Since knowledge is everything when it comes to protecting yourself and your family, be sure to check out the Influenza category to the right of this page.

Swine flu is type A influenza and mainly infects pigs - people don’t normally contract swine flu, but as we know from history it has made the leap several times.  This strain is thought to be spread the same way seasonal influenza is spread - through particle droplets in the air and on surfaces.  The best preventative for swine flu is keeping yourself away from those infected.

Educating yourself is the second best preventative measure.  Keep your hands clean, avoid rubbing your nose and eyes and if you start to feel feverish and achy, quarantine yourself after you seek adequate medical care.  People with swine flu are potentially contagious for up to and maybe over 7 days following the first signs of fever.  Children especially may be contagious longer, so you might want to plan on at least two weeks of quarantine to be sure. 

Here are the warning signs of when to seek emergency medical care:

Children

• Fast or troubled breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough liquids
• Not waking up or interacting
• Being so irritable they do not want to be held
• Flu symptoms that improve but then suddenly return with a fever
• Fever with a rash

Adults

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

If you or your children have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.  Thankfully no deaths have occurred in the US, and we hope it stays that way.  However, it’s always best to be over-prepared.  If you don’t have enough supplies now is the time to stock up.  Make sure to get extra filters for your humidifiers and pedialyte for the kids.  Already there is a shortage of OTC medications and face masks - get yours ready before they’re unavailable.

I have to say I’m a little concerned about this.  Mainly for my family as we are a short two hours from the Mexico/US border.  While it’s put me on alert, I know I can and will do everything to protect my family, and hopefully it’ll all be unnecessary.  Be prepared and keep aware of new developments and if things get worse, take quick action to keep yourselves away from those infected.

Check out this earlier post about setting up a quarantine room.