The outbreak of swine flu in 2009 spreading across America, Europe, and Asia caused hundreds of deaths. The WHO declared it a pandemic and panic spread like wildfire across the globe. The awareness levels were low initially, adding to the paranoia. However, the good news is that swine flu can be prevented by taking a few precautions.

The first step to preventing swine flu is to understand the disease and how it spreads. The influenza is caused by a strain of virus called the H1N1 virus. The virus can be transmitted through air and cross contamination. The H1N1 viral strain can survive only for a few minutes on inanimate objects. The World Heath Organization released a series of self help measures for people some of which are as mentioned below:

- Try to stay at a safe distance from people who display symptoms of swine flu

- If you develop symptoms of flu, be responsible and always carry tissues to cough or sneeze into.

- Discard used tissues into designated bins immediately, and wash and dry your hands and face.

- People in the ‘high risk’ category, like pregnant women, children, and senior citizens, should take special care in public areas.

- Avoid spending time in crowded places as much as possible as proximity is the main way of spread of swine influenza.

- Cover nose and mouth with a clean cloth or mask when in close proximity to an ill person.

- Cleanse hands thoroughly with water and soap or an alcohol based cleanser at regular intervals. Take special care when touching a potentially contaminated surface.

Supportive care should be provided at home to infected people. Apart from the prescribed drugs and medical care, consuming plenty of fluid and resting is also important.

- Get preventive vaccination as recommended by the Public health systems of all countries.

- In case an individual is suspected to be infected, it is essential to get immediate help with the local health care system. Apart from that, general care should be taken to ensure that others who come in contact with the infected person are not affected. He should also be kept away from public places, school and work until complete recovery has been assured.

By adopting these measures, you can at least ensure that the spread of swine flu is reduced to an extent. Be responsible, and act responsibly to prevent the spread of infection.