Table 3 Key themes

   Being near to someone who is infected

Catching an infection that is in the air

   Touching an infected person or contaminated object

Not covering mouth or using a tissue when coughing or sneezing

   Uncertainty about pandemic influenza

Attitudes toward infection control behaviour:

   Positive attitude

Measures are ineffective

   Responsibility for the wellbeing of yourself and others

Measures are inappropriate

Suggestion of alternative measures or compensatory

behaviour

Selfishness

   Negative attitude

Fear of becoming ill

Factors relating to implementation of infection control behaviour

   Normal routine

Practicality

   Close or intimate relationships

Severity of the illness

   Memory

Education