Stricken with Panick? Swine Flu Got your in a constant state worry? Then read this.

Are you worried sick about the swine flu epidemic and how to protect yourself the spread of the virus? But before I jump into the details, let me say this…your fears will be quelled considerably if you learn the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic. Let me explain exactly what I'm talking about. For starters, both epidemics and pandemics are defined as the spread of infectious diseases among a population. However, the two are not exactly the same. Hence, a pandemic references that a much larger region will be affected. At this point, and in the most extreme cases, the global population will be affected by a pandemic.

Whereas, an epidemic is defined by an illness or health-related issue that is showing up in a lot more cases than would be normally expected. As you can clearly see, there are subtle differences in regards to the two terms, and it can be confusing figuring out what each mean.

However, by now you may be wondering just how can I avoid swine flu, regardless of whether its an epidemic or pandemic. It's important to gain a sense of perspective, and realizing that the announcements from the World Health Organization (WHO) does not mean the world is coming to an end. Diseases are just a part of nature’s cycle that occur nearly every forty years. The last influenza pandemic we experienced was back in 1968. The next thing you should do is to educate yourself by getting a swine flu update from people or places you trust. It is highly recommended you go directly to the website of the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization for the most recent facts about swine flu.

You can also lessen your fears by following each swine flu precaution that is found at each of these sites. The list covers things such as basic hygiene practices, such as keeping your mouth covered whenever you sneeze or cough- to prevent the spread of the disease. And although the tough economic climate force us to go to work when we are under the weather, if you do experience flu-like symptoms, it’s best to stay at home to curb the spread of the virus to others. Finally and most importantly don’t focus all of your attention on the swine flu epidemic. Don’t succumb to every story you hear unless it comes directly from trusted sources. By doing this you’ll enjoy life more and worry less.

How to keep track of Swine Flu and prevention is always better than cure

What would it mean to you, to know exactly what swine flu tactics are the most effective in preventing and treating the virus? Wouldn’t you like to know what measures you can take to prevent yourself from falling victim to this illness? There are no vaccines available to provide protection against the swine flu outbreak, and therefore it's extremely necessary to know everyday precautions in order to protect yourself against getting any swine flu symptoms.

Here are a few examples of swine flu tactics you can use to start to use and implement, thus protecting your health.

The following are some useful pieces of advice:

• Anytime you cough or sneeze, be courteous enough to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or use the inside of your arm to shield others from germs.

• Use soap and water each time you wash your hands and rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds. And more importantly, wash your hands after you sneeze or cough.

• Just for the record, alcohol-based sanitizer is extremely effective for the keeping risk of infection down. If you find that soap and water isn’t available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers can be used. The kicker is to rub the gel into your hands until it is dry.

• Are you aware that germs spread quickly through the eyes, nose and mouth? Avoid touching them to prevent catching the virus.

• If someone you know is sick, avoid close contact.

• If you happen to be the one who is sick, stay home for at least 7 days once your symptoms begin or at least until you have been symptom free for 24 hours. This will keep you from infecting others and spreading the virus even further.

• Make sure you follow any and all public advice when it comes to school closings or avoiding crowds all together.

• Prepare yourself in the event you get sick and are forced to stay home for at least week. For example, get yourself a supply of over-the-counter medicines, tissues, and alcohol-based sanitizers. Remember, swine flu is extremely contagious.

• Beware of emergency warning signs that will warrant urgent medical attention. These include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; pain or pressure in your chest or stomach; feeling dizzy all of a sudden; confusion; severe or persistent vomiting; you have flu-like symptoms that seem to improve but then return with a high fever and even worse cough.

• If you are infected with the virus, the best way to prevent serious flu complication is to take CDC recommended prescription drugs called oseltamivir or zanamivir. The may make you feel better, a lot quicker than over-the-counter medicines.

Each and every one of these swine flu tactics works when put into practice. If you want to keep yourself healthy and prevent the spread of the virus, you’ll start today watching for the warning signs and be sure to act upon them!

How To Avoid Getting Swine Flu - 8 Useful Tips

First things first. The simple fact of the matter is Swine flu is nothing to get blaze about. However, according to health experts, the public should be vigilant and not panic. You may be thinking this is easier said than done. However, keep reading if you want to learn how to avoid this infection and keep you and your loved ones safe. The fundamental point is that the swine flu outbreak was initially thought to only be transmitted from pigs to humans. Now, studies, however, show that it is being spread through human contact and is quickly becoming a great threat to us and one of the deadliest viruses of all time.

The CDC (Center For Disease Control) and The World Health Organization have been working endlessly to keep us informed and updated on the latest confirmed cases and deaths linked to the virus.
The list below show some of the common symptoms of the virus:
1. Runny nose
2. Achy muscles
3. Being lethargic
4. Lack of appetite
5. Sudden onset of fever over one hundred.
6. Headaches

As you can clearly see, it is difficult to ascertain the difference between other types of flu symptoms, and this particular strain of the virus requires a diagnosis from your health practitioner. This can take time, so it's important if Swine Flu is suspect to see them right away.

But, don’t panic help is at hand. There are a few very effective ways to ward off infection and prevent the spread of swine flu.

#1 – Don’t risk going outside. If you are experiencing flu like symptoms, simply stay at home. Since these symptoms mirror regular cold and flu symptoms, this way if you have the flu you will be effectively quarantining yourself.

#2 – Watching how to cough and sneeze. Be sure to cover your mouth with a tissue or handkerchief, and dispose of it, right away.

#3 – Make sure you wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Whatever you touch could be affected, so a good rule of thumb would be to keep your hands clean to reduce your chances of becoming infected.

#4 – A little hand sanitizer does wonders. Simply have a tube of hand sanitizer with you at all times. This way you can constantly ensure your hands are clean and free from germs and bacteria.

#5 – If possible avoid public places. There are many places and objects where germs can easily hide, such as door nobs, counters and of course in the open air of busy shopping malls and other public places.

# 6 – Take a cautious approach on airplanes. The close quarters of an airplane is a place where germs like the swine flu virus lurk, so protect yourself by taking hand sanitizers with you. And if you feel you're coming down with a fever inform the air stewards.

#7 – Ensure you wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Buy your fruits and vegetables locally, where possible. Wash them with water and soak them for good measure.

#8 – Go to doctor at the earliest point possible. If you are experiencing any flu like symptoms, then see your doctor immediately. As stated earlier, only your health practitioner can effectively diagnose your particular strain of flu.

By following these pointers you will stand yourself in good stead, and remember always to have good hygiene practices, even when the Swine Flu pandemic passes.

Just how is Swine Flu Transmitted? - Important Facts You Should Know

There has been much media fan fare about swine flu, and it seems a great deal of people nowadays are even scared to go outside for fear that they might catch the disease. It is an airborne virus, and like other influenzas transmitted through germs.

It is indisputable that the swine flu pandemic is all you hear on the morning news and what you read in the newspapers. With swine flu symptoms, being highly contagious schools have been closing in fear of spreading the virus even further, in countries worldwide!
As a result, it means getting a factual swine flu update on a regular basis – even daily – basis will help to decrease widespread panic and fear. In summary, it’s best to be educated on what swine flu precautions to take in order to stay safe.

By the time you end up finishing reading this article you’ll find out some important facts about swine flu and what you can do to protect yourself.

To start off with, your first question may be “What is swine flu anyway?” In short, it’s a respiratory disease that originally showed up in pigs. The strain that is affecting humans is a new strain of the virus dubbed novel H1N1 by the United States government.

Obviously, discovering how swine flu is transmitted means stating that swine flu normally does not infect humans. Only those who were in constant, direct contact with infected pigs were and are at risk still. However, now the H1N1 strain of the virus is airborne and can be passed on through person-to-person contact. Furthermore, the swine flu incubation period can last for up to 7 days after you’ve been in contact with an infected person.

The term swine flu infers that the virus can be transmitted by eating pork products however that is not the case. The CDC or Centers For Disease Control and Prevention always has recommended that you cook food at a temperatures of a sufficient heat of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit in order to kill not only the swine flu virus but other bacteria and viruses as well.

Since swine flu can be and is transmitted through human contact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has let the cat out the bag about containment. It states that it is virtually impossible to contain the virus, so people around the world must focus their best efforts on preventative methods. For instance, not covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze apart from being bad hygeine practices anyway, is a way to spread germs .

Bodies like the CDCare also promoting good hygiene by telling everyone to consistently wash their hands with warm soapy water for around 20 seconds to ensure they kill off all germs. The CDC is also recommending that people take extra precautions and carry with you a type of hand sanitizer to sanitize common areas such as door knobs, tables, and public restrooms. By uncovering just how is the swine flu is transmitted it will aid you in a more cautious approach to personal hygeine and sanitation methods. After all prevention is always better than cure, and it's better to be safe than sorry.