Swine Flu: What is it and how to prevent it?

May 4, 4:18 PMLA Top News ExaminerSogol Tehranizadeh

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What is the Swine Flu, also known as the H1N1 virus? The swine flu is generally a term for a flu virus that is adapted by pigs. Humans can be infected from handling pigs or from another human who has been infected. Someone can pass the virus to another person from coughing, sneezing, or touching infected people or surfaces then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Symptoms: The H1N1 virus is just like a regular flu. People who are diagnosed may experience high fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, poor appetite, body aches and chills. Some may also have nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea.

Dangers: Experts are still not sure how dangerous the H1N1 influenza outbreak is, but the Wold Health Organization says the overall death rate so far is 1% to 4%.

Prevention: It's allergy season and there is a lot of sneezing, itchy eyes, runny noses, and coughing so make sure to always cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing. Throw your used tissues in the trash. Wash your hands with soap and water and use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid contact with sick people and if you're sick stay home. People who have been diagnosed with the swine flu virus can get a prescription from their doctor for an antiviral drug like Tamiflu or Relenza.