The spread of viruses and respiratory infections is facilitated by large gatherings of people, stale air, travelling and commerce. Hygienic measures help reduce the risk.
Flu viruses are transmitted via the following main routes:
- Through the air:the virus spreads through the air in infectious droplets when people cough, sneeze or spit.
- Through close contact (kissing or shaking hands) with a person with a respiratory virus.
- Via the hands, which are contaminated with infectious droplets of saliva or fluid from the nose or mouth.
- Through contact with objects which have been touched by sick people.
In the event of a pandemic the following measures should be taken to reduce the risk of infection:
Last modification 16.09.2024
Contact
Federal Office of Public Health FOPH
Prevention and Healthcare Provision Directorate
Communicable Diseases Division
Schwarzenburgstrasse 157
3003
Bern
Switzerland
Tel.
+41 58 463 87 06