Swine flu

Everything you need to know about Swine FluIndia is grappling with a swine flu epidemic. There is heightened panic among people following reports of growing number of HIN1 cases and the recent death of a school child in Pune. Here's an FAQ on the dreaded virus:How do people become infected with influenza A (H1N1)?Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed.What are the signs and symptoms of infection?
Early signs of influenza A (H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Is there any confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans at this point?No.
How soon can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.
What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
Currently available seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.
If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. However, if one is having any respiratory distress, one should report to a nearby hospital.


What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands frequently. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. Oseltamivir is the recommended anti viral drug for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the influenza A H1N1. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.
They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). The government has adequate stock and the drug is made available to government hospitals at the time of outbreak and would be available to you free of cost. The drug is to be administered under supervision of clinicians.

What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas where influenza A H1N1 cases have been identified and become ill with influenza like symptoms e.g. fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms.
Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish skin color
Not drinking enough fluids/eating food
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting



Can I get influenza A H1N1 from eating or preparing pork?

No. swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
DOs:
* Wash your hands* Avoid crowded places* Stay more than an arm's length from persons afflicted with flu* Get plenty of sleep* Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough orsneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Use disposablemasks in airports, crowded markets.2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially afteryou cough or sneeze3. Use alcohol���based hand cleaners (e.g: Germ Free)4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people5. Always maintain high levels of personal hygiene, especiallybefore and after food preparation and in & out of toilets.6. While in an affected region, seek immediate medical attentionif you develop influenza���like symptoms. (High Fever, bodypain, coughing and red nose)7. Get plenty of sleep8. Rest and take plenty of liquids9. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.DO NOTs:* Shake hands or hug in greeting* Spit in public* Take medicines without consulting a physician
1. Touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way2. Visits live animal markets, poultry and pig farms.3. Shake hands or hug in greeting4. Spit in public5.. Take medicines without consulting a physician6. If you are sick, PLEASE stay at home and limit contact withothers as much as possible7. Forget to cover your mouth and nose when you cough orsneeze8. Neglect yourself and seek medical advice if needed
For people who are sick:* Stay home and limit contacts with others as much as possible* Rest and take plenty of liquids* Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze* Seek medical advice if needed



Symptoms, Precautions, Treatment

Swine Flu SymptomsSymptoms of swine flu infections can include:* fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent* cough* runny nose or stuffy nose* sore throat* body aches* headache* chills* fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme* diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes, but more commonly seen than with seasonal fluSigns of a more serious swine flu infection might include pneumonia and respiratory failure.Swine Flu High Risk Groups -Swine flu high risk groups, people who are thought to be at risk for serious, life-threatening infections, are a little different and can include:* pregnant women* people with chronic medical problems, such as chronic lung disease, like asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immunosuppression* children and adults with obesityPrecautions to keep swine flu at bay -The deadly Swine Flu has reached the Indian shores following the global outbreak and now, claimed one life. However, Swine Flu is certainly one of those diseased where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are five tips for you to keep away from the pandemic.1. Wash your hands frequentlyUse the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, for at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.2. Get enough sleepTry to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.3. Drink sufficient waterDrink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.4. Boost your immune systemKeeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.5. Keep informedThe government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.Treatment -If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better quicker. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). The U.S. CDC recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses; however, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs.


Vaccination -WHO does not expect the swine flu vaccine to be widely available until the end of 2009, noting that current production "yield" was only about half as much as expected and would cause timeline delays. There is also concern that countries which produce vaccines, 70 percent of which are in Europe, may delay sending swine flu vaccines to other countries as they may come under "tremendous pressure to protect their own citizens first," note some experts.Many countries are planning full blown large scale vaccination camps by the end of the year.

Swine Flue Hoax

Unedited and unverified by me: forwarded as received.   1) Swine flue is the disease originated in Mexico Latin America  where large amount of pork is consumed.The   disease is also present in USA , Canada etc. where pork is consumed.    You are quite aware that pork is not at all popular in Pune.   2) Till date only 136 people are dead all over the world due to Swine flue within last one and half year.   3) The  swine flue virus thrives in the atmosphere below temp. of 27 degree Celsius and please note that  the temp. is 33 degree Celsius in Pune .   4)The most of the people died in Pune recently were having various other ailments and the real cause of the death is not swine flue.   5) The  swine flue virus grows in acidic medium and our saliva is alkaline and it is impossible that the virus will be alive in alkaline medium.   6) The swine flue tablets manufacturing co. is based at USA and its stock for India is unsold for last two-three years and the expiry date for the medicines is approaching very fast. The fear is created In Pune since the purchasing power of Pune is grown substantial recently in last 5 years  due to foreign  investment and development of software co.   7) The new vaccine is coming  up  in the market developed by the USA co. It will enter  in market within next three months and will be priced at Rs. 3000 /- .Look at the scope for selling in Pune for the population of 35 lacs people who are living under fear.Please note that the co. has taken patent for the vaccine so that no other co. can manufacture the same.   8) Please note that in India  daily 1500 people die due to Cancer and around similar no. due to TB but it has never  become headline or news on the front page.Then how swine flue has become the head line? The all news items are  paid advertisement   and obviously the next target is Mumbai.   9) Do you remember Hepatitis B vaccine drama which was played some years ago . Actually Hepatitis B is not at all existent  in India and only Hepatitis A is existent  in India. After High court verdict the manufacturing of Hep. B was stopped in India due to PIL filed by social activist in India.But till then the vaccine co. has generated crores of rupees.   10) In any case if any body is facing swine flue then pl. do not worry . You can take Arsenic Alb 200 ( homeopathic ) , Giloi(Gul wel) , Tulas and will be cured 100% as swine flue is curable disease.   11) Look at the loss of Pune for last 10 days for an amount of Rs. 5000 Crs  and do you want to loose further Rs. 3000 /- per vaccine per head in Pune for around 35 lacks people?

Swine Flu Presentation

See the Presentation:

http://docs.google.com/present/view?id=dghv9b6h_10dfvw4hc7

From India Today on Swine Flu

Precautions against swine flu

Here are a few simple dos and don'ts that will help prevent spreading the infection.

• Maintain hygiene, wash hands frequently.
  
• Avoid contact with those who cough and sneeze.
  
• Avoid crowded places and social gatherings.
  
• If there are any symptoms, contact the doctor immediately as the treatment drugs are not available in the open market.
  
• If infected, stay home and avoid travelling.
  
• Always cover mouth while coughing or sneezing, to avoid the disease from spreading.
  

 

Treatment of swine flu

The golden principle is no self-medication. Aspirin should not be taken for fever or body ache. Paracetamol can be taken for fever as per doctor's advice. Oseltamivir or Tamiflu should be taken only when prescribed by the doctor.

Remember, children need to be given a paediatric dose.

Those suffering from hypertension, diabetes, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis or obstructive airway diseases as well as pregnant women need to be extra careful.

A swine flu vaccine is being developed and the first lot is expected to be available by late august or early September.

Eat right to keep swine flu at bay

Apart from popping pills and exercising, it is equally important to eat right.

Fresh fruits and vegetables: They provide the body with an ample stock of vitamins and minerals. They also contain natural antioxidants and antibodies that strengthen immune system. Eat beans, dark-coloured fruits and vegetables like beetroot, spinach and broccoli.

Fish: Fish are a veritable mine of proteins. These allow your body to repair quickly from damages caused by viral attacks.

Citrus fruits: They are high on Vitamin C and E, which boost the immune system and stimulate the production of antibodies.

Bitter vegetables: They are important for the liver as they help to detoxify the body and boost the metabolism. Bitter gourd is a good option.

Alternative remedies to swine flu

Besides Tamiflu, these alternative remedies to prevent and treat the H1N1 influenza may be a good option for patients.

Homeopathy
Homeopathic medicines were successful in treating the flu pandemic in 1918. Homeopathy maybe a better option also because it has hardly any side-effects, say experts.

Gelsemium and Bryonia: Effective during 1918's outbreak. Homeopaths feel these could be useful in the current epidemic too.

Influenzinum: In a survey conducted by the French Society of Homeopathy in 1998, in 90 per cent of the 317 influenza patients surveyed, no instances of the flu occurred when influenzinum was used preventively.

Oscillococcinum: A homeopathic preparation of the liver and heart of a Barbary duck. In 1990, German experts found flu patients showed a noticeable improvement after about 48 hours of treatment with Oscillococcinum.

Yoga
Besides medicines, yoga may also prove to be a good option if one is trying to counter the H1N1 influenza.

Bhastrika Pranayam: Sit with legs stretched out, back straight. Bend one leg, place ankle on opposite thigh close to groin. Do the same to the other leg. Place your hands on knees. Take a deep breath, hold it and exhale. Repeat this 5-10 times till your breathing becomes even.

Kapal Bhati Pranayam: It's similar to the Bhastrika Pranayam, except the way you breathe. Exhale by pushing the stomach inside. Inhale with minimal effort. Repeat the process for about 15 minutes.

Ayurveda
Like homeopathy, ayurvedic medicines too show promise in treating swine flu without causing any side-effect.

Guduchi: Also known as Tinospora Cordifolia, this is a known flu preventive. It is an anti-viral which kills the H1N1 virus. Guduchi is commonly available and contains a substance called Giloine which is effective for strengthening the respiratory system.

Vasa: Also known as Adhatoda vasica, this medicine is also effective. It reduces obstruction or inflammation in airways and increases lung capacity. Besides, basil, turmeric and amla are extensively used to build immunity and are recommended along with the medication.

Advice on the use of masks1 in the community setting in Influenza A (H1N1) outbreaks

World health Organisation Interim guidance 3 May 2009 This document provides interim guidance on the use of masks in communities that have reported community-level outbreaks caused by the new Influenza A(H1N1) virus. It will be revised as more data become available. Background At present, evidence suggests that the main route of human-to-human transmission of the new Influenza A (H1N1) virus is via respiratory droplets, which are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. Any person who is in close contact (approximately 1 metre) with someone who has influenza-like symptoms (fever, sneezing, coughing, running nose, chills, muscle ache etc) is at risk of being exposed to potentially infective respiratory droplets. In health-care settings, studies evaluating measures to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses suggest that the use of masks could reduce the transmission of influenza.2 Advice on the use of masks in health-care settings is accompanied by information on additional measures that may have impact on its effectiveness, such as training on correct use, regular supplies and proper disposal facilities. In the community, however, the benefits of wearing masks has not been established, especially in open areas, as opposed to enclosed spaces while in close contact with a person with influenza-like symptoms. Nonetheless, many individuals may wish to wear masks in the home or community setting, particularly if they are in close contact with a person with influenza-like symptoms, for example while providing care to family members. Furthermore, using a mask can enable an individual with influenza-like symptoms to cover their mouth and nose to help contain respiratory droplets, a measure that is part of cough etiquette. Using a mask incorrectly however, may actually increase the risk of transmission, rather than reduce it. If masks are to be used, this measure should be combined with other general measures to help prevent the human-to-human transmission of influenza, training on the correct use of masks and consideration of cultural and personal values. 1 The term "mask" is used here to include home-made or improvised masks, dust masks and surgical masks (sometimes called "medical masks"). Masks have several designs. They are often single use and labelled as either surgical, dental, medical procedure, isolation, dust or laser masks. Masks frequently used outside health-care settings may also be made out of cloth, or paper or similar material. Masks, names and standards differ among countries. 2 Jefferson T, Foxlee R, Del Mar C et al. Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses: systematic review. BMJ 2008; 336;77-80. 2 General advice It is important to remember that in the community setting the following general measures may be more important than wearing a mask in preventing the spread of influenza. For individuals who are well: Maintain distance of at least 1 metre from any individual with influenza-like symptoms, and: • refrain from touching mouth and nose; • perform hand hygiene frequently, by washing with soap and water or using an alcoholbased handrub 3 , especially if touching the mouth and nose and surfaces that are potentially contaminated; • reduce as much as possible the time spent in close contact with people who might be ill; • reduce as much as possible the time spent in crowded settings; • improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible. For individuals with influenza-like symptoms: • stay at home if you feel unwell and follow the local public health recommendations; • keep distance from well individuals as much as possible (at least 1 metre); • cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, with tissues or other suitable materials, to contain respiratory secretions. Dispose of the material immediately after use or wash it. Clean hands immediately after contact with respiratory secretions! • improve airflow in your living space by opening windows as much as possible. If masks are worn, proper use and disposal is essential to ensure they are potentially effective and to avoid any increase in risk of transmission associated with the incorrect use of masks. The following information on correct use of masks derives from the practices in health-care settings4: • place mask carefully to cover mouth and nose and tie securely to minimise any gaps between the face and the mask • while in use, avoid touching the mask − whenever you touch a used mask, for example when removing or washing, clean hands by washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based handrub • replace masks with a new clean, dry mask as soon as they become damp/humid • do not re-use single-use masks − discard single-use masks after each use and dispose of them immediately upon removing. Although some alternative barriers to standard medical masks are frequently used (e.g. cloth mask, scarf, paper masks, rags tied over the nose and mouth), there is insufficient information available on their effectiveness. If such alternative barriers are used, they should only be used once or, in the case of cloth masks, should be cleaned thoroughly between each use (i.e. wash with normal household detergent at normal temperature). They should be removed immediately after caring for the ill. Hands should be washed immediately after removal of the mask. 3 In settings where alcohol-based hand rubs are available and the safety concerns (such as fire hazards and accidental ingestion) are adequately addressed, their proper use (rubbing hands for 20–30 seconds) could be promoted as a means of disinfection. 4 Infection prevention and control of epidemic- and pandemic-prone acute respiratory diseases in health care WHO Interim

Everything you need to know about Swine Flu

India is grappling with a swine flu epidemic. There is heightened panic among people following reports of growing number of HIN1 cases and the recent death of a school child in Pune. Here's an FAQ on the dreaded virus:

How do people become infected with influenza A (H1N1)?

Outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human-to-human transmission. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed.

What are the signs and symptoms of infection?

Early signs of influenza A (H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Is there any confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans at this point?

No.

How soon can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air.

How long can viruses live outside the body?

We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

Currently available seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  


• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol based hand cleaners are also effective.
  


• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.. Germs spread this way.
  


• Try to avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.
  


• If one gets sick with influenza, one must stay at home, away from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. However, if one is having any respiratory distress, one should report to a nearby hospital.
  

What should I do to keep from getting the flu?

First and most important: wash your hands frequently. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Avoid touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people having respiratory illness.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

Yes. Oseltamivir is the recommended anti viral drug for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with the influenza A H1N1. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster.

They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). The government has adequate stock and the drug is made available to government hospitals at the time of outbreak and would be available to you free of cost. The drug is to be administered under supervision of clinicians.

What should I do if I get sick?

If you live in areas where influenza A H1N1 cases have been identified and become ill with influenza like symptoms e.g. fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, you may contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms.

Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.

If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care.

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  


• Bluish skin color
  


• Not drinking enough fluids/eating food
  


• Not waking up or not interacting
  


• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
  


• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
  


• Fever with a rash
  

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  


• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  


• Sudden dizziness
  


• Confusion
  


• Severe or persistent vomiting
  

Can I get influenza A H1N1 from eating or preparing pork?

No. swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

DOs:

* Wash your hands
* Avoid crowded places
* Stay more than an arm's length from persons afflicted with flu
* Get plenty of sleep
* Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food

1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Use disposable
masks in airports, crowded markets.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after
you cough or sneeze
3. Use alcohol���based hand cleaners (e.g: Germ Free)
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people
5. Always maintain high levels of personal hygiene, especially
before and after food preparation and in & out of toilets.
6. While in an affected region, seek immediate medical attention
if you develop influenza���like symptoms. (High Fever, body
pain, coughing and red nose)
7. Get plenty of sleep
8. Rest and take plenty of liquids
9. Drink plenty of water and eat nutritious food.

DO NOTs:

* Shake hands or hug in greeting
* Spit in public
* Take medicines without consulting a physician

1. Touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way
2. Visits live animal markets, poultry and pig farms.
3. Shake hands or hug in greeting
4. Spit in public
5.. Take medicines without consulting a physician
6. If you are sick, PLEASE stay at home and limit contact with
others as much as possible
7. Forget to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or
sneeze
8. Neglect yourself and seek medical advice if needed

For people who are sick:

* Stay home and limit contacts with others as much as possible
* Rest and take plenty of liquids
* Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
* Seek medical advice if needed

Symptoms, Precautions, Treatment

Swine Flu Symptoms

Symptoms of swine flu infections can include:

* fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent
* cough
* runny nose or stuffy nose
* sore throat
* body aches
* headache
* chills
* fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme
* diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes, but more commonly seen than with seasonal flu

Signs of a more serious swine flu infection might include pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Swine Flu High Risk Groups -

Swine flu high risk groups, people who are thought to be at risk for serious, life-threatening infections, are a little different and can include:

* pregnant women
* people with chronic medical problems, such as chronic lung disease, like asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and immunosuppression
* children and adults with obesity

Precautions to keep swine flu at bay -

The deadly Swine Flu has reached the Indian shores following the global outbreak and now, claimed one life. However, Swine Flu is certainly one of those diseased where an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are five tips for you to keep away from the pandemic.

1. Wash your hands frequently

Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, for at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.

2. Get enough sleep

Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.

3. Drink sufficient water

Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

4. Boost your immune system

Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

5. Keep informed

The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.

Treatment -

If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better quicker. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). The U.S. CDC recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses; however, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs.

Vaccination -

WHO does not expect the swine flu vaccine to be widely available until the end of 2009, noting that current production "yield" was only about half as much as expected and would cause timeline delays. There is also concern that countries which produce vaccines, 70 percent of which are in Europe, may delay sending swine flu vaccines to other countries as they may come under "tremendous pressure to protect their own citizens first," note some experts.

Many countries are planning full blown large scale vaccination camps by the end of the year.

Symptoms