All About Swine Flu

1. It is caused by Influenza A H1N1 virus.
2. Signs and symptoms are similar to that of ordinary flu: fever, cough, sorethroat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue etc.
3. It is mainly spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people sick with flu. You can also acquire it if you touch an object contaminated with flu virus and then you touch your mouth or nose.
4. Viruses can live about 2 hours or more outside the body like doorknobs, tables, keypads etc.
5. There is still no available vaccine for swine flu.
6. There are protective measures that should be followed to prevent the spread of the disease:
a. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue paper when you cough or sneeze and immediately throw it in the garbage can.
b. Wash your hands often with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners (containing 70% isopropyl alcohol) are also effective.
c. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
d. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
e. Stay healthy - get enough sleep, be physically active, eat nutritious food and drink plenty of water.

For more info, visit the CDC website.