Whether you call it H1N1 or just plain Swine Flu, let’s talk about this new strain of influenza. The World Health Organization says we’re in a pandemic and more people are being diagnosed with the respiratory virus everyday.
What it is:
A respiratory virus that spreads from person to person, H1N1 Swine Flu even lives on the surfaces the virus comes into contact making it especially important for people to observe regular hygiene practices. Unlike other strains of the influenza virus, H1N1 Swine Flu thrives in young, healthy people under the age of 25.
Symptoms of H1N1 Swine Flu include:
Fever
Body Aches
Sore throat
Congestion
Vomiting
People don’t have a natural immunity to this virus, but there are ways to decrease the likelihood of infection. Remember the basics you learned as a kid: cover you mouth when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands regularly. Other, non-traditional ways to decrease your risk include wearing a face mask and isolating yourself or others if flu symptoms appear.
For more information about H1N1 Swine Flu, check out the CDC’s website. http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm
