Swine Flu Prevention Tips

1. What is influenza A H1N1, and where did it come from? - Influenza A H1N1, also known as swine flu, is a disease that is usually found in pigs. It affects the respiratory system. Even though it doesn't usually affect humans, it is possible for one to catch influenza A H1N1. No one knows exactly where the the current infection of swine flu came from, but the first human infections of influenza A H1N1 were reported sometime in March or April of 2009 in Southern California and San Antonio, Texas.

2. How does it spread? - Even though the exact means by which swine flu is spread from person to person has not been determined, it is believed that it spreads in a similar way to other types of flu. Most flus are spread through the air when a person talks, coughs, or sneezes. This causes the flu to land on hands, surfaces, or to be breathed in. That is why it's important to follow proper hygiene in order to prevent the spread of any flu. Make sure you wash your hands often, especially after coming into contact with surfaces in public places.

3. Is swine flu contagious? - Yes, the current strain of influenza A H1N1 is considered to be quite contagious and can be easily spread from person to person. Again, in order to minimize your risk of contracting swine flu, or any flu for that matter, be sure to follow proper infection control procedures (i.e. wash your hands often, cover your mouth when sneezing or when around someone else who is sneezing or coughing).

4. Is there a vaccine for swine flu? - Even though there is no specific vaccination for swine flu available yet, the CDC recommends that people most at risk (the very young and the elderly) receive a seasonal influenza vaccine, which should be effective in protecting against influenza A H1N1.

5. How can I protect myself and my family against influenza A H1N1? - the best way to help prevent any influenza infection is to follow standard infection control guidelines...

• Wash your hands thoroughly several times a day for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Make sure to scrub underneath the fingernails also, and the back of the hands. If you don't have soap available, use hand sanitizer.

• Be sure to disinfect any surfaces in your home that are that are frequently in contact with people's hands. Make sure you use a disinfectant that is designed to be effective against flu virus.

• Try to avoid coming into close contact with those that are ill. If you are feeling sick stay home in order to avoid passing germs to people around you.

For more information on influenza A H1N1 and other related diseases, try visiting the following websites:

• Centers for Disease Control Ounce of Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/ounceofprevention.
• Centers for Disease Control Influenza A H1N1:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm