A leading microbiologist from the University of Southampton has told a conference that his research has found copper is effective in inhibiting the influenza A H1N1 virus.
Copper appears to have broad spectrum antiviral activity because it is also effective, not only against RNA-based influenza, but also against DNA-based adenovirus 40/41 which causes gastrointestinal infections.
Speaking at the BIT Life Sciences 2nd Annual World Summit on Antivirals in Beijing, China this week, Professor Bill Keevil, from the University's School of Biological Sciences, added that he believed copper could be used to reduce the spread of flu in public places.
"With the ongoing threat of contamination by influenza A viruses, such as H1N1, there is a real and pressing need to utilise all appropriate and effective measures with proven antimicrobial qualities," commented Professor Keevil. "It is recognised that many infectious diseases are spread by hand contact and studies have now repeatedly shown that the use of copper as a surface material in key public places such as hospitals and food preparation areas offers the potential to substantially restrict and reduce the spread of harmful infection".
The influenza aspect of the study, completed in 2007, involved a series of experiments testing incubation of influenza A on copper and stainless steel surfaces. Results showed that, after incubation for 1 hour on copper, 75% of the virus was eradicated, and after 6 hours, less than 500 viral particles remained active (greater than 99.99% or 10,000-fold decrease). Similar inactivation rates have now been observed for adenovirus 40/41.
Professor Keevil added: "These public health benefits, supported by extensive antimicrobial efficacy testing, are underpinned by the fact that copper, brass and bronze are capable of killing a range of harmful and potentially deadly micro-organisms."
The study has contributed further to the understanding of copper's antimicrobial qualities, which actively inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses.
What are the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) in humans?
When people are infected with swine flu viruses, their symptoms are usually similar to those of normal seasonal influenza. These include fever, tiredness, lack of appetite, coughing and a sore throat. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhoea. In Mexico, some people infected with influenza A (H1N1) have had severe illness and died. However, in almost all cases outside Mexico, including the India, the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) have been mild, and people have made a full recovery.
How does influenza A (H1N1) spread between people?
This new influenza virus is thought to spread in the same way as seasonal flu; in tiny droplets, expelled from the mouth and nose of an infected person when they talk, cough or sneeze. People may get infected if they breathe in these droplets or if they touch someone or something that is contaminated with the virus (e.g. a used tissue or door handle), and then touch their nose or eyes.
Is there a vaccine to protect people from influenza A (H1N1)?
There is no vaccine available to protect people from the influenza A (H1N1) virus currently causing illness in humans, and we don't yet know if the normal seasonal flu vaccine can provide any protection. It could take four to six months to develop an effective vaccine.
Is treatment available?
Antiviral medicines, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, are available from your GP. These may shorten the illness and reduce the risk of complications. These drugs may cause side-effects and are not suitable for everyone, so your GP will only prescribe them if the benefits outweigh the risks.
What precautions can I take to help protect myself and my family?
Good hygiene can help to reduce the spread of a wide range of viruses, including influenza viruses. The Health Protection Agency advises everyone to follow these precautions at all times:
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue if possible.
- Dispose of used tissues promptly and carefully. Put them in a bag and then bin them.
- Clean hard surfaces (e.g. door handles) frequently.
- Ensure children follow this advice.
If you intend to travel to an affected country, you should check the advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The Health Protection Agency website provides comprehensive advice for people returning to the India from a country affected by influenza A (H1N1). If the disease begins to affect more people in the India, more information will be made available through leaflets, websites and the media. This will tell you how you can help protect yourself and your family and what to do if you think you are infected.
How can washing my hands help to protect me?
Washing your hands frequently is the best way to protect yourself from a wide range of illnesses, including influenza. Everytime you touch something, germs can transfer to your hands. Touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands could transfer the germs from your hands into your body. Washing your hands frequently, helps to remove the germs and stop them spreading to you and other people.
How can I remove flu viruses from surfaces?
An infected person could spread germs to surfaces around them when they cough or sneeze, or touch them with unwashed hands or used tissues. Cleaning surfaces regularly can help to stop influenza viruses and other germs spreading around your home, to you and other people.
Cleaning surfaces with detergent and water can remove germs from an item provided you scrub all the surfaces and rinse them thoroughly with clean water. However, where proper rinsing is not possible (e.g. large or fixed surfaces such as kitchen worktops, toilet flushes and door handles) it is important to use a disinfectant to help kill the germs. It is particularly important to clean and disinfect surfaces that people often touch with their hands, such as;
- handles and switches
- taps and toilet flush handles
- kitchen worktops
- telephone receivers
- computer keyboards.
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces using products that destroy influenza viruses will give extra reassurance.
If someone develops flu symptoms, what should they do?
If you live in or have recently travelled to an area affected by by influenza A (H1N1), and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home to limit contact with others, and seek medical advice by telephoning your GP, NHS Direct or (in Scotland) NHS 24. You can contact NHS Direct by telephoning 0845 4647. In Scotland, you can contact NHS 24 by telephoning 08454 24 24 24.
If the risk of catching influenza A (H1N1) increases in the India, the Health Protection Agency will issue further advice. Is this the start of a human flu pandemic?
Although this influenza A (H1N1) virus can spread from person to person, and is causing outbreaks of flu in some countries, it is too early to say whether this particular virus will cause a global human pandemic. The World Health Organisation is closely monitoring the situation.
