The Facts About Swine Flu - You Need to Know Now

Is the H1N1 as bad as everyone is saying?

What are the facts about swine flu I can use to protect myself and my family?

These are down to earth questions that everyday people like ourselves need to have answered. The facts about swine flu, not the hype, would be helpful so we could protect ourselves and our loved ones.

So how bad is it?

To quote the C.D.C., "From April 15, 2009 to July 24, 2009, states reported a total of 43,771 confirmed and probable cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection. Of these cases reported, 5,011 people were hospitalized and 302 people died."

I did not want to write about statistics, there is plenty on the Internet. I only mention them to emphasize the facts about H1N1 as serious and that it constitutes a major threat to the general population.

Let us concentrate on the facts about the swine flu that we can use to arm ourselves to minimize its affects on us and our families. The swine flu is a virus, the same preventive measures and good common sense used for other illnesses, especially the seasonal flu are just as effective against swine flu.

For example:

The simple act of hand washing is in itself is a big deterrent to contracting or spreading the swine flu. Our hands come in contact with many items used daily by other people. Door handles, keyboards, sinks, phones and even other peoples hands are all vehicles that can transmit germs and viruses. We can keep these exposures to a minimum by washing our hands regularly with soap and water or even using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Use disposable tissues when coughing or cough into your elbow or shoulder if you do not have a tissue. Of course avoid as much as possible, anyone who is coughing in public without applying this common sense.

If there are confirmed cases in your area, limit your public exposure as much as possible and be sure to clean your hands often while out and especially upon returning home. If public school is closed, avoid putting your children in daycare or other group settings.

If you think you may have flu symptoms please remain home. This is your community responsibility. The contagious period lasts about seven days after symptoms start. It is noteworthy that you are actually contagious at least one day before symptoms manifest themselves. If any symptoms persist or seem unusual be sure to see a doctor for expert medical advice.

Avoid touching your mouth nose or eyes as much as possible. These are the most common entry points for the virus. Although swine flu can be airborne, for the most part it is spread through hand to face contact.

These are just some of the facts about swine flu you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones. By all means take the time to educate yourself on this and other do-able methods to keep the affects of this pandemic on you and your family to a minimum.