Swine Flu and Your Family

Swine Flu is likely to keep spreading so you need to stay abreast of precautions. The H1N1 virus which has infected a growing number of people around the world have now been found in 38 states. On June 11th, the World Health Organization designated the disease as a global pandemic. The disease spreads from person to person through coughing, sneezing and touching people's hands that are not cleaned after nose rubbing. Summer travel is likely to escalate the spread of the disease.


The symptoms of H1N1 flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It is more dangerous to those with several medical complications. One thing that appears to be different from seasonal influenza is that so far adults older than 64 years do not yet appear to be at increased risk of H1N1. There is some thought that the disease may have been in the U.S. when they were children and that their immunity may be more highly developed. So far there are no cases of H1N1 spreading through swimming pools, drinking water, spas, water parks or fountains. But you should stay informed about how to care for your family. To find out what you can do to protect your health go to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.