How to protect yourself from getting the Swine Flu

The Swine Flu is making everyone nervous, and it should, since there is no current vaccine from the date this article was written. The Swine Flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Currently the CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. It can be fatal, even if treated. There are several things you can do to keep your family safe until the CDC knows more about this flu, creates a vaccine for it, and no longer considers it a possible pandemic threat.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tissues
• Hand Sanitizer
• Soap and Water
• Disinfecting or Lysol Spray
• Internet Connection
• Common Sense

1. If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may want to contact your physician, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

2. What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?
   At this time, the CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. Its important to start treatment of antivirals soon as symptoms appear, or the Medications might not be effective. Talk to your doctor if you think you have been exposed for preventative treatment.

3. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
   There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are only everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
   
   •Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. (Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.)
   •Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are
   also effective.
   •Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
   •If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread
   this way.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are sick, the CDC recommends you stay home, this will prevent you from infecting others.
• Information from this page was written with the help of the CDC webpage and its articles.
• This article is not intended for replacement of medical advice from your own physician. Please check the CDC's website for updates on the Swine Flu. The status of the Swine Flu may change since the writing of this article.

Resources

• Center for Disease Control

[mweise]

on 7/9/2009 Thanks for some great information!! Hand washing can't be emphasized enough.

[desertannie]

on 4/27/2009 Better safe than sorry! Very helpful!

[pamelaa75]

on 4/27/2009 Thanks for sharing. I hope I never get this Swine Flu 5*s

[jull14]

on 4/27/2009 A very important article just in time. The right word is be careful. We don't want to get this type of flu. Thanks Julia

[leaper]

on 4/27/2009 Good information on the swine flu.