<p>In the second part of the series, Deccan Herald brings you more Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on swine flu, with answers:<br /><br />How long can an infected person spread H1N1 flu? <br />People with H1N1 (swine) influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic, and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods. <br /><br />What can I do to protect myself from getting infected? <br />There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. <br /><br />How can someone with the flu infect someone else? <br />Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop, and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick too. <br /><br />How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects?<br />Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces, and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.<br />What surfaces are likely sources of contamination?<br />Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated, and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface.</p>
<p>In the second part of the series, Deccan Herald brings you more Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on swine flu, with answers:<br /><br />How long can an infected person spread H1N1 flu? <br />People with H1N1 (swine) influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic, and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods. <br /><br />What can I do to protect myself from getting infected? <br />There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 (swine) flu. Take these everyday steps to protect your health: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after use. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. <br /><br />How can someone with the flu infect someone else? <br />Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop, and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick too. <br /><br />How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects?<br />Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces, and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface.<br />What surfaces are likely sources of contamination?<br />Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated, and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface.</p>
