First detected in 2009 in the United States, the swine flu has affected several countries worldwide. Citizens of different countries are now in a state of panic as more and more people are reported to have died from this dreaded disease. This hysteria isn’t really surprising considering the fact that it is the first disease to have been declared as level 5 by the World Health Organization – only one step away from a full blown epidemic.

Swine flu is not a new disease but the H1N1 strain is completely new. This is the reason why many people are panicking – this is a new disease and very few doctors knew how to treat it. Thanks to the release of tamiflu and several flu drugs, now there’s a way to prevent and treat people who have contracted the disease. The swine flu is no longer as uncontrollable as most people would think.

While is true that the disease has caused several deaths worldwide, we need to remember that most of the cases are non-life threatening. Most people who have contracted H1N1 have survived; thanks to flu drugs which can now be bought in several pharmacies today. Antiviral medications such as tamiflu works well, but keep in mind that these flu drugs are not substitutes for a flu shot. Many doctors agree that vaccination is still the first line of defense for flu protection.

According to the WHO, anyone who is starting to experience flu symptoms should take flu drugs within 48 hours. It doesn’t matter if it’s H1N1 or regular influenza you’re contracting, by taking tamiflu you can stop the virus spreading in the body and should help you recover quickly. Also, if someone in your family has the flu, everyone should also take flu drugs so that they don’t become infected with the disease.

Aside from the worldwide panic it has caused, the swine flu is also starting to harm the business sector. Companies are reporting low productivity because there are more and more employees who are getting sick. Aside from this, many people cannot travel for fear of contracting the disease. The result is that economies which rely on tourism are suffering.

Good hygiene and hand washing practices is your best defense. Use a hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands.

Good hygiene and hand washing practices is your best defense. Use a hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands.

If you are an entrepreneur, you should make it a point to put hand sanitizers in areas where your employees and customers can come in contact with germs.

Keep your countertop, floors and other surfaces clean. Ask your employees to use rubber gloves when cleaning.

If you have a sick employee, ask them to stay at home so to prevent the disease from spreading. Although this is not a sure-fire way of preventing swine flu, you can protect your customers.

In a relatively fragile economy such as what we have today, the H1N1 virus have affected productivity. It has dissuaded people from travelling. Although the swine flu is not deadly, it surely has drastic effects on the business sector. It is important that you prevent the flu from spreading so make sure to provide your business with the protection it needs.