The swine flu, or H1N1 virus (which is actually a combination of swine, bird and human influenza viruses), is threatening to become the world’s next flu pandemic. It has developed the ability to transmit from human to human, but there are some steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.

What You Can Do About Swine Flu

First, arm yourself with accurate information.
Swine Flu Basics

What you need to know about the swine flu, including symptoms and treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swine Flu 2009

The answers to many of your questions about swine flu, from where it's hitting to whether or not your pets will get it.
Don’t Panic – Why You Shouldn’t Fear Swine Flu

Panic and fear are almost never necessary. Find out how you should face this threat, and even share your thoughts on how you feel about the swine flu.
Prepare Yourself and Your Family for a Flu Pandemic

Although flu shots may not protect us against a global flu pandemic, there are plenty of things you can do to prepare.

What to Do if You are Exposed or Get Sick

If you have been to an area of the world where there have been confirmed cases of swine flu, you should pay attention to any symptoms you may have up to a week after the possible exposure.

If you have symptoms of swine flu, a fever and any respiratory symptoms, you should go ahead and contact your healthcare provider.

Typically, it's recommended that you wait out any cold or flu type symptoms (unless you are having difficulty breathing). But in the case of potential pandemics, like the 2009 swine flu, it is best to go ahead and get tested so you can start treatment with antiviral medications right away if necessary.

Tips for Preventing or Limiting the Spread of Swine Flu

There are some basic steps you can and should take to reduce your risk of catching swine flu or limit the spread of any respiratory illness if you are already sick.

• Wash your hands.
  Washing your hands well and often is the best way to prevent the spread of any disease.
• Cover your cough or sneeze.
  If you do need to cough or sneeze, do it into a tissue or your arm or elbow instead of your hands. This will greatly decrease the spread of any virus you may have.
• Avoid people who are sick.
  Don’t expose yourself to people who are sick, especially those with upper respiratory viruses.
• If you are sick, stay home.
  If you aren’t around other people, then you can’t spread the virus to them. Stay home as long as you have symptoms. If your kids are sick, keep them home even a day or two after they get better, as they can spread illnesses for longer.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
  Our hands are hotbeds for germs and are the most common way we spread them. If you avoid putting your hands on your face, you decrease your chances of getting viruses and bacteria into your body, which can make you sick.

_Sources:

”Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs” Seasonal Flu 06 Oct 06. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 30 April 09.

”Swine Influenza and You.” H1N1 Flu 29 April 09. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 30 April 09.