Tip # 1 - Do not be fooled into thinking a facemask will prevent swine flu
While it helps to wear a facemask when you are ill, the swine flu can still be spread when you wear one. While there isn't a lot you can do to prevent yourself from getting the swine flu, wearing a facemask isn't going to be a cure-all problem. The only reason why a facemask can help is if you are not in close proximity to another person. Throw out the facemask once you are done with it. Never reuse a facemask.

Tip # 2 - You can still get the swine flu with a vaccine
Vaccinations are the best way to prevent yourself from getting the swine flu, but the regular flu vaccination will not protect you against the swine flu. The swine flu is a completely different type of flu bug that most of the country has not yet been exposed to.

Tip # 3 - There is more to prevention than washing your hands
Washing your hands is a great way to avoid spreading the flu, but there is a lot more than washing your hands that you need to do to avoid getting the swine flu. Here are a couple other things you need to do:

• Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands or using disinfectant wipes.


• Stay away from anyone that has the flu.


• Stay home if you have a fever and you are experiencing flu-like symptoms


• Use a tissue to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough

Tip # 4 - Do not attend a swine flu party
This is not like the chickenpox; swine flu is extremely serious, especially to younger children. The only way to truly protect your children from swine flu is to get the vaccine. The vaccination is a mild dose of swine flu, and usually children do not experience any symptoms of the flu, but they are protected against it.

Tip # 5 - Do not go to work if you are ill
The worst thing you can do for yourself and for anyone else is to go out in public when you are ill. The swine flu is one of the worst cases of the flu as it normally places people out of commission for about 3 to 14 days. You will experience a high fever for at least 24 hours. Stay home, especially when you are experiencing a fever because this is when you are the most contagious.

Tip # 6 - Don't forget to take preventative steps
Besides washing your hands and staying home, there are other things you can do to prevent the swine flu from infecting you and your children. Whenever you go out in public, grab the disinfectant wipes and wipe down the shopping cart. Always wipe your hands before you get into your car to try and get rid of any germs.

Tip # 7 - Don't forget about cleaning
It is important to clean not only your home, but your office as well. You must also clean your car and other areas that are commonly touched. Get some disinfectant wipes and clean the doorknobs, steering wheels, phones, desks, and other areas in your office and home. Wash your towels and sheets often to try and keep everything as clean as possible.

Tip # 8 - Don't worry yourself
You must not get caught up in the fear of what the media is saying about the swine flu. Only one percent of the population is susceptible to serious illness and death from the swine flu. If you are unable to get the vaccination, you can work on improving your health so your immune system is ready to fight hard if you unfortunately come down with the swine flu.

Tip # 9 - Don't rush to the doctor for every sniffle
The fear of swine flu has caused many people to run to the doctor every single time they catch a cold. Do not rush to the hospital for every little sneeze. Watch for serious symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea accompanied by a high fever for more than 48 hours. The best thing to do is to stay home and drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest to help your immune system work hard to fight off the illness.

Tip # 10 - Don't send your kids to school if their classmates have been sick
You must also be weary of sending your children to school or to public places if someone has been infected with swine flu and you have not been able to get the vaccine. Keep your children home for a couple days and contact the health department to find out when they are offering swine flu vaccinations. You cannot keep your kids away from school for too long so be sure to teach them about what they can do to prevent swine flu.