GENERAL INFORMATION:
The virus can live for up to 2 hours ouside the human body.
It can be spread from humans to pigs and vice versa.
Swine flu, like any flu, is spread through fluid transfer, so it is important to avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes before washing your hands thoroughly.
The incubation period is three to four days.
Caution: Do not try to boost your immune system!
More deaths from swine flu have been occurring among young adults with healthy immune systems than among those with weakened immune systems. This is because the swine flu causes the respiratory system to react violently, and those with boosted immune systems will have more powerful adverse reactions, which will be deadly.
SYMPTOMS:
Similar to regular flu: Fatigue, loss of appetite, cough, diarrhea, chills, sore throat.
PREVENTION:
Avoid touching your mouth and eyes (smokers, nail biters, this means you!).
Avoid touching public door handles and facilities with your bare hands.
Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing .
Stay away from anyone who appears to be sick and do not touch anything near them.
Wear latex gloves when handling any publicly-accessible objects or using public facilities.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly (25 seconds) with soap and water, and use alcohol-based sanitizer.
Keep hand sanitizer with you at all times.
Use a respirator mask to prevent spreading or inhaling germs.
Remember that respirator masks are disposable. Do not try to clean and re-use them.
Use an antibacterial spray (e.g., Lysol™, bleach, or a mixture of isopropyl, white vinegar, and water) on sleep and work areas and on door/sink/toilet handles.
Keep your clothes and linens washed (esp. hotels, spas).
Turn on fans and air conditioners in your home to help rid the air of bacteria.
You can get a prescription from your local clinic or doctor if you think you may have come in contact with the virus. "The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir" (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/).
