The spread of the new influenza A/H1N1 flu virus has caused concern and worry all around the world and on 11 June 2009 the World Health Organisation declared Phase 6 of its pandemic alert system (maximum alert).

This flu is an acute viral respiratory infection and has symptoms that are essentially similar to classic flu symptoms and that, at the same time, may have serious complications such as pneumonia. It has been called “swine flu” because the first cases were attributed to close contact between pigs and humans. This virus in fact originally developed between pigs but then mutated to become infections to humans and can now be transmitted from person to person.

The symptoms of the new influenza A/H1N1 human flu virus are similar to those of classic seasonal flu and include: fever, drowsiness, weakness, headache, a general feeling of being unwell, loss of appetite, and coughing.
Some people have also had a cold, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

How can you protect yourself?

The A (H1N1) flu virus is transmitted just like normal flu: directly, through droplets of saliva and respiratory secretions (coughing, sneezing, talking close to another person), or indirectly, by touching objects “contaminated” by these droplets.
The first thing to do to avoid, or drastically reduce, infection – especially if you share work areas and the home with other people – is to wash your hands often, practically every time that you touch something that may have been handled by someone else.

Data on the spread of the virus show that this flu is more easily transmitted in public places, and in particular in schools: children are in fact more vulnerable to this infection than adults and senior citizens, who may have already been exposed to a similar virus previously and therefore have some kind of immunity.

Regularly and frequently washing your hands with soap and water, or alternatively with alcohol-based detergent solutions or disinfectant wipes, reduces the possibility of contaminating the eyes, nose or mouth and thereby facilitating transmission of the virus.

PIC sanitising hand gel is a powerful hand sanitiser: its special formula acts on the skin in just 15 seconds, leaving it feeling pleasantly fresh. All you have to do is pour small amount directly on the hands and rub it in until it has completely evaporated.  It is practical to carry around either in your pocket or in a handbag, and is essential for people who use public transport, who like to go out for a drink or a meal and who are often in public places such as shops, libraries etc. Using PIC sanitising hand gel can become a satisfying, healthy routine that leaves hands feeling soft, dry and perfumed, without the need to rinse.

The golden rules to be followed are: avoid crowded places, cover your nose and mouth with a paper tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the used tissue in the bin and ventilate rooms regularly. Vaccination is recommended for people who are more at risk.