A flu pandemic dangerous strain of Influenza that crosses borders and is highly contagious to people. H1N1 flu is a type of Influenza with the potential (and even proven track record!) of crossing borders and killing people in different parts of the globe. It is the speed that this Influenza moves globally, mutates, and affects people that scare scientists who study it. The latest breakout of H1N1 (swine flu) in Central and North America has the ability to be carried by humans, birds, and swine. Any one of these hosts might be sick with another virus and allow the H1N1 flu virus to mutate and add in additional genetic code. These mutations might cause it to become deadlier, spread easier, or be harder to treat. No wonder organizations like the WHO and the CDC are so alarmed by the recent outbreak of H1N1 in the Americas.
It is vital that during a H1N1 flu pandemic you pay attention to the news. Governments will warn their people about restrictions on travel. Avoid these areas. If you are required to travel, be sure to use common sense. Carry antibacterial hand gel. Frequently wash your hands. Cover your sneezes. Consider wearing a H1N1 flu mask, to protect yourself and others. It protects you by reducing the risk of you inhaling the virus particles (spread via spittle and particles when a person sneezes or coughs). It protects others from your sneezes/coughs.
The entire point of this website it to encourage readers to pass knowledge, not fear or flu to others. Plan ahead. Flu masks are easy to obtain during 'normal' times. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions. Order online or through your local pharmacy. Do it today. Flu masks are easy to store, fairly cheap, and help reduce your chance of getting the flu when you practice safe hygiene.
Realize that flu masks cannot protect you 100%. Avoid sick people. If you are sick, stay home and help protect others from the flu. When out and about, wear your H1N1 flu mask and avoid touching objects and then your face. Keep germs and viruses away from you. If at all possible, avoid groups as much as possible.
Fortunately, current technology provides us many safeguards against the next H1N1 flu pandemic. We are alerted to it earlier thanks to 24/7 news coverage, cell phones, and the internet. Additionally, more and more of us are able to work from home and thereby reducing our chance of interacting with an affected person. Finally, technology provides us opportunities to plan ahead....do your research now on H1N1 flu masks and order some today! If things get bad, as they will in a pandemic, having flu masks might save your life.