Health

Prevent flu and other infections

There are many simple things everyone can do to help prevent you from getting the flu or other infections. These include:

• Hand hygiene;
• Cough and sneeze etiquette;
• Standing or sitting away from other people distance of 1.5m;
• Household and workplace hygiene; and
• Knowing what to do when you are sick.
• To minimise the spread of infection or illness staff and students should stay at home if you are unwell.
• If you are concerned about any symptoms, seek medical advice.

The following information are some preventative measures to help spread of infection:

Hand hygiene

The thorough washing and drying of hands is an important activity in the prevention of getting sick and spreading illnesses. Our hands collect bacteria from everything we touch and carry them to new places. Try and remember not to touch your face, nose or mouth with your hands.

When to wash hands

• After toileting
• Before eating
• After you blow your nose, sneeze or cough
• Before, during and after handling or preparing food
• After changing a diaper
• After scratching hair, nose or other body parts
• After smoking
• After handling animals, their toys, leashes or waste
• After touching something that could be contaminated (such as rubbish bins, cleaning cloths, drains or soil)
• Before and after dressing a wound, giving medicine or inserting contact lenses.
• After shaking hands with someone.
• after contact with blood or body fluids (like vomit, nasal secretions or saliva)
• Wash hands more often when you, or someone you know come in contact with is sick.

How to wash hands:

• Wet hands with water and apply soap
• Rub hands together briskly for at least 20 seconds
• Cover all surfaces of the hands and fingers
• Rinse hands well under water
• Dry hands using paper towel, clean towel or hot air dryer
• If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the water.
• If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol based hand rub with 60% plus alcohol content.
• If using gloves, wash hands before applying gloves and after discarding the gloves.

Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve

• Cough or sneeze into a tissue, throw the tissue away and wash hands
• If you don’t have a tissue, turn away from people and cough into the crook of your elbow

Standing or sitting back from other people

To reduce the chances of being infected or passing on respiratory viruses stand or sit back from other people in public or in the workplace at a distance of 1.5m.

Keep your home and your work space clean

• Clean your home and work spaces regularly with disinfectant. Regular cleaning is best for most homes and workplaces.
• Avoid sharing of cups and cutlery.

If you are sick yourself, stay away from other people.

Good nutrition and general health are important in maintaining an efficient immune system.

Jenny Hill

College Nurse

Reference: Department of Health WA

For more information, visit: www.health.gov.au