When it comes to the recent swine flu outbreak, the World Health Organization in Geneva and the U.S. Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, agree that the first order of business is PREVENTION. 

Studies are ongoing as to how this particular A (H1N1) swine influenza is transmitted, but so far neither contact with pigs nor eating pork has been linked to the spread of the flu.  The flu is normally transmitted through the respiratory tract and spread when people come in contact with droplets of infected body fluids. 

According to a report this morning on Bloomberg.com, "N95 respirator masks, when properly used, filter germs from the breath and hamper the spread of flu."  You can find all types of respirator masks at AllegroMedical.com, along with medical gloves,  antibacterial sanitizers and high level disinfectants in the company's Swine Flu Products Category.

What can you do to avoid Swine Flu?

*  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.  Dispose of the tissue in the trash.  For extra precaution wear an N95 Particulate Respirator Mask.  These are being used worldwide to help contain the spread of the flu.

*  Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  The CDC also recommends the use of Alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

*  If you are in contact with others, avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  That's how germs are spread.  Again, keep your hands sanitized.

*  Avoid close contact with sick people, if you can help it.  The flu is spread mainly through people sneezing and coughing around each other.

*  The CDC recommends that if you get sick, stay home from work or school to prevent the spread of infection.

*  Practice good health habits.  Get plenty of sleep, be active, manage your stress, drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious food.

According to an interview with Dr. Nancy Snyderman on NBC's Today Show, the human body has no natural immunity to the swine flu and the incubation period is about 48 hours. 

Swine Flu Symptoms include:

*   High fever of 102+

*  Cough

*  Chills

* Headache

* Aches  and Pains

*  Some reports include nausea and diarrhea

Dr. Synderman says "You KNOW you're sick."  Don't worry that you have the swine flu if your are experiencing cold symptoms or spring allergies.   We don't want to overwhelm the system with everyone rushing to the doctors for every sniffle. 

If you start to experience flu-like symptoms, stay home, have your kids stay home and call the doctor.  If you happen to have the flu, check out Allegro Medical's Cold and Flu Products to make you feel better. 

Read "Understanding Swine Flu Outbreak: Questions and Answers" for more information. 

Be smart, and take care of yourself!