Swine Flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus called Novel A(H1N1) which is known as the Swine virus. It affects people of all age groups. It is spreading from person-to-person through contact with infected respiratory secretions and mainly through exposure to droplets that result from sneezing or coughing of persons infected with the swine virus. Also, people may become infected by touching surfaces, such as door knob and desks, with the swine virus on it and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose.

Because the swine virus can spread easily and can cause serious illness in people, one should regularly wash his/her hands with soap and water before and after touching his/her eyes, nose or mouth. Practicing healthy habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, eating nutritious food and drinking a lot of water, would strengthen the immune system and reduce the chance of someone getting infected with the swine virus.

Since the symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of the seasonal influenza which include high fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and body aches, headaches, chills, and in some cases confusion and dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea, one should seek medical advice immediately if he/she is not improving with rest, fluids and regular medicines for fever and body aches. The medical provider must be informed if the sick person has been to countries that are reporting swine flu cases or he/she has been in contact with someone who is sick and has flu –like symptoms and has traveled to locations reporting swine flu cases. One must keep in mind that like seasonal flu, swine flu can be mild to severe.

Children with severe serious symptoms, such as fast breathing and/or difficulty breathing, fever that is not reduced with "over the counter" fever reducer medicines, pneumonia, and the inability to drink adequate fluids, need urgent medical attention.

Adults with serious symptoms, such as confusion and dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, and pneumonia require urgent medical attention

The World Health Organization highlights that breast feeding women with flu-like symptoms should continue breast feeding unless advised otherwise by their physician. Breast feeding is most likely protective for babies because it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory diseases.

Persons should be deliberate in using all prevention measures that reduce their chance of getting infected with the swine virus. The following health recommendations are proven effective to reduce the spread of the swine virus among people:

1. Staying away from persons who are sick with flu like symptoms;

2. Washing hands with soap and water in regular basis is necessary. The ability of the swine virus to live two hours or longer on surfaces like door knobs and desks can put persons at risk of easily getting exposed to it;

3. Avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands;

4. If a person has flu-like symptoms:

        a. Stay home;

        b. Limit contact with other people as much as possible;

        c. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing. If no tissue is available, cough and sneeze into the upper sleeve then wash hands;

        d. Throw used tissue immediately in a garbage can;

        e. Keep a distance of at least 1 meter apart from other people;

        f. Avoid hugging, kissing and shaking hands when greeting others;

        g. Seek medical advice.