How to stop infections and viruses

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Swine flu is spreading and people want to know how to prevent the virus and to avoid becoming infected.

So what can you do to prevent viruses and infections passing from person to person? Here are our 5 top tips for stopping them spreading.

1. Wash your hands

This may sound obvious, but you'd be surprised at how many of us don't wash our hands regularly enough.

Make sure you always wash regularly with soap and warm water - some experts say each wash should last as long as it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice.

Don't worry about antibacterial soaps - regular soap will work just fine.

Soap and water don't actually kill bacteria or viruses, but instead create a slippery surface so that organisms just slide off - and that's all you need.

2. Use disposable tissues

Carry round a pack of tissues with you for wiping your nose - and then throw each one away after using it.

Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing and then wash your hands as soon as possible afterwards.

3. Stay at home if you get ill

If you do get flu-like symptoms, then stay at home. Dragging yourself into work will only spread the infection further.

4. Clean up after yourself

When you use the bathroom or kitchen, make sure you clean up properly to stop infections spreading to the next person who comes along.

5. Avoid sharing

Whether at home or work, try not to share bowls, cups or cutlery and make sure it's all washed in soap and hot water after use.

What about face masks?

There are lots of pictures of Mexicans wearing blue face masks in an effort to stop the swine flu spreading - but do they actually do any good?

Experts believe that by and large face masks are not necessary and can actually make people think they're better protected than they really are.

Dr Ronald Cutler from Queen Mary, University of London says: 'I think masks give people a false sense of security...Masks are obviously just covering one part of the body so your hands and clothes could all have the virus on and when you take them off you will infect yourself.'