The recent swine flu outbreak has Canadians worried and taking extra precautions to stay healthy and safe. We’ve got an overview of the symptoms, and best practices to keep the H1N1 Flu Virus at bay.
Swine flu symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to those of seasonal influenza. Common symptoms can include, but may not be limited to, the following:
• Fever;
• cough;
• runny nose;
• sore throat;
• body aches;
• difficulty breathing;
• lack of appetite.
How to protect yourself
Wash your hands often. Scrub them thoroughly using soap and water several times a day, and carry hand sanitizer and / or antibacterial wipes in your purse. Here is a summary of the recommended hand-washing technique by the Public Health Agency of Canada:
1. Remove any jewellery and wet your hands.
2. Use liquid soap and rub your hands together for 20 seconds to produce lather.
3. Rinse your hands under clean, running water for 10 seconds.
4. Turn off the faucets using a paper towel.
5. Dry your hands with a paper towel.
Keep your germs to yourself. Cough and sneeze into your elbow or onto your arm—not your hand! And make an extra conscious effort not to share food or drinks.
Keep your environment clean. Make sure to keep surfaces of your home that you share with members of your family, as well as areas that you share with co-workers at the office (like kitchen counters, bathrooms, etc.) clean and disinfected.
Don’t go to work if you’re sick. Carry on with your daily activities, but do stay home if you’re feeling sick, and try to avoid crowds (and crowded places like buses and subways) so as not to make others sick, too.
See your doctor. In the event that you do experience severe flu symptoms, visit your doctor or walk-in clinic immediately.
For more information on the H1N1 Flu Virus, please visit the FAQ on the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website, or www.fightflu.ca. 
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