Swine flu (or H1N1) has been all over the news for the last week or so.  Many families are becoming worried that they will be affected by swine flu.  It is hard to know what to expect, what to do, and just how bad (or not) it is since the media has gone so over the top with their reporting of this story.

So what is swine flu?  Swine flu (or H1N1) is a type A influenza virus that typically infects pigs.  Recently it has begun infecting humans and is spreading from human to human.  Since this particular influenza virus is new to the human population we have no natural immunity to it.  For more information be sure to visit the World Health Organization’s website.

The symptoms for H1N1 are similar to those of any influenza virus and include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Cough
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

If you suspect that you may have the flu contact your healthcare provider.  Anti-viral medication, such as Tamiflu, have proven effective in treating this virus.

So what can you do to protect your family?  It is simple really.  Treat this as you would the regular flu season.  Wash your hands frequently (especially after shaking hands, touching public surfaces, etc), avoid crowded places if you are concerned about contracting the virus, avoid sick people, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, etc.