Swine influenza, commonly known as swine flu is caused by type A influenza virus often referred to as H1N1 virus. It is sort of a respiratory disease commonly found in pigs. Almost every year the disease outbreaks in pig though do not cause any mass death. Human beings usually don’t get infected with swine flu. Actually swine flu has taken a deadlier form by getting mixed up with a gene segment from bird flu and another one from human flu. In fact, pigs are often considered to be the right kind of mixing bowl. The prime concern is that as this virus is uncommon, human body has not formed any kind of immunity within his system.

Persons gorging on pork products are at no risk of getting infected with this disease. There is also a high chance of getting contaminated with this disease even without being exposed to infected pigs. In fact swine flu has taken this virulent form mainly due to human to human infection.

We are well aware that prevention is better than cure. So if every one of us adopts some preventive measures, threat and panic of pandemic will cease to march further. Here are few tips for the students to get themselves protected against the deadly clutches of swine flu.

• Covering ones face while sneezing is highly recommended. Always throw off the tissue in nearby dustbin. Make sure to put a cover on your face even anyone nearby is coughing or sneezing.
• Frequent washing of hands with soap preferably with a medicated one especially after coughing or sneezing has been recommended by medical practitioners. Make sure to clean your hands thoroughly before eating. If possible, use a spoon or fork instead of your hands while taking foods.
• If not needed, avoid touching any part on your face especially when you are travelling and have no chance of cleaning your hands and face. A kiss on peck should also be avoided. These are the most common ways through which germs of swine flu can easily spread.
• Try to stay away from infected person. Evasion is one of the ways to lessen possibility of getting infected.
• If you are running with temperature accompanied by breathing problems or any other kind of abnormal symptoms, don’t delay in visiting a doctor. Swine flu is curable but it may cause death if neglected.
• If you are diagnosed with swine flu, don’t let others in coming closer to you. Stop going to school. In this way, you can contribute a little in preventing it spread further.
• Follow a healthier diet. Increase intake of vitamin C, have sound sleep and do your regular exercise; you are guaranteed to stay healthy.
• Avoid travelling to crowded places. If you are planning a trip to such countries which are reported to have high percentage of swine flu infection just for vacations, postpone it.

Let’s join hands in putting up a tough fight against swine flu.