The swine flu news is catching on the spotlight in the media everyday. With the current economy crisis, this form of influenza spreading is definitely hitting more woes on the already black scene.

What is swine flu? According to the Wikipedia, it is a respiratory disease affecting pigs that is caused by type A influenza virus. But the underlying virus strain, H1N1, has mutated and now contains genetic material from swine, avian and human strains. Some scientists tell that it is not correct to name it swine flu because of this mixture. So just how bad is it? This is the first time such a strain has surfaced, which shows it is unclear how deadly it is. While there have been more than 100 deaths in Mexico, the victims in the USA have recovered. Also, most of those infected had no contact with living pigs, which indicates that people-to-people transmission is taking place rapidly. Like any other flu, swine flu spreads by touching infected objects and afterwards touching the mouth or nose, and through coughing or sneezing. notice that It does not spread like the Sars virus, i.e. when a patient is most infectious four or five days after symptoms show, the swine flu can be transmitted by an infected person even before showing any symptoms. One out of three does not have symptoms at all. Due of this fact, it is possible for an infected person to cross into countries. This means it can spread and become a pandemic. No joke on this as when outbreak occurs, most people will have little or no immunity to the virus and many people will very likely pass away. Economic and social disruption will also be great.

Currently, health authorities say two drugs commonly used to treat flu - oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamirvir (relenza), seem to be efficient at treating cases that have occurred so far. But the drugs must be given at an early stage of the infection. An infected person should recover if treated within 48 hours with antiviral drugs. The best way to stop the spread until it dies down is to see a physician when symptoms appear and to practice good hygiene.

Many mothers are very concerned if the virus reaches schools which their children attend. A lot of information on the web has been compiled here to help all especially parents understand this type of influenza strain . First of all, make  yourself and your loved ones safe by knowing the symptoms of Swine Flu:

    * High fever (above 38°C)

    * Headache

    * Cough

    * Chills, body aches, sore throat

    * Runny Nose

    * Patients may experience breathlessness a few days later

See a physician immediately if you have any symptoms stated.

Having said all these, what can you do to prevent Swine Flu? I have 6 Tips for you

    * Do not visit patients in hospitals. Their immune systems are usually weak. Do not contact with person having symptoms of influenza.

    * Monitor your temperature regularly and see doctors immediately if you suspect you're suffering from fever or flu. If you leave the house, wear a proper mask.

    * Maintain good body resistance through good eating habits, regular exercise and sufficient rest; as well as minimizing stress, smoking and drinking.

    * Maintain high personal hygiene standards. Cover your nose and mouth with the back of your hand when coughing or sneezing, and wash hands immediately after; use a tissue when possible and dispose of it immediatly. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the risk of the virus spreading from your hands to your face or to other people. Educate your kids to follow all these points.

    * Avoid crowded areas like train stations, airporst or open air events and maintain good ventilation to reduce contact with viruses.

    * Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth if you are caring for someone with a flu-like illness, or if you are ill yourself. This will reduce the risk of transmission to others.

We should exercise social responsibility to prevent the spread of this virus. If you are back from trips to affected countries like Mexico, UK or USA.

    * Be responsible. Place yourself on self quarantine. You should stay at home and do not go to crowded places for at least seven days, even if you do not have flu symptoms. You should know within this period if you have the virus or not.

    * If you suspect you have any flu, go and see the physician immediately and inform him that you have recently been to areas with cases of swine flu.

    * Don't take Tamiflu or any other drugs on your own advise. You should not take Tamiflu when you are healthly. Taking Tamiflu when you are healthy will hurt your chances of being cured when you get sick, as it causes the virus to be resistant to the medication. Tamiflu is not a vaccine. The vaccine will be available later this year.