by Marina Stein

Created on: May 01, 2009

First of all, it is necessary to make clear that the name "swine flu" used for the latest 2009 flu outbreak is not totally correct. Though virus responsible for that outbreak has part of swine flu virus, it also has human and avian (bird) parts. That is why the name of that flu outbreak was changed to A/H1N1 flu (virus which is causing the disease is classified as H1N1 virus). Regular swine flu is usually contained among pigs and though there were some cases when humans contracted the disease from pigs but it can not be transferred from human to human.

How can you prevent infection from this flu? Technically, vaccine is the only known almost 100% proof protection against flu. But in case of A/H1N1 flu this kind of protection will not be available to the public until fall of 2009 because it takes few months to develop vaccine and then get enough to start well spread vaccination. Also, with the lessons from 1976 swine flu outbreak in US and the devastating results of vaccination (it actually caused more deaths then outbreak itself because poorly developed vaccine made people very ill with permanent nerve damage) it is necessary to be sure that vaccine will work against the flu with the least possible side effects. Since pandemic flu outbreaks often come in two consecutive waves, fall may be good time to have vaccine ready.

In absence of vaccine health hygiene plays the most important role in prevention of infection. Virus can survive for up to several hours on the surfaces and it usually spreads through inhaling or when it is introduced to the mucus membranes in some other ways, for example, when you touch your nose, mouth or eyes with your hands. That is why it is imperative to wash your hands often for at least 15 seconds (it is enough time to hum "Happy Birthday to you") or use a disinfectant liquid which kills viruses immediately. It is also may be a good time to get rid of that habit of touching your face with your hands.

Virus will reach you if you are at the "breathing distance" of a person sneezing and coughing which is the area of 6 feet. Obviously it is a good idea to avoid big crowds. The latest statements from doctors and epidemiologists state that masks are not considered to provide a good protection against the virus but if it will make you feel better then by all means wear it. Those are things you can do to avoid catching the virus.

If you become sick despite all the precautions you were taking then you can help prevent the further spread of infection by staying home for at least 5 days because that is how long you will be contagious. If you need to leave your home and go somewhere close your mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing, preferably with a tissue so you don't spread viruses on the surfaces you touch; wash your hands often and use disinfectants; don't use public transportation and don't travel by airplanes. If you need to go to the doctor call first and ask for instructions.

It is impossible to predict how the situation will develop but acting responsibly and taking reasonable precautions may help in controlling the spread of the virus.

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