Swine Flu Prevention Information

Interim Guidance on Infection Control and Antiviral Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed or Suspected Swine Influenza A Virus Infection. For information from the Centers for Disease Control go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/recommendations.htm.
“Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.” “Can people catch swine flu from eating pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.” --from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/key_facts.htm.
Hand washing is a very important method to prevent disease from spreading. This is from the CDC’s website, http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/pub/Handwashing/HandwashingTips.htm:

To stay healthy and clean, wash your hands with warm water and soap.

When to Wash your Hands
Before:
Touching your hand to your mouth including:
Eating and drinking,
Smoking,
Brushing your teeth,
Helping a sick person

After:
Going to the bathroom
Changing diapers
Touching high-hand contact surfaces, such as:
Door knobs
Railings
Returning to your cabin
Helping a sick person
Blowing your nose
How to wash your hands:
1. Wet your hands with warm water.
2. Apply a generous amount of soap.
3. Rub your hands together for 20 seconds.
4. Rinse your hands.
5. Dry your hands with a paper towel.
6. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.


What about alcohol-based hand sanitizers?
CDC recommends that cruise ship passengers use warm water and soap to wash their hands. Washing is always best.
If water and soap are NOT available (perhaps on excursions), use an ethanol alcohol-based (a minimum 62%) hand sanitizer, preferably in a gel form.