Flu scare all over the world

Recently WHO upgraded the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 indicating that a global pandemic is underway. More and more countries around the world are reporting cases of human infection. In such a case, it is to our benefit to take extra precautions to ensure our safety,right?The flu is generally a contagious respiratory illness caused by the human influenza virus and can result in mild to severe illness. But, swine flu has been known to cause several deaths in Mexico, though it hasn't caused any deaths in any of the other countries. Fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing, which are all symptoms of the human influenza virus, are identified to be the most common symptoms of swine flu as well.The flu has been known to transmit through coughing, talking, sneezing, through the air. Indirect spread by touching someone's sneeze on a telephone, doorknob or any public space and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes(all points of entry) can result in flu as well. Though wearing a mask would provide you with the utmost protection, in most cases, it is often enough to wash your hands prior to touching your mouth, eyes and nose, and prior to eating and drinking.