Food.Fun.Stuff: Swine Flu 101

Swine flu news has been buzzing all around us over the last week with new cases popping up everyday and deaths on the rise. Now that we are hearing so much about this virus, everyone wants to know what is it? Where does it come from?? Swine flu refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine). Strains endemic in swine are called swine influenza virus (SIV).

The virus can spread among humans through coughs, sneezes and particles of the virus can even linger on tabletops. Ways to help in preventing it from spreading to you? Frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the top ways to help in prevention. And for all you party-goers in areas where it is spreading, another suggestion has been to lay-low i.e. staying away from other people who might be infected and can include avoiding large gatherings, spreading out a little at work, or perhaps staying home.

There have not been any cases reported in the District, but this information is good to keep on hand just in case. Be safe!

*Information compiled from Wikipedia.org

Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pigsinapen-usdavideo.ogg