Fall is fast approaching and concerns are again arising around swine flu preparedness. So, what exactly is the Swine Flu? Technically, we now refer to the swine flu virus as the H1N1 virus. It's an influenza virus or what we know as the "flu" although a much different and possibly deadlier version then the flu that normally circulates.

Originally, it was thought that this virus was like the flu virus that North American swine can contract, which is why it was referred to as "swine flu". Later when it was found to be a combination of avian (bird), swine (pig), and human genes it was referred to as the H1N1 virus (also because of complaints from the pig industry). The virus, like any other influenza virus, is contagious and can be spread from person to person.

Really it is a human flu virus since people are contracting it from other people and you cannot get it from eating pork.

During a normal flu season 36,000 thousand people will die, this year factoring in swine flu that number is estimated at 100,000 (conservative estimate) and maybe much much more.  Find out about how to prevent swine flu.

Below the CDC's influenza map, I have a list of good reasons to be at least concerned enough to educate yourself about the swine flu. I hope no matter how you feel about drug companies and the government that you consider practicing basic influenza prevention techniques.

I understand that it may seem like everyone is making a big deal about nothing, but please understand that influenza viruses can quickly change into something dangerous and flu season is an especially risky time for people.

 I won't advocate either way about the vaccine. Personally- I will not let my children get it because I feel it is too experimental and also I do not care for the standard ingredients used in flu vaccines, but that doesn't mean that you shouldn't get it. You should research the vaccine and the swine flu virus and decide what is right for you or your family, but please don't do nothing.

For a comparison of the 1918 flu and the 1976 flu from the view of a Naturopathic doctor, you can read this for more information about prevention from a alternative treatment stance. Find it here- alternative prevention of swine flu.

During the flu season some people are more at risk than others although no one is immune to serious complications from the swine flu or seasonal flu viruses.  I wanted to show a comparison of the different types of flu for you and who is most at risk in each category.

 Keep in mind with swine flu that most people who have died have been between the ages of 21-49 and may or may not have a pre existing condition.  Be vigilant is if you do get it and see your doctor.

Regular Seasonal Flu

• People 65 and older

• Children younger than 5

• Anyone who suffers from asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes
  

• Women who are pregnant
  

H1N1 or Swine Flu

• People 25 and younger

• Anyone who suffers from asthma, diabetes,  the immunocompromised, heart disease, kidney disease, or obese

• Anyone who suffers from neurocognitive or neuromusular disorders.

• Women who are pregnant

What are some basic swine flu prevention methods? Most of you already know the basic things you can do to prevent against swine flu because it is the same principal against protecting yourself from other germs:

• Frequent hand washing- after bathroom use, in a hospital, before you eat, if you cover your mouth to sneeze and anytime they are dirty. Wash long enough to say you ABC's for hand washing to be effective

• Use alcohol based "germ squirt"(as my kids like to say) or hand sanitizer whenever you come in contact with possible germs

• Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough with a tissue and dispose of it when done. The flu virus can live on some surfaces for hours at a time, for to effectively prevent swine fluyou must use a tissue then throw it away. If you don't have a tissue cough or sneeze into your sleeve. Try not to use your hands to cover your mouth, if you do wash them if possible( it's a good idea if you have kids to carry wipes or travel hand sanitizer).
  

• Get information to make a plan in the event of a pandemic- while some people are more at risk, the swine flu has shown that when it does cause death, it can be in a seemingly healthy person as well as at risk people. 

• Vaccination? While it is a good idea to get the regular seasonal flu vaccine, the swine flu vaccination may not be available to you because only so many will be ready in time for flu season. Also, consider that because of rushed production there has not been as much time to study the swine flu vaccine.
  

What are the missing steps you can take to make sure you know what you are dealing with? Read the all inclusive how to prepare for pandemic influenza viruses .

The more you learn about how to prevent swine flu by simply learn more about it. You will also have the added component of learning prevention methods for seasonal flu. Anytime you educate yourself against possible risks, you or your family will benefit.

You may be thinking that right now, this swine flu is not really a big deal. Maybe it isn't to you yet and maybe it won't be.

But if you could just think for a moment about those 522 people who have died already, seems like a small number unless it is someone you know. If swine flu or seasonal flu claims someone you know, the a number doesn't matter. All that will matter is that one person died.

It really can't hurt to educate yourself on how to prevent swine flu but it can help.

Just like the swine flu that we are dealing with, the flu that killed around 50 to 100 million people in 1918, was thought to be no big deal at first.

It first arrived in the spring and killed hardly anybody, come fall flu season that all changed. The 1918 flu, also a H1N1 influenza virus, ravaged more people than World War 1. Keeping that in mind it's a good idea to learn what you can so you can keep yourself safe in the event that it should become a bigger deal.

Below is some reading I recommend about how to prevent swine flu. I found out a lot about what to do about the swine flu, important information about influenza virus' and also how you should prepare for the swine flu if need be.

What I learned from reading Stephen's book is that, without a vaccine in place, perhaps fully one third of the global population will contract swine flu in the next 12 months. This is why the inoculation program is all but certain, even if it appears that it will now be delayed. While I may not necessarily agree with vaccination, this book certainly gives you all the information you need to make an informed decision about what to do should a pandemic arise. Don't face flu season without it!

The other thing worth keeping in mind is that economic times are tough, and the U.S. government would hardly be looking to dole out 10 billion dollars on a vaccine program if there was not a very real concern that things could turn bad very quickly with this pathogen.

This is why you want to make sure you fully understand the situation, and prepare yourself in the event that you find yourself ineligible for the first batches of this vaccine, which by all accounts will be in limited supply for the duration of 2009.

Feel free to read more of his truly informative book at his website which can be found here:http://www.to-stop-swine-flu.info

I haven't read these last two myself, but from what research I have done on them, people seem pretty happy with the information in them. If you don't like them just return them. I believe all of them have money back guarantees. I like the book above, it really hit home with the necessary information but you can find a lot of good information in different places.

This book is written by a homeopathic doctor it uses the 1918 flu and also the 1976 flu as an example of two different outcomes when dealing with possibly pandemic flu. While it is important to learn about the other extreme like in the case of the 1976 flu, keep in mind that only one person died whereas we have already had 522 deaths from this flu. Also this would be good in considering about the risks of vaccination using a newly created vaccine.  And certainly it is worth it to learn other all natural ways you can reduce your risk of infection from the swine flu virus.

There isn't much information about this author of this report, but you should always fact check any information that doesn't sound right. At $7 you may find useful information for a great price that can help prep you for the upcoming flu season.  I still recommend the book that I read, I think you get what you pay for. Certainly the bullet points laid out on it's page make it look like it will be informative so check it out.