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Common Sense Precautions for Avoiding Swine Flu

Simple, Affordable Steps to Safeguard Your Health

Apr 30, 2009 Brett McKenzie

"How can the swine flu be avoided? Is it treatable? Do I need a mask?" Answers to these questions and more, as well as tips and resources on the swine flu outbreak.

In order to better understand the swine flu, it is imperative to separate myth from fact. To do so, one must refer to the experts.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines the "swine flu", or swine influenza A (H1N1), as "a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people."

What are the Symptoms?

The CDC explains symptoms of the swine flu are similar to those of the regular, seasonal influenza:

fever
coughing
sneezing
aches (body & head)
chills
fatigue
in some instances, vomitting and diarrhea

What if You/Someone Around You has These Symptoms?

Anyone with flu-like symptoms must immediately seek medical attention. Do not attend school, work, or any other public gatherings until you have been tested and, if necessary, treated. This is a highly contagious strain, and the CDC reports "Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick."

Is it Treatable?

The swine flu is treatable, with existing flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. According to National Public Radio, "The U.S. has a stockpile of 50 million 'courses of treatment' which means one week of treatment for 50 million people."

Should You Stop Eating Pork Products?

The simple answer is no. The CDC urges people to keep in mind that the swine flu strain is transmitted person-to-person, and not through the consumption of safely prepared and handled pork.

How Can You Protect Yourself/Your Family?

The CDC recommends taking these simple steps to avoid unnecessary risk of catching the flu:

Regularly wash your hands. The swine flu germs can live outside the body, and can be spread via surface contact (e.g. if someone contaminated touches a surface, and you later touch the same surface and then your eyes, mouth, or nose before washing your hands). Washing your hands with soap and warm water can help prevent the spread of germs.
Avoid unnecessary contact with those who may have the flu, are coughing or sneezing, or are known to be ill (in instances where this contact is unavoidable, it may be wise to consider getting a mask like you've been seeing on TV).
Maintain a healthy lifestyle: get plenty of sleep, eat healthfully, drink plenty of fluid, and stay active.

Avoid Traveling to Mexico

U.S. officials have been strongly urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to Mexico, where the swine flu has caused the most fatalities. Many travel providers and airlines are offering special adjustments to travel plans, to accommodate travelers who wish to postpone their trips or book to another location. Contact your travel provider or airline to learn their specific policy.

The copyright of the article Common Sense Precautions for Avoiding Swine Flu in General Medicine is owned by Brett McKenzie. Permission to republish Common Sense Precautions for Avoiding Swine Flu in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.