Swine flu precautions
Swine flu or the H1N1 virus is a type A influenza, which is normally reported in pigs and has rarely affected humans in the past. A few cases that had been reported in people, who had been around pigs, over the past few years, were of a mild nature. However, in April 2009, swine flu started to affect thousands of persons around the world, just days after being reported in a Mexican village, and thus prompted the World Health Organization to declare it a pandemic.
It is advisable to avoid travelling to affected countries and stay away from crowded places. The easily available swine flu mask can also protect from the virus.
While there are no vaccines available that can guard against swine flu, certain precautions can ensure protection from this deadly disease.
Steps to ensure swine flu protection
Like in the case of seasonal flu, the below mentioned precautions can help protect you against the H1N1 virus:
- It is recommended to get a seasonal flu vaccination. Though it may not prevent you from swine flu, it won’t do any harm.
- Keep good hygiene and wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water. It is advisable to use an alcohol based hand wash.
- Avoid going near people with swine flu symptoms.
- Avoid going to crowded places.
- Sick people should stay home to avoid passing on the disease to others.
- Cover your mouth and nose properly with a tissue while sneezing or coughing and dispose off the infected tissue in a proper way, away from the reach of other people.
Swine flu precautions for travelers
- Always wear the swine flu mask when travelling to crowded places.
- Carry anti-viral medicines with you.
- If you feel sick or show any of the swine flu symptoms, consult your doctor immediately and get yourself tested for the virus.