Dettol in association with Indian Medical Association is advising the general public to increase their levels of hygiene as a preventative measure in response to the recent outbreak of influenza A (H1N1).
The following information is relevant in preventing influenza A(H1N1) -
What is Influenza A H1N1?
Influenza A H1N1is a contagious respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus - H1N1 virus. It is also called “Swine Flu“. During March/April 2009, a new strain of Influenza A H1N1 emerged in Mexico, and started causing illness in humans. The World Health Organisation says that this new strain of Influenza A H1N1 can spread from person to person too.
How does it spread?
The Influenza A H1N1 virus is thought to spread in the same way as seasonal flu; in tiny droplets, expelled from the mouth and nose of an infected person when they talk, cough or sneeze. People may get infected if they breathe in these droplets or if they touch someone or something that is contaminated with the virus and then touch their nose or eyes.
Can it infect you?
Yes. While Influenza A H1N1 viruses usually infect pigs, there is a rise in number of confirmed cases in humans as well. After its start in Mexico, hundreds of people have already picked up this virus worldwide and some have died as a result of this influenza.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 are usually similar to the symptoms of normal seasonal influenza. These include fever, tiredness, lack of appetite, coughing and a sore throat. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhoea. In almost all cases outside Mexico, the symptoms of Influenza A H1N1 have been mild, and people have made a full recovery. However, some people infected with Influenza A H1N1 have had severe illness and died.
What can you do?
Good hygiene is one way that you can protect yourself and your family from a wide range of infections including the Influenza A H1N1 virus.
These are the golden hygiene rules that everyone should follow to prevent the spread of infections:
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief / tissue. Dispose the tissue after use.
- Thorough and frequent handwashing is an important method of preventing infections. Wash hands after you come in contact/shake hands with a person who has flu and touching hard surfaces which are used by people very often eg: Door Handles, Toilet Flush etc.
- Clean and disinfect hard surfaces (e.g. Toilet Flush, Taps, Door Handles) that you touch frequently.
If an outbreak of Influenza
A H1N1 (Swine Flu) occurs, local health authorities and the World Health Organisation may issue specific infection control advice. It is important that you follow your health authority’s recommendations.
About Dettol
DETTOL is a brand of Reckitt Benckiser and has stood for “trusted protection” in India since 1933. The brand is endorsed by the Indian Medical Association and has been voted consistently as one of India’s Most Trusted Brand, (ORG Marg Brand Equity Survey). Today multiple product offerings of the brand Dettol offer the consumer ways to keep themselves protected from germs and infections. Dettol has more than 80% share in the Antiseptic Liquid market, and also offers Bar Soaps, Liquid Hand Wash, Shaving Cream and Plasters.
About Reckitt Benckiser
Reckitt Benckiser (India) Limited, is one of the fastest growing consumer goods companies in South Asia. In India, it has many brands namely - Dettol, Harpic, Mortein, Lizol, Cherry Blossom, Vanish, Easy Off Bang, Veet, Colin, Disprin, Strepsils, Clearasil and others. It has major presence in home and personal care, surface care, fabric care, pest control and healthcare. The Company has operations in 60 countries, sales in over 180 and employs 23,000 people around the world. Globally Reckitt Benckiser plc is headquartered in Slough just outside London, UK and is listed in the top 15 on the London Stock Exchange. For more information visit: www.reckittbenckiser.com
