Swine Flu Guidelines: Dos and don'ts

The Government has stressed that there is no need to panic and that the treatment is proving effective. It says that of the 574 positive cases so far, 470 people have already been cured of the flu and discharged. Here is what the Government advises people to do to avoid contracting the disease.

• Best option would be to avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas, if possible. Avoid large crowded groups
• Good hygiene practices go a long way, wash your hands regularly
• Watch out for any flu-like symptoms, like persistent fever and cough and cold
• Consult a doctor if you're worried, ideally at designated Government hospitals
• Cover your mouth and nose if you cough and sneeze
• Stay away from infected people. This is necessary since the H1N1 virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, around other people
• The virus also spreads when you touch something infected and then touch your mouth, nose or eyes, so wash your hands regularly
• The virus does not spread by eating well-cooked pork products, though it would be a healthy option to wash your hands properly after handling pork.