The Latest Swine Flu Medical Treatments

As the swine flu, also known as H1N1, continues to sweep its way across the world, people are developing new and unique medications to prevent sickness. While there may not be many scientific and overly-complicated medications like we’re used to, there are simple herbal remedies that a person can find instead.

First off, to know if you have even the slightest sign of the swine flu, you’ll need to know what the symptoms are. Some of the symptoms include: fever, cough, headache, sore throat, runny nose, muscle pains and, occasionally, vomiting and diarrhea. For some most people, the symptoms are mild and self-limited. If a person has these symptoms, they are highly advised to visit their doctor where they can easily be tested with a nasal swap.

For people who are more accustomed to medications prescribed by the doctor, they can use Tamiflu and Relenza. Tamiflu is a pill that is taken twice per day for 5 days and Relenza is an inhaled medication. However, for people who like to use more natural remedies, they can eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and consume high protein foods. The herbs and foods that a person could also use are: lomatium, reishi mushrooms, garlic, pau d’arco, beta glucan and colloidal silver.

Whichever form of medication that you choose to use, the best way to prevent the slightest form of sickness is to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water daily. Keeping yourself away from others who may be infected with swine flu and maintaining the cleanliness of the home are also effective methods in preventing yourself from becoming sick.

Death Toll of Swine Flu

Since the first outbreak of swine flu in Mexico, the sickness has spread to many places in both North America and Central America. However, the flu is gradually making its way to many other countries around the world. Countries, such as Spain, Austria, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Ireland, Israel, Germany, Italy Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Luckily, those countries have not reported any deaths, only causes of the person being infected.

Out of all the countries reported having swine flu, there has been one major country that has, obviously, been the most affected: Mexico. From what has been reported, Mexico has suffered 506 infections and 19 deaths. The second most affected country is America. The United States has recorded 226 laboratory confirmed infections and one death. Third is Canada and Spain is forth, neither of which have death counts. These statistics are valid as of May 3, 2009 by the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO has officials stress that there is no risk of infection from this virus from utilization of well-cooked pork and other pork products. However, people are asked to rinse their hands carefully with soap and water on a regular basis. If a person begins to develop symptoms of influenza-like illnesses, they should seek medical attention. Also, if you wish to keep track of the latest on the swine flu pandemic, you can visit the WHO website. WHO updates their information daily.

Can We Prevent Swine Flu Outbreaks In Future?

What is the best way to prevent the swine flu from becoming the serious pandemic that the world was fearing? Some say that it is important to develop a vaccine for this particular strain of influenza NOW, rather than waiting to see if it becomes a problem. However, if the threat really never does materialize, then those vaccine resources for development and implementation will be wasted while other more serious vaccines could have and should have been developed.

Each year, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) analyzes flu patterns to see which vaccines they will develop. They have to consider the severity of the flu symptoms as well as the nature of the flu strain and how quickly it spreads from person to person. Considering the statistics so far, possibly we were overly concerned about the swine flu and what it could do. Unfortunately, we don’t have the ability to look into the future and see how damaging it can become in the months head—and specifically, next winter.

For now, it seems that what countries are doing is working:

Warning against unnecessary travel to areas where the flu is spreading
Watching for those who are sick at the border and airports—and turning them away
Closing schools when flu cases break out
Using filter masks
Quarantining those who are confirmed to be sick with the swine flu
Discouraging physical contact in public such as in churches
In severe cases, closing or limiting businesses where people congregate (restaurants, night clubs, sport centers, etc.) and public transportation

Latest Information on People Leaving Mexico

Since the swine flu has become such a pandemic, people have been evacuating Mexico like they were going to be the next victim. Citizens from countries all around the school have fled from Mexico wearing protective face masks and, most possibly, aren’t going to go back until the swine flu is strictly under control.

Colleges that were holding educational programs in Mexico have quickly brought their students back. Dartmouth, the college that has done such, evacuated eleven undergraduates, a faculty member and a teaching assistant back to the United States soon after April 29, 2009. Not only that but celebrities, who were on vacation at the time, hurriedly fled back to their American, or other country homes. However, the swine flu is also in the US. There has only be one reported death, thus far, but the numbers are rapidly climbing.

When the death toll reached about 150 people, worried Australians, and many other foreigners, practically took the first flight out of Mexico. The Australians became exceptionally worried because the amount of deaths was just one step away from signaling the World Health Organizations’ (WHO) alert status. With the death toll climbing the WHO would authorize that the international borders of Mexico be shut down, making it so everyone inside the country was trapped. This is the exact reason as to why so many tourists are fleeing from Mexico.

However, even with the number of death, people should indeed remember that the swine flu is, most times, no more hazardous than the average seasonal flu.

Did We Beat Swine Flu or Is Just the First Phase Over?

Confirmed reports of the swine flu continue to rise. In the United States, the number of confirmed cases rose slowly from late April to the first week in May. However, the turning point came during the second week in May when the numbers increased significantly each day. The largest one-day increases occurred from May 7th to May 9th. On May 7th, 896 cases had been reported to date, which increased to 1639 cases on May 8th—a 83% increase in one day. The next day was another large jump—although not quite as dramatic: 1639 cases to 2254 cases on May 9th—a 37% increase.

However, the following days’ increases significantly dropped off: 12% increase on May 10 and 3% increase on May 11. Hopefully, this rate will continue to drop and we can see the end of this current pandemic of swine flu. Of course, only time will tell whether we have truly beaten the swine flu and we can go back to business as usual. Unfortunately, previous pandemics have shown similar patterns where the first phase is quite mild and then once the following fall and winter seasons cycle through, a more devastating crop of the same influenza hits.

The 1918 Spanish Flu began with mild cases in June and July of that year, and then the worst hit in the fall and winter, killing an estimated 50 million people worldwide and infecting one third of the world’s population. Considering how much more mobile our current society is, it would be in our best interest to heed the warnings of the past and remain vigilant to stop the spread of the swine flu. However, it is also true that our health care, antiviral medications, general living conditions, and understanding of viruses are much improved over the last 100 years, so hopefully, that will weigh heavily in our favor.

Is Swine Flu Vanishing?

Around 2618 cases of the swine flu (H1N1) have been confirmed in the U.S. in 44 states. Three U.S. deaths have occurred stemming from the swine flu. Mexico remains fairly constant with 1626 cases and 48 deaths. After Mexico and the U.S., Canada is the next country to be hardest hit with 284 cases and 1 death. Worldwide, 4694 cases of swine flu have been reported in 30 countries. So although the flu is still spreading, the number of cases and deaths are very slow to rise—at least slow from what was feared.

So what does this mean? Is the worst over? What can we expect from here? One thing that has kept the numbers down is the incredible vigilance that schools, governments, employers, and other public arenas have taken to discourage those who are sick from continuing with their normal routine. School closures for a single outbreak of anything is practically unheard of—and yet, this strategy undoubtedly helped to keep the spread of the virus to a minimum. So as long as we don’t get complacent and think we don’t have to worry anymore, it seems reasonable to think that the swine flu will begin its decline over the next few weeks.

Remain vigilant, however, and continue good practices of washing your hands frequently throughout the day, being more aware of those around you in public places, and limiting your possible exposure by refraining from shaking hands.

Be even more diligent if you or a family member is one who is considered a “high risk” individual for swine flu:

Children under 5 years old—and especially those under 2
Adults over 65
Individuals with health conditions that are:
Chronic pulmonary (including asthma)
Cardiovascular (except hypertension)
Hepati, renal, hematological (including sickle cell disease)
Neuromuscular ,neurologic, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
Immunosuppression, including that caused by medications or by HIV
Pregnant women
Persons receiving long-term aspirin therapy who are under 19
Individuals who live in nursing homes or other care facilities

The Latest Death Toll of Swine Flu

Since the first outbreak of swine flu in Mexico, the sickness has spread to many places in both North America and Central America. However, the flu is gradually making its way to many other countries around the world. Countries, such as Spain, Austria, China, Costa Rica, Denmark, France, Ireland, Israel, Germany, Italy Netherlands, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Luckily, those countries have not reported any deaths, only causes of the person being infected.

Out of all the countries reported having swine flu, there has been one major country that has, obviously, been the most affected: Mexico. From what has been reported, Mexico has suffered 506 infections and 19 deaths. The second most affected country is America. The United States has recorded 226 laboratory confirmed infections and one death. Third is Canada and Spain is forth, neither of which have death counts. These statistics are valid as of May 3, 2009 by the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO has officials stress that there is no risk of infection from this virus from utilization of well-cooked pork and other pork products. However, people are asked to rinse their hands carefully with soap and water on a regular basis. If a person begins to develop symptoms of influenza-like illnesses, they should seek medical attention. Also, if you wish to keep track of the latest on the swine flu pandemic, you can visit the WHO website. WHO updates their information daily.

Old Fashion Herbal Medicines for Swine Flu

Before now, swine flu hadn’t normally infected humans. In fact, the flu speaks for itself and makes pigs sick. However, the swine flu has obviously spread onto the human race. The suspected causes for this are: already sick pigs being used for eating and/or poor cleanliness in Mexico (where the disease began). Whatever the cause may be, it’s here and more and more people are becoming ill every day.

Lucky for everyone, there are medicines, both herbal and “man-made”, for people to use to treat or prevent swine flu. While there are two medicines, zanamivir and oseltamivir, that are known to make swine flu milder for a person, they are not a cure. As a matter of fact, there are no known cures for swine flu at all.

Herbal remedies, even though they cannot cure swine flu, can promote a persons’ immune system to battle any kinds of sicknesses from getting into their bodies. Echinacea is considered to be one of the best herbal medicines against viruses. This herb allows your body to effectively eliminate viruses in a shorter amount of time while also boosting your immune system.

Another herbal remedy is black elderberry. This extract has shown results in treating influenza viruses. Sambucol, the black elderberry extract, is available at most health stores and is used to calm symptoms associated with colds, influenzas and sinus problems. Elderberry is not able to prevent the swine flu but can definitely aid with treatment.

Swine Flu in Animals

The swine flu that has the world in an uproar has been around for over ten years—at least in pig populations. In 1998, the first confirmed cases were found in a pig farm in North Carolina. No indication exists, however, that the swine flu can spread to any other species besides pigs and humans.

Because of current pig farming practices, which even in 1998 housed huge numbers of pigs together, the swine flu spread across the United States and world quickly and efficiently. Within months of detection, the swine flu was able to spread to 20% of the U.S. pig population—and in some areas 100%. 99% of pig farms today house over 1000 pigs—and some up to 5000 pigs. With these close quarters, the 1998 virus continued to mutate combining with human and avian flu viruses, turning into the swine flu of today.

Some countries, such as Denmark, limit the number of pigs that can be raised on a farm, but the United States and Mexico do not have any limits. In fact, the first outbreak of the swine flu that jumped to humans occurred close to the largest pig farm in Mexico: shipping out over 1 million pigs a year. The American Public Health Association and the United Nations have been warning about such farming practices for years, citing dangers to humans for the spread of disease. Those warnings fell on deaf ears.


The “I told you so’s” are probably of little consolation to the 30 families who have lost loved ones to the swine flu.

Simple Treatments for Children with Swine Flu

Since a human is technically not finished growing until they are about 21-25, it is obviously to say that children are at a crucial part of their lives. With all of the growth happening in their young bodies, children have a higher risk of getting sick with swine flu. Therefore, during this outbreak of swine flu, parents should be careful about the cleanliness of their children.

As with other influenza sicknesses, there are medications for swine flu prevention or treatment. Two of the most common medicines for swine flu are: Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir). As with most people, children should be treated for swine flu within the first 48 hours. The Tamiflu dosing for sick infants is as follows: 12 mg twice daily for 5 days in infants under 3 months old, 20 mg twice daily for 5 days in infants 3 to 5 months old and 25 mg twice daily for 5 days in infants 6 to 11 months old.

For children over 12 months old, Tamiflu should be taken routinely. Relenza is mainly for children at least 7 years old (treatment) or at least 5 years old (prevention. For infants under 3 months old, it is not recommended for them to take Tamiflu routinely for prevention of swine flu.

Keeping your children clean, being very careful about the meat products you buy and staying away from potentially hazardous places can also keep your family safe from swine flu. A person doesn’t necessarily have to go to “dooms day” extents when it comes to the swine flu but it is good to stay decently safe and healthy during this period of time.

Remember,prevention is the best medicine against swine flu

Schools Closed Due to Swine Flu

With the swine flu confirmed in 36 states and nearly 2 out of 3 cases being children, schools continue to close in the U.S. as outbreaks occur. As of last week, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) was recommending school closures if any swine flu cases appear. Hundreds of schools across the U.S. closed as swine flu outbreaks were confirmed. As of Tuesday, 726 schools were closed due to flu across 24 states and the District of Columbia. These schools represent 468,000 students who had to find other means to keep them occupied.

Now that the swine flu seems to be leveling off in Mexico and not spreading in the U.S. as rapidly--nor as deadly--as first feared, the CDC has changed its position on school closures. It is no longer recommending that schools close for two weeks if students come down with swine flu. The first U.S. school that closed, St. Francis Preparatory School in New York with 45 confirmed cases of the swine flu, just reopened on Monday after being shut down for a week.

Instead of recommending school closures, the CDC is now suggesting that anyone who exhibits flu-like symptoms stay at home for seven days to keep the virus from spreading, although the ultimate decision about closing a school remains with each individual school. As students pour back into classrooms, schools are stocking up on anti-bacterial lotion and encouraging good hygiene: washing hands frequently and coughing into a sleeve instead of one’s hands or the air.

Will Swine Flu Become a new World Pandemic?

Within the last few months or so, swine flu (also known as H1N1) has blown up to be a worldwide concern. First, the influenza began in Mexico, then it was said to travel into America then so on and so forth. People in all kinds of countries are panicking and preparing for the worst of the worst to happen. But will the swine flu outbreak really become as dangerous as people expect it to be?

In the United States, President Obama and the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) are still trying to determine if the spread of swine flu will become a pandemic or not. Just for statistics…In Mexico, 60 out of 800 cases have died from swine flu and, in America, there have been 91 confirmed cases out of 363 or more suspected cases.

Now, the definition of pandemic is: an epidemic that is geographically widespread. However, most people get the image of the when the black plaque was still around. That is not the case though. The question “Is Swine Flu the next Pandemic?” is no, at least in my opinion. As of now, the amount of deaths has not become high or drastic enough to make a huge impact on the human population. Not only that but, there have been outbreaks of the swine flu in the early 1900’s. With the information that scientists already know, people should be able to find a substantial cure before the outbreaks becomes too drastic.

If You’re a Woman who is Pregnant and Has Swine Flu…

Even though there are drugs that can make the swine flu milder for normal, decently healthy people, what does a woman do when she’s pregnant? Think about it, that female is supporting not only her life but the baby as well. That’s quite a bit of work is you add swine flu on top of it all. The United States CDC (Centers for Disease Control) have said recently that is it sensible to presume that pregnant women are at a superior risk for complications from this swine flu.

For a pregnant woman, there are two main antiviral drugs: zanamivir and oseltamivir. The CDC has said that women who have “confirmed, probable or inspected they might have swine influenza” to take at least one of those drugs. A woman can also keep up with good hygiene to prevent or weaken the flu. All medical treatments for swine flu should begin within the first 48 hours of being sick.

However, if you are pregnant and do not have the swine flu, make sure to take precautions! Now, I don’t want you to automatically shield yourself from the work with fear, I’m saying that you should be extra careful about your health. That warning definitely qualifies especially if you are in an area with high risk of swine flu.

Although many of the risks have been stated, the CDC has said that the benefits could very well outweigh the risks. Also, as the research continues, scientists will most likely find better medicines for the swine flu and could potentially find a definite cure.

The Economic Impact of Swine Flu

Swine Flu, also known as hog flu, pig flu or H1N1, is an epidemic among pigs. This flu is common in pigs that are in the Midwestern United States, Mexico, Canada, South America and Europe, Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other regions in eastern Asia. The most recent outbreak occurred of swine flu is in Mexico. However, swine flu has been known to scientists since around 1918. The flu is only spread outside of pigs to people if the pork is not properly prepared.

Since the outbreak, people have been very worried about, not only their own well being, but their economic situations as well. The overall global economy is already very fragile and with the spread of the swine flu, people are becoming very conservative. Some say that the only people that could potentially continue to make a decent living are doctors or other medically trained professionals. Farmers and other meat sellers are losing substantial amounts of profit as people shy away from meat products to turn towards fruits or vegetables. With that being said, crude oil prices are declining because of the lack of transportation. Recent studies have said that oil prices have dropped 50 US dollars since the outbreak.

Not only are life sustaining services declining, leisurely travel is also plummeting. Many people were in Mexico when the swine flu broke out and immediately rushed back home. Since then, airlines have lost profits since travelers are staying away from potential danger areas. With all the negativity going around, one can only hope that people get better quickly so that the world economy can once again flourish and can be clear from swine flu.

Is Swine Flu Life Threatening?

With all the concern about the swine flu leading to cancellation of events, government panic, and school closures, how dangerous is the swine flu really? The death toll attributed to the swine flu, or H1N1 influenza, has now risen to 29 in Mexico. The U.S. has had two deaths that have been attributed to the swine flu. Although the first death was a visitor from Mexico, this latest death was a U.S. citizen. No other deaths have been reported worldwide.

Considering the fact that the standard flu kills around 36,000 people in the U.S. alone each year, these relatively few deaths from the swine flu is actually good news. Most of those who have died from the swine flu had other serious health problems or complications that led to their deaths. For instance, the most recent US casualty--a woman in Texas on the Mexican border--had recently given birth, as well as having chronic health problems and pneumonia.

From all indications, the swine flu appears to be somewhat milder than anticipated. Those who are in generally good health who contract the virus can expect fever, sore throat, cough, and possible other respiratory problems, as well as possibly diarrhea, headache, vomiting, and fatigue. However, it does not appear that healthy adults need to be overly fearful if they do come down with the swine flu. If you suspect that you may have the swine flu, contact your doctor to confirm. Anti-viral medication is available to help reduce the severity of the flu symptoms. The anti-viral treatments should begin as soon as the flu is identified and continue for five days.

What is the Cure for the Swine Flu?

With 29 deaths worldwide and counting, what should people do if they contract the swine flu? The H1N1 influenza virus, commonly known as the swine flu due to the fact that it originated from pigs, has no known “cure.” However, antiviral medications do exist to alleviate the symptoms and severity of the swine influenza virus. These medications reduce the ability of the flu virus to replicate, thereby shortening the length of the flu--typically by two days—as well as lessening the intensity of the flu symptoms.

Antiviral medications are only available by prescription, so it is important to confirm the diagnosis with a doctor. Antiviral medicine is most effective when taken within the first two days of the flu. If swine flu is confirmed, the CDC does recommend treatment by antiviral medications in order to minimize health risks.

Several antiviral medications are available. However, zanamivir (using the brand name of Relenza) and oseltamivir (with the brand name of Tamiflu) are the two main antiviral medications being recommended for treatment of the swine flu. They can be administered as a pill, in an inhaler, or in liquid form. The medication is typically taken for five days—or stopped within one or two days after symptoms disappear.

Side Effects of the Swine Flu Medications:

Unfortunately, many of the possible side effects of these medications sound similar to having the flu: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sinus or breathing problems, cough, bronchitis, dizziness, headache, and infections of the ear, nose and throat. An unusual side effect of the medication—especially in children—is a possible increase in confusion and self-injury, so it is important to monitor those taking the antiviral medication. As with any prescribed medication, report any side effects or concerns to your doctor.

Would a Swine Flu Vaccine be Effective?

Shouldn’t we have a swine flu vaccine by now? Every fall, the Center for Disease Control releases flu vaccines that target specific influenza strains that are expected to hit hard that following winter. Typically, these vaccines are fairly effective. So where can you get your swine flu vaccination? Unfortunately, the swine flu, or H1N1 flu virus--a flu strain spread by live pigs to people and now from person to person--has arrived unexpectedly and no vaccine preparations have been made for this specific strain. All current flu vaccines have no effect against the swine flu, which contains human, pig, and avian strains of influenza.

The process of creating a flu vaccine is time consuming—even with the threat of a world pandemic. If companies started today--which they haven’t—it would still take six months of preparation before you could walk into your local clinic and get a vaccine shot. Vaccines today are made in much the same way as 20 years ago: cultivating the flu-specific virus in fertilized chicken eggs, killing the live virus, and then purifying and testing the vaccines. The fact that you need a rooster and a hen, not to mention the incubation and testing periods, means that very little can improve upon the timeline for development.

However, once (and if) this swine flu vaccine is developed, it will be as effective against the swine flu as previous flu vaccines have been against their respective strains. The vaccine would specifically target the H1N1 virus, and those who are inoculated would have approximately 70-90% chance of beating the flu if exposed to that particular strain.

Until a swine flu vaccine is developed, continue with common by combating any airborne disease: wash your hands regularly with soap and warm water, limit physical contact like hand-shaking, don’t share food and drink with others, and keep your distance from those who appear sick. You cannot catch the swine flu from eating pork, and all bacteria and other viruses are killed when pork is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 160 degrees.

Precautions for Swine Flu

Everyone around the world is afraid and concerned about the latest Swine Flu outbreak. What started in Mexico has seemed to spread around the globe reaching various countries of Europe, many US states and case have been reported in India as well.

The precautions for Swine Flu are very simple. During this time of global tension and the fear of having a worldwide pandemic, everyone should be careful and take necessary precautions to avoid this virus.

· If you feel you are getting flu, DO NOT ignore it. Drink loads of water, stay hydrated and schedule and an appointment with your doctor immediately.

· If you have a fever, do not ignore it as this could also be one of the symptoms. Get a diagnosis and start a treatment immediately.

· If you sneeze or cough or have a runny nose, please be cautious and always cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough and otherwise wear a mask when you travel outside or are around people. This lowers the chances of other people catching your infection.

· Wash your hands frequently with a good soap or sanitizer to kill germs at all times.

· Avoid people who have flu like symptoms, or have a fever, bad throat or are sneezing. If avoiding is not possible, wear a mask around that and make them go to a hospital to get checked up to eliminate the fear of swine flu. God forbid, if they have the virus, get all the people who were in contact with him checked up for swine flu virus.

We can try and lower the risk of spreading the virus or catching it by following the simple precautions for swine flu.

The Latest Excuse, “ Swine Flu”

With the world being hit by the latest virus in humans, “swine flu”, many people have started to take advantage of it. With the repeat telecast on TV and tons of information on the internet about the symptoms of swine flu, people have made it their latest excuse for not going to office, school, colleges or other important places simply because they feel they have symptoms of swine flu.

Childish as it sounds, some of them may be true and being over cautious is always good that to ignore it and catch something that you can spread anywhere you go.

Many people have been misusing the “good name” of swine flu in simply getting a leave from office or to dump a bad relationship. At least, with all the atmosphere of fear, someone is having benefits from it. Jokes apart, be careful at all times. If your area has been hit or is being suspected from swine flu, wear a mask and try and increase your daily intake of water as well as hydrate yourself. Don’t rush into conclusions yourself that you have swine flu and let professionals tell you what it is. It might be just a common flu. So seek medical advice if you suspect something soon to confirm it.

Swine Flu on Twitter?

Twitter is one of the most popular micro blogging sites today. Thousands of people use it daily for hours and keep an eye on the latest happening.

The outbreak of swine flu is way more on twitter than in any other place. With all the major news channels and newspapers use twitter to update about their news, people sit and click on the news they find best answers their queries about swine flu. Twitter also helps them to know about local news as well as direct news from people who tweet to one another.

I just read on twitter that many people are currently scared or worried about getting the swine flu themselves and are asking people what plans to take. Twitter also has some survivor stories of swine flu which gives a light of hope to many who think swine flu is not beatable.

Many people are taking advantage of swine flu and selling ordinary face masks for as high as $10-$15 for just one mask. Claiming that they would be medicated, I really doubt it as the way that they are selling in the streets and marks aren’t they catching germs on it?

Even spam mail is full of swine flu. Every time I visit my spam mail, I see many emails claiming to have the cure of swine flu or how someone beat it by staying at home? Don’t open such mails. If there is a cure available at home, you will be informed via news channels or newspapers, not by these spam mails. Best thing is to keep your immune system boosted to be resistant and if you are elderly, a child or sick, try wearing a mask (bought from a pharmacy) to public places IF there is an outbreak in your country or area.