Stop the spread of H1N1 Flu

This virus spreads from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that seasonal influenza viruses spread, through coughing and sneezing. Cough etiquette and hand washing are essential to stopping the spread and preventing exposure to the virus.

Wash Hands:

Before eating or preparing food.
After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
After using restroom facilities.

Handwashing Technique
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. Rinse well, with hands held downward. Dry with a paper towel, then use the towel to turn off the faucet.
For health reasons, IBM is only recommending hand sanitizers be present in work areas when soap and water are not available. Though hand sanitizers can be effective in killing some germs, they are less effective than soap and water for removal of germ containing debris on the hands that can be deposited when coughing and sneezing.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs often spread when a person touches something contaminated and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.

Go home if you get sick at work
Ill individuals should leave the work environment immediately or as soon as possible. Inform your manager or lead that you are ill and need to leave the workplace. Keep at least 1 meter/3 feet from others to protect them from getting sick. Practice cough etiquette. Cover your mouth and nose if coughing or sneezing, using tissues and disposing of them properly. Wash your hands afterward.


For tips on how to stay healthy while traveling, please check the Online Swine Flu Help. For country specific advisories and mandatory quarantine or restrictions on community movement for those who exhibit H1N1 illness symptoms or were exposed to ill travelers, please refer to International SOS Country Guides (see Closures & Quarantine, Airport Screening or Travel Restrictions) or country government agencies such as embassies and state departments.