Influenza viruses usually spread from person to person, through the flu-infected sneezing and coughing. They can also spread when a person touches a contaminated surface then touches the eyes, nose or mouth. It is crucial to protect one's self and family against the diseases that may result, especially now that there are emerging illnesses that can be fatal.


The swine flu outbreak is a serious health issue that is increasingly making people around the world more vigilant. Scores of people have already gotten infected with the swine flu or A(H1N1 virus in 21 countries including Mexico and the U.S. There are safety precautions being implemented in airports, and information is being disseminated through different channels to keep the populace warned about the disease.

As with any distressing global health matter, people are advised to remain calm and arm themselves with knowledge. Below are some facts about swine flu that must be remembered and understood.

-A(H1N1 virus is a new influenza virus detected in April 2009, with the earliest cases seen in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

-Several countries periodically vaccinate swine populations against swine flu. But a previously undetected variant virus has spread to humans, transmitted by infected people through coughing or sneezing.

-Infected persons will manifest symptoms similar to seasonal flu, fever,cough,runny nose,loss of appetite,nausea,fatigue,body aches and diarrhea will be experienced. Sever pneumonia can be fatal.

-Antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir and zanamavir have been recommended to treat infections. A swine flu vaccine for humans is still being developed.

-The World Health Organization (WHO)'s raising of pandemic levels means that there is widespread human-to-human influenza and virus transmissions.

To prevent the spread of this swine flu or A(H1N1) virus, people are advised to follow this tips:

-When sneezing or coughing, tissues must be used to cover the mouth. If you don't have a tissue, cough into your elbow.

-People are advised to keep rubbing alcohol or hand cleaners handy, or to routinely wash hands with water and soap.

-Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unclean hands.

-Use disinfectants on frequently touched surfaces. Germs can also be spread when a person touches an infected surface and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose.

-Those exhibiting flu like symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

-Home, work and other enclosed environments must be cleaned thoroughly.

-The usual health practices, such as proper exercise, diet and sufficient sleep strengthen the body and its defenses.

-Bathroom surfaces and commonly touched objects are potential breeding grounds for microbes and other unseen menaces, so disinfectants must be used.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that registered disinfectants effective against influenza A are also effective against A(H1N1) flu viruses on non-porous surfaces.