Good hygiene can help to reduce the spread of a wide range of viruses, including influenza viruses. The Health Protection Agency advises everyone to follow these precautions at all times:

• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if possible.
• Dispose of used tissues promptly and carefully. Put them in a bag and then bin them.
• Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently.
• Ensure children follow this advice.

If you intend to travel to an affected country, you should check the advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Health Protection Agency website provides comprehensive advice for people returning to the India from a country affected by influenza A (H1N1). If the disease begins to affect more people in the India, more information will be made available through leaflets, websites and the media. This will tell you how you can help protect yourself and your family and what to do if you think you are infected.