The current influenza outbreak relates to an Influenza A virus (H1N1) normally found in pigs and has been referred to as the swine flu although you cannot catch this flu strain by eating pork products. There are many such viruses and they rarely infect humans. The virus currently causing human illness is a new strain of flu that has developed the ability to infect people and be transmitted from person-to-person.

Although this new virus has been called "swine flu," it is not transmitted from pigs to humans or from eating pork products. Like other respiratory diseases, it is spread from person to person through coughs and sneezes. When people cough or sneeze, they spread germs through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch.

Please see this checklist for things you and your family can do to prepare for a pandemic. And here are links to fact sheets on the Swine Flu (Spanish) and Cleaning & Disinfecting Surfaces. (Spanish)

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it;
• Wash your hands often with soap and water frequently, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective;
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people;
• If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them;
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.