Swine flu resources
A new strain of swine flu, a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses, was identified in April of 2009. The virus, which broke out in Mexico, spread across the world and was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in June 2009.
PREVENTING THE FLU
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
SOURCE: CDC
Your questions
Dr. Deborah Yokoe, an infectious disease specialist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Dr. Anita Barry, Director of the Infectious Disease Bureau for the Boston Public Health Commission, answered your questions about the swine flu.
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7 ways to avoid it
Symptoms associated with swine flu, and ways you can prevent it. |
The Big Picture
Photo gallery
LATEST NEWS
Swine flu kills 540
children, CDC estimates
Swine flu has killed at least 540 children nationally since emerging in the United States in April, according to federal estimates released that provide compelling evidence that the novel virus is making more young people seriously ill than typical seasonal strains. (Boston Globe, 11/12/09)
Diocese altering its rituals
as a swine flu precaution
Catholic Leaders recommended suspending the sharing of handshakes during the "sign of peace" and consecrated wine at Communion during Mass. (Boston Globe, 10/28/09)
- Photos The recommendations of the Archdiocese
- H1N1 vaccine availability this weekend questioned
- Photos How has swine flu changed us? Take a look
Big jump in Mass. flu cases
The state has seen a jump in flu activity this week that has led one Central Massachusetts high school to close and that appears to signify the arrival of the second wave of swine flu. (Boston Globe, 10/24/09)
Swine flu vaccine delayed
Swine flu vaccine shipments to Mass. are running three weeks behind schedule, forcing the state to direct local health departments to cancel vaccine clinics scheduled for next month. (Boston Globe, 10/21/09)
Companies try to get jump on swine flu
Local employers are gearing up for the virus, which the Boston Public Health Commission is cautioning could infect 30 percent of the population this fall and winter. (Boston Globe, 10/14/09)
- Nearly half of swine flu patients had been healthy
- Common signs indicate danger for kids with flu
- CDC official downplays risk of swine flu vaccine
- Vaccine passes safety test
Back to flu
With schools opening, it's time to prepare for swine strain that targets the young. (Boston Globe, 8/31/09)
- N.E. colleges brace for swine flu assault
- Day-care centers urged to be alert
- Flu derails obesity initiative in schools | Interactive
Flu onset exposed supply problems
The arrival of swine flu in the United States exposed gaps in the supply chain that delivers medication, masks, and even testing swabs to hospitals and doctors' offices - shortcomings that could prove vastly more worrisome if a deadlier strain returns in the fall, officials say. (By Stephen Smith, Globe Staff)
- Hot on the trail of swine flu at Harvard
- Graphic Timeline of the swine flu outbreak at Harvard
- WHO director brings seasoned urgency to flu battle
Mass. official is Mr. Clean
Alfred DeMaria (left) of the Department of Public Health hopes that his hints and tips about washing up help fight off the swine flu in Massachusetts. (Boston Globe)