The Ministry of Health is planning to distribute a leaflet which will include important instructions on how to deal with A(H1N1) , or swine flu, patients at home, and how to help in containing the disease from spreading further. Some of the precautionary points made in the leaflet are:
* To stay at home for seven days if contracting the disease. If symptoms are fading, stay at home for another 24 hours.
* Make sure to cover the nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing. Frequently wash hands properly with soap and water, or hand sanitizers, especially after the use of napkins, sneezing or coughing. Everyone in the family should wash their hands frequently using soap and water, or hand sanitizers and children should be reminded and assisted.
* Avoid close contact with others and avoid work or school if you are infected.
* One healthy adult should take care of the patient. Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, pregnant women, children or those over 65 years of age should not be in direct contact with the patient if possible.
* Swine flu patients should never take care of infants.
* Patients must be isolated from others in a separate room with a private bathroom. Doors should be kept closed.
* If separate bathrooms are unavailable, they need to be cleaned daily with a sterilizer.
* Patient visitation should be avoided at all costs. Phone calls are much more secure.
* It is recommended that each member of the family have their own individual towels.
* Homes should be wellـventilated.
* Always carry a sick child by placing his chin on the shoulder to avoid direct sneezing.
* Family members should always be vigilant and call the hot line if swine flu symptoms are detected.
* A patient should wear a medical mask if separate rooms are unavailable.
* If a patient feels it is urgent to leave home for medical care, a medical mask should be worn.
* Medical masks should be worn at all times by individuals who caring for patients infected with the flu. If respiratory therapy is needed, it should be done in a separate room.
* Medical masks should be disposed of immediately after use. Oneـtimeـonly medical masks should not be reـused. Hands must be washed with soap and water when masks are disposed of. Improper use of masks may increase the chances of infection.
* Daily household cleaning, laundry and waste disposal should be maintained.
* Tissues used by patients should be immediately disposed of. Hands must be washed thoroughly.
* All surfaces, especially tabletops and bathroom surfaces and toys for children, should be cleaned using household disinfectants.
* Patients'' bed sheets and dinnerware do not require separate washing or cleaning from the rest of the family, however, they should not be used by the rest of the family members.
* Towels and bed items should be washed with normal soap, then dried by a tumble drier. Such items should not be touched prior to washing. Avoid contamination by washing hands with soap and water or sanitizers after handling dirty laundry.

Alwatan Daily