I have been doing a lot of reading and listening about swine flu. It is spread just like the flu – mainly through coughing and sneezing of infected people. Here are some good tips I have found:

• Wash your hands often!
• Use hand sanitizer often – make sure it is at least 60% alcohol.
• When opening doors, if possible, use your arm or elbows, not hands.

Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illnesses and death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?
People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

Should we still avoid travelling?

We still suggest that if travel can be avoided, it should especially to areas where H1N1 is still spreading widely. For many people it is very difficult to avoid travelling because of work, school, business and personal reasons, in which case we would simply remind you to be careful about personal hygiene such as regular hand washing. On return from travelling if you develop a temperature or flu-like illness, be sure to see a doctor as soon as possible.

I am curious – what are your thoughts on swine flu?

A vaccine is coming out later this fall – do you think you and your family will get it?