The swine flu epidemic shook up the nation. Starting in Mexico, the swine flu quickly traveled. Many cases of the swine flu are now confirmed in the United States. In Mexico it has had shattering results, taking the lives of many. This flu is very contagious and has the potential to cause death. This flu is also known as H1N1.

Here are some tips for how to avoid swine flu:

The first and most important means of prevention against the swine flu is good hand washing. Many people are not aware of how to properly wash their hands. To properly wash your hands you would turn the sink faucets on. You would then lather up your hands with soap and water, concentrating on the areas between the fingers, under the nails and the backs of your hands. Lathering should take approximately 15 to 20 seconds or so.

After this time you would rinse your hands under a stream of running water from the wrists and letting the water flow off your fingertips with your fingers in a downward direction. You would then dry your hands using a paper towel and try to touch as little as possible. Turn the faucets of with the paper towel and not your hands, as the faucets are considered "germy". When soap and water are not available, then use sanitizers or alcohol based wipes. These can be found in most drugstores or supermarkets.

The second tip for how to avoid swine flu is, of course, staying away from anyone who is ill, coughing or sneezing, or has a known case of Swine flu. Being around someone else that is infected can possibly pass the symptoms on to you, then once you are infected then there's a chance that people living with you can get it and then that will be a big problem especially if smaller kids get these symptoms.

The third means of how to avoid the swine flu is to stay at home when you, yourself, are ill. When you are ill your resistance against germs is low and therefore will make it easier for you to pick up others germs. To protect the ones that live with you, you should always either sneeze into your upper arm or into a tissue. Covering your mouth is great, but sneezing into your upper arm or into a tissue is preferable. Also try to keep disinfecting sprays such as Lysol, which can kill 99.9% of bacteria in the air.

Naturally, we cannot live in a bubble so we are going to pick up some germs. If we can decrease our chances of picking up germs, however, we should if and when possible. Touching our nose, mouth or hands gives germs a means of entry and doing this is strongly discouraged. If you do touch something that is contaminated and then put your hands near your face you take the risk of contracting any type of bacteria. You also have the choice of wearing a facial mask in high-risk areas, such as the hospital or the doctor's office. Some people may view this as extreme and unnecessary, but especially if you already have a weakened immune system this would be highly recommended.

If possible try to always every year get a flu shot to decrease any chances of getting the flu. And now is a good time to get the H1N1 shot if its available for prevention of the swine flu outbreaks. If you exhibit any symptoms of the swine flu or have been exposed to the swine flu you should see your doctor for an examination.