What is Swine Flu, its symptoms and Precautions

In recent flu seasons, swine flu has spread from person to person. The official name for it is ‘novel influenza A (H1N1).

Symptoms of flu: are a high temperature (over 38C) and at least two of the following:

• Widespread muscle and joint aches
• A cough
• Headache
• Blocked or runny nose
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Watery diarrhoea
• Cannot stop crying (only children)

How can I prevent swine flu infection?

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Scrub for at least 20 seconds and rinse thoroughly.
• If soap and water are not available, wash your hands with an alcohol-based hand gel. Rub your hands together until the alcohol dries completely.
• Avoid close contact -- that is, being within 6 feet -- with people who have flu-like symptoms.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. That's not easy to do, so keep those hands clean.
• If you have flu-like symptoms -- fever plus at least cough or sore throat or other flu symptoms -- stay home for seven days after symptoms begin or until you've been symptom-free for 24 hours -- whichever is longer.
• Wear a face mask (consider using an N95 respirator) if you must come into close contact with a sick person. "Close contact" means within 6 feet. Note: There is no definitive proof that a face mask prevents flu transmission. Do not rely solely on a face mask to prevent infection.
• Wear an N95 respirator if helping a sick person with a nebulizer, inhaler, or other respiratory treatment. Note: There is no definitive proof that a respirator prevents flu transmission. Do not rely solely on a respirator to prevent infection.
• People who have or are suspected of having swine flu should wear a face mask, if available and tolerable, when sharing common spaces with other household members, when outside the home, or when near children or infants.
• Breastfeeding mothers with swine flu symptoms should express their breast milk, and the child should be fed by someone else.