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Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Although humans are not usually infected, a new strain in March 2009 A (H1N1) is causing growing alarm for two reasons: It appears to combine bird, swine and human viruses in a way that hasn’t been seen before, and it is spreading from person to person.

“We are very, very concerned,” World Health Organization spokesman Thomas Abraham said. “We have what appears to be a novel virus and it has spread from human to human,”

At this time, CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment of infection with swine influenza viruses. The H1N1 viruses are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine but not to oseltamivir or zanamivir. It is not anticipated that the seasonal influenza vaccine will provide protection against the swine flu H1N1 viruses.

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy against Swine Flu.

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

* Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
* If you get sick, it is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

To survive swine flu or any influenza, a strong immune system is a must. Smoking, drinking, drug abuse and lack of sleep weaken your immune system. Eat right, get plenty of exercise and rest properly. Abuses of any kind are going to weaken your bodies natural defense mechanisms.

Symptoms of Swine flu are similar to normal influenza and include breathing problems, fever, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhoea. You should consult a doctor if you suspect you have the flu. And as you might know, most countries have been stock-piling anti-flu virals for some time now. It is expected (certainly hoped) that Tamiflu and Relenza will be able to fight against A (H1N1).