Reduce the risk of catching the flu

All people can reduce the chance of acquiring any influenza infection by following some basic personal hygiene behaviours.

• Handwashing is one of the most important measures to prevent the spread of infection
• Anyone with respiratory-type illness should be careful with secretions from the nose and mouth
• Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing - use a tissue and dispose of this once used in the waste
• Always wash hands after having any contact with respiratory secretions
• Be careful with respiratory secretions (eg coughing and sneezing) when around other people. It may be best to avoid contact with individuals at risk (small children or those with underlying or chronic illnesses such as immune-suppression or lung disease) until respiratory symptoms have resolved
• Avoid contact with secretions of people who have respiratory illnesses 
• Ask other people to use a tissue and cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.