Influenza A (H1N1) Swine Flu How does it spread? The new influenza A (H1N1) virus spreads from person-to-person, in the same way that seasonal influenza viruses spread. The main form of transmission is through the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Infected droplets are released into the air and breathed in by others. However, these droplets do not remain in the air long and generally only affect people within two metres. It is also possible to get influenza by touching contaminated surfaces, and then touching your nose, mouth or eyes. The new influenza A (H1N1) virus is not spread through eating properly-cooked pork or handling pork products. Water chlorination also makes it very unlikely that people will get this virus from drinking water or swimming in chlorinated pools. How infectious is it? Because this virus is new, people have no immunity to it so it will spread more quickly and widely than the seasonal flu. The pandemic situation could mean lots of people become sick at the same time and this could have a big impact on our day-to-day lives, and place considerable pressure on the health services. Experts aren’t yet sure how long people who have the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus are infectious and able to pass the virus to others. It appears they could be infectious from a day before they experience symptoms until about seven days after they first experience them. Children, especially younger children, may be infectious for longer periods. However early use of antiviral medicines, such as Tamiflu, can reduce this infectious period. Back to top Website feedback We welcome your feedback on this page. Page last updated: 17 June 2009

Related information Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) and You (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website) Detailed information on the virus and other topics like infection rates, signs and symptoms, severity, prevention, and treatment.