By awimom
on Apr 30, 2009  

I'm just paying attention to handwashing a little more closely than usual; otherwise I figure we can't live in a bubble....

By purplestar
on Apr 30, 2009  

I am not overly concerned at this moment, because the swine flu has not hit our area. However, if it does, then I will be in a more cautious mode. I am always cognizant of doing things that help prevent the spread of germs anyway, but not to the point of wearing masks in public that probably won't prevent the flu from spreading anyway.

By grynchlyx
on Apr 30, 2009  

Taking general precautions of hygiene you should be alright:: washing of the hands before and after eating, when in public places (subway, restaurants, work, etc.,), going to the bathroom etc. First thing I do when I get to work is wash my hands & wipe down my work area(desk, phone, keyboard with a common spray used in hospitals and by the cleaning people called Cavicide which kills much of the bacteria and mucous etc.. which lingers on instruments we use daily). Before & after leaving work I wash hands again, then it's the first thing I do when I get home before and after I change out of my work clothes. Also, strengthening your immune system with vitamins, getting more rest and fluids, and eating well balanced meals so your body isn't already in a state where the flu (any flu) is easier to catch. We're only as strong as our minds and bodies allow us to be and if you don't take the time to do these preventative measures, you become more susceptible to illness.

By suoliu
on May 01, 2009  

From what I can understand about the swine flu is that you actually have to come into contact with the pigs in order to get infected. You can still continue to eat pork, but just make sure of the source and always handle and cook the meat properly.

By LaurasLegacy
on May 01, 2009  

As with any other illness, it should be taken seriously. After all, what's more important than your health. I will admit that there are some that are going completely overboard with this. Precautions should be taken every day, even when there is no "outbreak" -- not just for yourself, but for those around you. Be blessed, be safe.

By kate88
on May 01, 2009  

Even though I have the ability to not go to too many public places, my mother works in retail management! My suggestion to her was to take a high dose of vitamin C as a precautionary measure. My laboratory did research on this when I was in college. On a regular basis it is good to take 500mg per day capsule, on swine flu precaution it is best to up it to 1500.

By jessica23
on May 01, 2009  

I think we just need to take regular precautions as with any illness. I live in arizona and work at a hospital and I see alot of people freking out and heading straight to the er. but as for myself and family we are just practicing good hygene

By mle179
on May 01, 2009  

I am somewhat concerned - I mean, we wash hands, clean up etc here at home, but that's the norm with two small boys . The preschool I teach at is doing the same thing, just making sure to clean a bit extra. What concerns me is that more people die (my heart DOES break for that sweet little babies family) each year from the "normal" flu and they are treating this like it is a bigger deal, maybe it is in the long run but as of know it just seems like something to do (media). Maybe they need to be more concerned with what is going on in the Middle East - a nuclear armed country is more dangerous in the end

By DEXTERBUZZ
on May 01, 2009  

This is a concern -4 towns in my community have had schools that have closed due to potential outbreaks - very scary when it is in your own backyard. Kids spread germs so easily that this is on my mind everyday.

By 1hotlilmama
on May 01, 2009  

Since we live in Texas and seem to be very close to the outbreak we are being extra careful. My kids are visiting my mom and sister on my mother and fathers farm for a few weeks so they are out of harms way. I'm not willing to chance them getting sick. It's spreading all over Houston. They've already closed three of our schools, so my kids are having fun with grandma and staying healthy for two weeks or so! Longer if need be. You bet we're being careful, our kids are our everything. I would rather overreact then be sorry I didn't react.