The “Swine Flu,” also called H1N1, has been getting a lot of media attention.  In some areas of the United States, people have responded to information provided similar to that of Y2K.  Remember that?  All computer clocks around the world were not going to work; rendering all computers in cars, businesses and homes inoperable… “The world is coming to an end!” 

Here are the facts regarding most flu virus, including the Swine or H1N1 flu:

• Each year, the flu causes over 30,000 deaths in the U.S.
• The flu affects younger children and the elderly the most.
• There is no current vaccination for the Swine Flu, but medications such as TAMIFLU alleviate and reduce the symptoms.
• The flu (including the Swine Flu) presents the following symptoms:

• fever (above 100.4 for babies 3 months and younger, and 101.1 for everyone else), plus
• cough
• sore throat
• intense body aches
• headache
• chills
• fatigue
Preventing the flu virus can be as simple as:

• Washing hands
• Avoiding crowded settings, groups and places where the flu exist
• Covering your mouth when you cough
• Clean germ “hotspots” with disinfectants that include bleach and alcohol.
• Avoid using someone else’s cups, pens, toys etc.
• Use common sense- Do not allow your child to attend a sleepover during the flu season.