We need to start with an important distinction. As discussed in How is Swine Flu Spread, infection occurs when the virus goes into your nose or mouth, and gets past your immune system. So there are two distinct processes: 1. A person is exposed to the virus, and 2. The virus evades the immune response and gets inside the cell where it starts to reproduce itself. This article focuses on avoiding exposure to the virus.

Avoiding exposure to swine flu is much like avoiding exposure to any respiratory pathogen. Flu is transmitted by droplet particles. That means microscopic bits of secretions that can be passed from one person to another. So the key is avoiding contact with these virus laden particles.

Be Prudent About Avoiding Exposure to Sick People

At this point, most experts are not recommending that people avoid the supermarket or workplaces. The number of proven cases in each state is still relatively low, so the likelihood of getting flu from a healthy person on the supermarket check-out line is extremely small. On the other hand, someone who gets sick with flu symptoms should stay home from work or school. And if you see or have exposure to someone who appears sick, sneezing, coughing, you should take additional precautions

Clean Your Hands Regularly

Flu can live on our hands. So someone with the flu who sneezes into his hand, then opens the doorknob or pushes the shopping cart can leave a deposit of virus that can get on your hands when you touch that object. When you later rub your nose, you’ve inoculated yourself with flu.

What’s the answer? Again, it’s probably not a good idea to avoid all public places. That intervention just costs too much, unless you’re Howard Hughes. A better idea is to wash your hands frequently. Several times per day is a good idea. That is especially true before eating, and also for people who may be exposed to virus.

Hands can be washed with soap and warm water. Make sure to wash them thoroughly for at least 15-20 seconds. If you don’t have access to soap and warm water, hand sanitizers kill the flu virus. The key is to use one that is at least 60% alcohol, cover all the skin on the hands, and rub until it dries. No water is needed with the hand sanitizers because the alcohol kills the virus. If you don’t have access to hand sanitizer or soap and water and you’re touching objects that may have virus on them, avoid touching your face until you can clean your hands.

Clean Eating Utensils and Household Surfaces Regularly

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces (books, doorknobs, utensils) and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface. Don’t share cups or utensils with others. Make sure that the utensils you use have been well-cleaned. If you spend time in places where there might be people who are infected with flu, use hand sanitizer or wash with soap and water regularly.

If You Live With or Care For Someone Who Has the Flu

This is a completely different situation and demands different precautions. The likelihood of coming into contact with droplet particles is potentially quite high. Read the section if you get sick and follow the precautions discussed there.

Wear an appropriate face mask if indicated

The public health authorities are not yet recommending regular use of face masks. The fact is that “surgeons masks” don’t prevent viral transmission. There are special masks called “N95 facemasks” that prevent transmission of virus. But they need to be used very carefully to be effective. Given the current burden of viral cases in most states and countries, routine mask use is not neccesary. On the other hand, if you have a family or other close contact with Swine Flu, a mask is likely a good idea. Some people are keeping a supply of masks on hand in case they or their family gets sick. There is more information on face masks in should I wear a face mask.