by Char Brar

Created on: May 02, 2009

Dr Nancy Cox, the head of the CDC's influenza division, preliminary research suggests the H1N1 (Swine) flu may be just like any other seasonal flu because this H1N1 virus lacks many of the "markers for virulence" possessed by the H1N1 pandemic virus of 1918. Because the virus lacks these key components of the virus that killed between 30-50 million people nearly a century ago, she suggested that the swine flu may not be as deadly. So far there have been 236 cases of H1N1 flu and eight confirmed deaths related to swine flu. By comparison the CDC data from last year reveals that the annual seasonal flu took the lives of 83 children and an estimated 36,000 adults in the United States.

Knowing that the virus is spread through air or by direct contact with the infected individuals we can contain the virus by following the guidelines for containing any seasonal flu. Stay away from people who are sneezing or coughing. Do not kiss or hug people who are infected. Keep a good distance from the infected individuals because virus can travel up to 6 feet in the air. Stay away from other people if you have the flu or the flu like symptoms. Cover your mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing. Using the tissue will contain the virus to the tissue. Discard the used tissue immediately into a dustbin instead of putting it on a table or in your pocket. The virus is thought to be live for about 2 hours in the air or on the objects, so turning away to sneeze may not be effective as the lingering droplets may infect someone who walks through that area.

Hand washing is still the best way to stop the spread of flu. For effective hand washing, sing the complete "Happy Birthday" song once. Make sure you rub soap on each finger and between the fingers and all over the front and back of your hands. Run water over your hands starting from the wrist towards your finger tips, and then dry them completely. Repeat hand washing every time you cough or sneeze. After washing your hands, use paper towel or clean tissue to turn off the faucet. Touching faucet or door handle with bare hands can contaminate your hands again from the virus that may have continued to linger on the objects, faucets or door handles. Cleaning with soap and water is still the best way to kill the virus. When using alcohol based disinfectants, make sure you use a good one. Some disinfectants may not be effective because they do not kill the virus, but just displace it.

Do not touch objects with your contaminated hands.

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