Health tips to prevent flu

What do you need to bear in mind if you have flu or you are caring for someone who does?

Flu is transmitted easily in three different ways:

• By small drops released when coughing or sneezing (airborne).
• Through skin or oral contact with people who have flu.
• By touching or sharing utensils (cutlery, glasses, etc.) and other objects that have not been cleaned properly.

There are a series of hygiene measures that help to prevent flu:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then throw it away.
• It is essential to wash your hands regularly with water and soap for 15-30 seconds and to dry them properly (especially after touching shared surfaces such as handrails, door handles, computer keyboards and mice, telephones, supports on public transport and after sneezing and blowing your nose), or with alcohol solutions by rubbing your hands for 15-30 seconds.
• Enclosed spaces should be kept ventilated.
• Avoid close contact with people who have flu and do not share food or utensils with them (such as cutlery, glasses, serviettes and napkins) or other objects without cleaning them properly.
• If you get symptoms of flu or the doctor has diagnosed you with the illness, you should make sure not to share enclosed spaces with people for the first 3-5 days, especially people who are ill in hospital and community care workers.