There are several things that need to be cleared up about the so called "Swine" flu.  First of all the H1N1 influenza strain is a combination of bird flu, swine, flue, and the common human rhino virus, i.e. the common cold.  Should people be concerned, absolutely.  But it is not time to panic. 

There are several facts that need to be remembered.  Yes, there have been several cases of the H1N1 virus in Mexico.  Unfortunately, many of those infected have died from the illness in that country.  However, as of right now, there has been just one case of death reported in the United States, at this time.  It is incredibly sad that people have perished from this outbreak.  To prevent this outbreak from turning into a pandemic, while the government and health organizations are working on ways to prevent and contain the virus, depending on which part of the country you may reside and what risk level there may be for your area.  This is great, however, we as individuals need to step up and do everything we can to decreae our own risk of contracting this deadly strain of virus.

How do you protect yourself?  Remember that knowlege is power.  Do not take the word of those reporting the news.  Things may be sensationalized or exaggerated. That is not to say they necessarily are in your area, but it is better to get information from other sources. Go to sources that may provide more accurate information, such as asking doctors or other health care professionals that you may know what they have heard.  Call your representatives and see what they know compared to what is being reported.  You put them in office, they should have time to answer your questions and concerns accurately.  Farmers and others in the agricultural industry you can bet are keeping a close eye on what is going on and they will have a good handle on the facts as well.  The point is to try to find sources other than the media that are reliable and can either confirm or deny what is fact and what is myth.

Some of the common myths include the following:

You can catch the swine flu by eating pork...THIS IS FALSE.  It is safe to eat pork.  There is no evidence that you will get sick from eating pork.

The current swine flu is caused by pigs...THIS IS FALSE.  The strain of influenza that is currently infecting people is a mutated combination of a strain of bird flu, swine flu, and human rhino virus, as stated previously.

There is a pandemic....THIS IS FALSE.  This is not a pandemic as of yet; it is an outbreak and should be taken seriously to prevent further spread of disease.

What Can I Do to Prevent Exposure?

Common Sense is a must.  If you do nothing else use your common sense. 

Wash your hands after using the bathroom and after contact with other people or things.

Do not sit,stand or work too close to someone who is sick without using a mask.

Stay out of crowded places if you are able.

If someone is sick in your office or you work around a lot of people wear a mask. 

A strong immune system is imperative. Take your vitamins, eat right, and exercise.  The healthier you are, the less probability there will be for you to contract this virus. 

If you or your children are sick, then stay home.  You may have to miss a few days of work, but it is a better option than having you or your family infect others.  Remember, you would not want others to bring sick children around yours and you would not have to spend a day at your job around a sick person.  Just give the same consideration that you would expect from others.

Do not touch your face or put your fingers in your mouth without making sure you have washed your hands and they are clean.  Why would I do that in the first place, you may ask.  People have a tendency to touch their faces without thinking about it, to scratch an itch on their nose, cheek, or chin, for example.  When eating certain foods like buffalo wings or potato chips and other finger foods, we all put our fingers in our mouths to lick the sauce or salt off our fingers before using a napkin, for example.  The point is these are things that we do without thinking about it.  We are now at a point in time when we do need to think about it.

These are simple measures that can be taken to do your part to help in the prevention and spread of what has turned out to be a deadly strain of influenza.  However, remember not to panic because it requires a clear head to stay focused on ways to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy.-PJ