How to prevent and prepare for the H1N1

With all the information and misinformation in the media about the swine flu, it's good to know the facts and how to prepare for it. When you hear the term "pandemic" it is not bound to a certain number of cases, but defined by human-to-human transmission in three different countries in two different WHO regions.

Prevention

1. Know what the signs of swine flu are in people. The symptoms look a lot like an ordinary flu and include fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C), cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It is reported that diarrhea and vomiting can also be included with the symptoms of illness. There's no way to tell if you have the swine flu unless a respiratory specimen is taken within the first 4-5 days and sent to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or equivalent).
2. Make sure you are in good health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress,drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Consider taking a Vitamin C & D supplement. The healthier you are, the better your immune system will be at defending your body against a virus.
3. Practice good hygiene. If you sneeze, keep a disposable tissue in front of your mouth, after sneezing or blowing your nose throw the tissue away. Wash your hands often, especially if after blowing your nose/sneezing and before you eat. Use a disinfectant when possible or just use soap and water.
4. Don't share utensils or drinks. In cafeteria settings, it's not uncommon for people to casually share utensils or take a sip from someone else's drink. This should be completely avoided if there is any risk of a flu pandemic.

Preparation

If a pandemic flu virus spreads rapidly, being prepared to stay at home will help slow down the virus because you'll minimize your exposure (and other people's exposure to you, if you become sick

1. Stock up. Store nonperishable foods, bottled water, over-the-counter drugs, health supplies and other necessities. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends having a 2-week supply. (These supplies can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages.) Have basic, over-the-counter health supplies such as a thermometer, facemasks, tissues, soap, hand sanitizers, medicine to relieve fever, and cold medicine.
2. Plan ahead. Plan for what you will do in the following cases:
   • Schools dismissed:
   • You or family member becomes sick and requires care: Plan to stay home for at least 10 days when you are sick with pandemic flu. Staying home will keep you from infecting others. Make sure others in your household also stay home when they are sick. During a severe pandemic, stay home if someone in your household is sick with pandemic flu.
3. Talk to your employer.
4. Use Technology.
   
5. Stay updated.
   • Reliable, accurate, and timely information is available at PandemicFlu.gov and World Health Organization swine flu page
   • Telephone sources include the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). This line is available in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 1-888-232-6348. If you do not live in the U.S., check if there is an equivalent hotline in your area.
   If we prepare and use prevention there is no need to panic. If you know your neighbor is sick ask if there is anything they may need so they don't have to go out and infect others, plus it's a nice thing to do
   
   
   
   
   Source: Wikihow.com