Every year there is research into the flu, focusing on finding the strain that will be the most likely to reek havoc in our population. A vaccine is developed for the strain that appears to be the biggest threat. This years winner is not the swine flu, but this strain of flu is certainly in the news.

This flu is of the type A/H1N1, which is the type that is spread via coughing or sneezing, spreading airborne droplets of liquid. Is it contagious? Yes, most definitely, as is any other strain of influenza.

If you are thinking that the best course of action is to change your diet and avoid eating pork products, lets clear up that point. You cannot contract swine flu from pork meat, but remember with any meats to cook at appropriate heats to the recommended temperature. Restrict your contact with live pigs, though, for you can contract this illness from a live pig.

How then do we protect ourselves from the swine flu? One of the most recommended is always to wash your hands often, especially before meals or handling of food. Do you need to wear one of those facial masks? No, that is not needed but can be considered if you are caretaking. Bottom line though, it is difficult to avoid an airborne virus.

How do you tell if you have swine flu? The symptoms are just like any other flu, with headache, fatigue, runny nose, cough, aching, and high fever. Call your doctor if you have these symptoms and are concerned about swine flu. Usually the flu is of more danger to the very young and very old, but in this case all ages are susceptible.

If you are thinking that the flu shot you received will protect you, well sorry you are out of luck. The vaccine is for a specific strain of influenza. It will take at least six months for a vaccine to be developed for this strain.

Are we looking at a pandemic with this new strain of the H1N1 virus known as the swine flu? The number of cases has grown, and with our travels the infestation is quickly spreading across multiple states in the U.S.

There are measures we can take in our daily lives to create a cleaner healthier environment, thereby reducing the risk of contracting any flu virus. Eating a healthy diet helps promote a stronger immune system. Anti-oxidants also support and promote better health. Using natural anti-bacterial and anti-viral supplements, both in your environment and in your personal health and hygiene, can wipe out a virus or flu before it takes hold.