Do a lot of the Swine flu/H1N1 particles die in the air when a person who has it coughs?

star_gazer

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. http://www.floridafarmbureau.org/press/2009_0430 May 02 09, 10:00 PM

zbeckabee

How long can an infected person spread H1N1 flu to others? People with H1N1 influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods. How long can viruses live outside the body? We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. · Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. · Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. · Try to avoid close contact with sick people. · If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. · If you need care, please call your provider first and they will give you instructions on whether you should report to them or the emergency room. http://www.dm.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123146623 May 02 09, 10:57 PM

Baloo55th

Alcohol based rub-in hand cleaners are recommended too. Rub in until they are dry. Won't necessarily get the engine oil off, but will kill the little nasties. Should be used when easy access to clean water is not available. (Source: New Scientist - last Thursday's edition) May 03 09, 2:59 AM

zbeckabee

A "p.s." to Baloo's post: Plain alcohol with paper towels (etc.) is always an EXCELLENT way to clean standard surfaces such as keyboards, door knobs, non-wood desk surfaces, steering wheels, etc. The only caution being, to test the surface before full application. May 03 09, 9:47 AM

Baloo55th

'Plain alcohol' not meaning whisky without the soda, but something like surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surgical_spirit Probably meths (methylated spirit) would do too as it consists mainly of ethanol. It doesn't tend to be made in medical specification, though if used as a hand or surface cleaner this shouldn't matter. Whichever of the three you use, do not drink it. Unlike whisky, they contain very poisonous substances. (Whisky is poisonous too if you drink too much.) May 03 09, 1:02 PM