Swine Flu Information, Maps, Protection Kits, and More - Canada and U.S.

People around the world are beginning to panic over the spread of the "swine flu." Today health organizations are referring to the "swine flu" by it's proper name H1N1 Flu after thousands of pigs have been slaughtered in Egypt.

Whether or not you feel you're at risk it can't hurt to check out the 2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Outbreak Map to see if you should take precautions in your area. Here's another excellent interactive Swine Flu tracking map by Yahoo.

If the H1N1 Flu(Swine Flu)is your area you may want to stock up on a Family Swine Flu Infection Protection Kit ($39.95) or an On-The-Go Swine Flu Personal Infection Protection Kit ($19.95)

At the very least everyone should have a good Hand Sanitizer Gel that they can use after going out to public places like the movies, restaurants, or shopping malls. School classrooms should also have these available to students.

When you hear news article titles like "Swine Flu Alert Nears Pandemic Levels" it sounds like we're facing impending doom. But if you research what a "pandemic" actually is you'll find out that it's not the end of the world. Especially with the advances in today's science, medicine, and technology.

I was nine months pregnant durig the SARS outbreak and it wasn't until I was entering the hospital (in heavy labor) did I find out that there were SARS patients under quarantine in the same hospital. They had a tent set up in the lobby where they stopped to check everyone and give you a surgical mask.

I wore the mask until I was ready to give birth then they told me it was alright to take it off. After my daughter was born she did not wear a mask either although they made my husband wear one the entire time. (None of it made sense).

Some hospital visitors wore masks others did not, it was a scary time. I pity anyone who has to stay in the hospital during this latest pandemic they will likely be restricting visitors. SARS did not spread like they thought it would and I'm hoping that the swine flu won't either.

Here is a list of "swine flu" related links that you may want to bookmark for future reference, you can read the latest swine flu updates on CNN.com:

World Health Organization

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

5 Essential Swine Flu Survival Tips

Proper Handwashing Information

Information For Canadians

Public Health Agency Of Canada

Public Health Agency Of Canada - Frequently Asked Questions - Swine Flu

Related Books:

The epidemic that never was: Policy-making and the swine flu scare

The Swine Flu Affair: Decision-Making on a Slippery Disease