Swine flu (H1N1 virus) Information
In addition to practicing proper respiratory etiquette as advocated in Why Don't We Do It In Our Sleeves?, it is important to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or to use a hand sanitizer that is 60% alcohol. For more information on the most effective non-pharmaceutical public health interventions for pandemic influenza (including sleeve coughing), read this research article.
A Note About Soap
Regular soap and water are generally just as good as antimicrobial/ antibacterial soaps at getting rid of germs on hands. Antimicrobial soaps carry health and environmental risks and there is some question about bacterial resistance through overuse. Because of these reasons, antimicrobial soaps are increasingly being discouraged by many experts for use by the general public, though medical uses remain important. Proper handwashing involves a thorough scrubbing of all hand surfaces with soap and warm water for approximately twenty seconds.
Track the Flu
Check out the flu tracker to see areas affected by the H1N1 virus.
