How to Prevent Swine Flu

First identified in April of 2009, H1N1 (swine flu) has already spread worldwide. Though most sufferers recover without medical treatment, swine flu can be deadly. People with weak immune systems are especially at risk. However, even they don't need to walk around with face masks to avoid getting sick. Here's how to prevent swine flu:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Keep germs away from your mouth and nose. H1N1 spreads just like the flu, so wash your hands often. Use soap and warm water for 15-20 seconds. Scrub your fingernails, get in between your fingers, and don't forget your wrists.

2. Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer nearby in case you need to cleanse. Even a week after swine flu symptoms are gone, sufferers can still spread the virus. H1N1 may live on objects for up to 8 hours after being touched.

3. Follow the basic rules of cleanliness. Wash your hand before you eat. Sanitize often and avoid touching your mouth and nose. If you catch the swine flu, stay at home. Cough into your elbow and sneeze into tissues, then sanitize.

Tips & Warnings

• Get the H1N1 swine flu vaccination.
• Stay away from people with H1N1 symptoms.
• You cannot get swine flu from handling or eating pork.
• Humans, pigs, turkeys, ferrets, and one cat have caught H1N1.
• Swine flu can be transmitted from humans to pets, but not vice versa.

Resources

• The Great Influenza Pandemic