to a lesser extent, the eyes.
Contact can be made via air or from touching a surface that an infected person has sneezed or coughed on, or touching a surface that a person has touched with their hands after sneezing or coughing in to them.

2. How long after someone has coughed, sneezed or touched something (such as doors, furniture, clothes, paper) could I catch Swine Flu?

It is thought that the virus can live on soft surfaces such as clothes and furnishings for up to 20 minutes and hard surfaces such as countertops and door handles for up to 24 hours.

3. How long could you have Swine Flu, without knowing it?

Most people will develop symptoms within 2-3 days of contracting the virus. However, it is thought that a large number of people may not have any of the symptoms of swine flu.

It is also worth noting that many people may experience very mild symptoms. So mild, in fact, that they may not even think they have swine flu. Between a third and half of all those who have contracted pandemic infections in the past are estimated not to have had any symptoms of the illness or only very mild symptoms, according to European expert body responsible, the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC).

4. Once you know you have Swine Flu, how long more are you infectious?

Adults are infectious for at least 5 days after the onset of symptoms while children are infectious for at least 7 days after the onset of symptoms.

However, the HSE have advised that it is prudent to assume that people are infectious for the duration of symptoms. They therefore recommend that people remain at home for 7 days or until they feel better.

5. If you are infectious, does this mean that you really should have absolutely no contact with anyone?

All contact – particularly close contact – with people should be avoided as far as possible. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies recommends that people who are infected should try to remain about one and a half metres away from other people.

It is recommend that you cover your nose and mouth when caring for a sick person, or if you prefer, the sick person can cover their nose and mouth.

6. So you can’t hug your children or shake hands with a neighbour?

If you have swine flu or think you have swine flu, it really is best to avoid contact with non-infected people as much as possible. The illness and period when you can infect others is quite short so it is best to minimize contact in order to minimize chances for transmission of the virus. While alcohol gel will solve any anxieties about hand shaking, if you have the virus you really should stay in your house until you are recovered.

7. Can you get swine flu more than once?

You can only get swine flu once. If the virus mutates, thus becoming a new strain of the virus you may not have immunity from the new virus.

8. If my child gets Swine Flu now, does this mean that s/he is less likely to get it later in the winter when it might be worse?

Swine flu is a serious infection and you should take every step to prevent getting it as there is no evidence to suggest that any swine flu infection now is milder than a swine flu infection this winter or at any other time.

9. My father and mother were due to get the flu vaccine against ordinary flu, is it safe for them to get it?

Yes. Your parents should follow the advice of their GP and the HSE and get the ordinary flu vaccine if it is recommended to them.

10. Will it help protect them against Swine Flu?

No. This is why a separate swine flu vaccine has been developed- the seasonal flu vaccine does not offer immunity against swine flu.

11. My sister has been confirmed with Swine Flu, how can I look after her?

The Irish Red Cross has a number of resources to consult if you are looking after someone who is ill with swine flu:
· http://www.redcross.ie/help/swine_flu/index.html <http://www.redcross.ie/help/swine_flu/index.html>
· http://www.redcross.ie/services_in_ireland/pandemic_h1n1_2009_swine_flu/what_can_i_do_to_protect_myself_and_prevent_the_spread_of_infection <http://www.redcross.ie/services_in_ireland/pandemic_h1n1_2009_swine_flu/what_can_i_do_to_protect_myself_and_prevent_the_spread_of_infection>
· The Helping You To Care Handbook is a great source of easy-to-understand information for taking care of people with any kind of illness that every home should have. It is available from www.redcross.ie €11.99

12. Will I and the rest of the family catch it from her?

No, not necessarily. Although swine flu is highly infectious and everyone is at risk of catching it, there are many cases involving people who have remained quite well even though people they know and live with have fallen ill. The best way to avoid catching swine flu is for everyone to follow the HSE advice when sneezing or coughing and for people to wash their hands thoroughly and clean furniture, dishes, towels and clothes effectively.

Common sense and good hygiene are the best preventative measures your family can take.

13. Should I let my child go to school if someone else in the house has Swine Flu?

Yes. The HSE does not recommend keeping your child home from school unless they are exhibiting definite symptoms of swine flu. The Irish Red Cross can provide information talks and specially-designed flu-planning materials including leaflets, posters and planning sheets - developed to the highest international standards - to your school and this may help to prevent sickness. Ask your school principal to call 1890 502 502 to arrange for one of our fully-trained speakers to come to your business premises.

14. Is ordinary soap as good as these new hand sanitizers?

The effectiveness of hand washing as a preventative measure is more dependent on technique than product. You should wash your hands for at least 30 seconds, making sure to get in between fingers, fingertips and wrists. If you are using soap be sure to use warm water.
However, if you are particularly worried, alcohol gels, particularly those with 60+% alcohol content have been scientifically proven to kill the flu virus.

15. A lot of people are buying small liquid sanitizers in supermarkets and carrying them with them to school, in work, in the car – is that any good?

It is a good idea to have hand sanitizer with you when you are out and about as you will be able to clean your hands after contact with communal objects that may be infected with the swine flu virus. Just make sure that the product you are using is of good quality with scientific proof to back up its claims.

16. What if there was a case or cases of Swine Flu in my office/shop/factory and a member of my staff is pregnant – should she stay at home?

The HSE does not recommend taking any such precautions. Ensure your workplace has prominently displayed posters showing how to cough and sneeze without infecting their colleagues, as well as widely available hygiene facilities such as alcohol gel. This will help prevent transmission of the virus. The Irish Red Cross can provide information talks and specially-designed materials such as leaflets, posters and planning sheets, - developed to the highest international standards - to both community groups and companies. to you and your staff and this may help to prevent sickness. Call 1890 502 502 to arrange for one of our fully-trained speakers to come to your business premises.

17. I’m in business for myself – can I get insurance to cover me in the event that I get Swine Flu?

This is an issue you need to discuss with your insurer.

18. There are only three of us in my business; From what I’ve heard it’s hard to know if someone has actually got Swine Flu or not. If someone is only a bit sick – is it okay for them to come to work?

Swine flu will affect people differently. Some people will feel extremely tired and ill while others may just feel a bit "flu-y". However, while you may feel okay and able to get on with work, it is irresponsible to risk infecting other people who may have a much more unpleasant experience of the virus. This is particularly true if you work with people who have underlying conditions that put them at risk of developing complications.

The Irish Red Cross recommends following HSE advice to stay at home for at least 7 days.

If in doubt, telephone your doctor.

19. I have quite a large number of people working in my company and usually there’s always one or two who are out sick for various reasons – how do I know they won’t all ring in sick?

The short answer is you don’t! If you are concerned, you should ask that employees get a doctor’s certificate. It is important to clarify your sick/compassionate leave policy sooner rather than later. The Irish Red Cross can provide information talks and specially-designed materials to you and your staff and this may help to prevent sickness. Call 1890 502 502 to arrange for one of our fully-trained speakers to come to your business premises.

20. We were going to have our AGM/parent-teacher meeting/club match this weekend but some of us have been in contact with people who have got Swine Flu – should we cancel it?

The HSE does not recommend any restrictions on public gatherings. However, if you suspect you have swine flu you should stay at home. The Irish Red Cross can provide information talks and specially-designed materials to your community group and this may help to prevent sickness. Call 1890 502 502 to arrange for one of our fully-trained speakers to come to your business premises.