THE desired result of the Government’s “catch it, bin it, kill it” campaign to control swine flu, is giving one group of workers a headache.

As the virus gathers pace, cleaners in Taunton are now faced with bins full of potentially germ-laden tissues and infected surfaces.

They often deal with rubbish from thousands of people, particularly in large buildings like council offices.

At County Hall measures are in place to cope with the growing threat.

A spokesperson said: "Somerset County Council has a 'Business Continuity Plan' to ensure staff are informed and protected with regard to swine flu.

“We're putting together a microsite which will act as a central point of information on swine flu for staff and partner organisations. We expect this to be up and running in the next few days.

“Facilities Management are reviewing the type of cleaning that's done around offices, with extra door scrubbing and desk cleaning added to cleaners' duties.

“To assist cleaners, we have also advised staff to keep to the 'clear desk' policy."

According to the Health Protection Agency the flu virus is able to survive in large enough quantities to pose a risk of infection for up to 24 hours on hard surfaces.

On soft surfaces, such as clothes, handkerchiefs, tissues and magazines, that time is reduced to 15 minutes.

Once the virus is transferred to hands, it survives for less than five minutes.

The HPA says cleaning your hands with soap and water (followed by drying) is an effective way to kill flu virus on your hands. The flu virus is killed within 30 seconds by an alcohol hand rub.

Full government health advice on Swine Flu visit www.hpa.org.uk/