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Table 1 Non-pharmaceutical interventions for respiratory infection control

From: Public perceptions of non-pharmaceutical interventions for reducing transmission of respiratory infection: systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies

Behaviour

Definition

Isolation

Staying home if symptomatic for at least 7 days (minimising contact with other household members) to reduce peak incidence of respiratory infection.

Personal Protective Measures (PPM)

Hygiene and distancing behaviours to reduce an individual’s chance of catching and passing on respiratory infections

-Respiratory hygiene

Covering/catching coughs and sneezes using disposable tissues

-Hand hygiene

Washing hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water or hand gel

-Mask wearing

Wearing a surgical face mask

-Personal distancing

Keeping a distance of about 1 metre (3 feet) from people who appear symptomatic

Social Distancing

Actions taken by communities to reduce social contact and to literally increase the space between people

-in children

Temporarily closing schools and childcare facilities

-in adults

Postponing or cancelling large public gatherings, altering workplace environments, e.g. offering telework or remote-meeting options.

Remote healthcare

Accessing website or phone line advice and support, and setting up ’Flu friends’ (if ill) rather than going to local healthcare facilities to reduce spread of respiratory infection and avoid overstretching healthcare services.