Swine flu is a novel type of influenza virus, specifically AH1N1 that has its roots in swine or pigs.  While it originated from pigs, the virus does have human and avian components.  The main avian component is what makes it deadly - it can replicate in high temperatures, making it efficient in the lungs.  This causes viral pneumonia and possibly death. 

The virus was first identified in mid-April by the CDC and then later found to be widespread in Mexico, where it was causing severe illness.  Mexico's death count was well over a hundred by the time the world responded, but the WHO reset the count to zero due to reporting issues and changed definitions.

On top of causing viral pneumonia, this virus can also cause some mild illness and intestinal issues.  There have been some isolated cases of neurological issues associated with the virus.  I want to note that while a fever is relatively common, it is not the only sign that someone has H1N1; in fact, it's only about 85% sensitive, meaning that only 85% of people with H1N1 run a fever.

The swine flu survival guides that you've been seeing around the net are there to inform you about H1N1 and to offer insight into how the virus works and why it is deadly.  They also, generally, draw parallels between this virus and other pandemics as well as offer information regarding preparation for the flu.

These guides are created through many months or years of research and as such apply to a vast array of diseases, not just swine flu.  You will find that a swine flu survival guide will help you get through a variety of issues, including natural disasters and other pandemics.  Knowledge is the best weapon in the fight for your life and these will ensure that you have plenty of it.

Anyone can benefit from having a swine flu survival guide, but they are most useful for people that are in charge of the well-being of their family, specifically parents.  If you're worried about how to prepare your home if you need to isolate yourself from the outside community because you are ill or a particularly nasty strain of flu has shown up in your community, then these guides will show you how to do it. 

I want to stress, however, that these are useful for everyone.  If you know what the virus is you're fighting, then your odds of survival increase significantly.  Check out the quiz below to see how much you know about swine flu!

1. The demographic that is most at risk is the 1-24 age group.  These people have no immunity to the virus and are the most likely to spread it.  Their strong immune systems can create a cytokine storm, which is postulated to account for some of the deaths from flu.  Fact: There have been more deaths from H1N1 since April than there are in the entirety of most other flu seasons.

2. The virus was actually first identified in the US, although it seems to have originated in Mexico.  The first virus to be sequenced and identified as swine influenza was in California.

3. The flu is mutating!  There have been clinical reports of mutation and there have also been confirmed mutations from genetic sequencing.  In the US, two related deaths were associated with a mutation in swine flu and the Netherlands are reporting a PB2 mutation that may be widespread.  The mutation is E627K and will allow the virus to deliver higher viral loads that may lead to increased virulence and transmissibility.

4. The 36,000 deaths / year is pure conjecture and was made from statistical modeling.  The actual confirmed number of influenza deaths each year is actually between one and three thousand.  The swine flu has already caused this many deaths in the US and it's just starting to get going.

5. Water is the most important resource when preparing.  You need to make sure you have enough water to last you for 4 weeks.  Think a liter per day per person, although you can probably survive on slightly less.  You can also use a filtration device or some distillation method if you live near water.  If you don't get water, you can die within days.  Everything else you can survive for a good amount of time without, although food is also pretty important.

6. Tamiflu is best taken early on.  After two or three days have passed, Tamiflu becomes relatively ineffective when stopping the course of illness.  A double dose of Tamiflu in ICU patients in Hong Kong has been linked to better recovery rates, but that's only for people in the ICU.  Generally, you want to take the antiviral as soon as you become sick.

Here are some of the best ways to avoid becoming sick.

• Wash your hands.  This is not as effective as once though, but it will definitely help you avoid catching the flu.  The high viral loads that usually lead to bad outcomes, however, are usually inhaled and washing your hands won't protect you from that.
• Wear an N95 or surgical mask.  N95 masks are slightly better than surgical masks in regard to protection from the flu, but neither of them will filter all of the virus.  Their main use is to help you avoid touching your mouth and are useful in blocking some of the virus, leading to lower viral loads and less illness.
• Isolate yourself if there is a large outbreak in your community, especially if there are multiple deaths.  This is particularly important if you're in a high risk group, pregnant women being the most at risk.  A cluster of deaths in your area could signal a more virulent strain, so be on the look out for this.
• Get plenty of vitamin D.  Studies have shown that vitamin D is important in resisting the swine flu.  Having a good overall diet, however, is the most important thing.  If you eat well and take care of yourself, the odds of you catching the virus are reduced and your body will be able to overcome it more easily.