Swine flu is a type of influenza that can be seen in pigs. Generally this influenza does not infect humans or other animals. However, 2009 saw a new strain of swine flu that was infection to humans. This was the H1N1 influenza or Influenza A Swine flu. The new strain contained genes of bird flu, normal human flu and swine flu germs. The global outbreak and deaths raised awareness and resulted in mass panic. The airborne, highly contagious disease caused more panic then the bird flu, merely years earlier.
Because of the nature of the disease, infected people were advised to isolate themselves from healthy people to avoid spreading of the disease. Airborne diseases like swine flu travel in the form of miniscule water droplets usually through breathing, coughing or sneezing. Hence, when infected, the best way to prevent future infection is to make sure these said droplets cannot get to another person. This is why isolation or quarantine is the best way to prevent spread of the H1N1 virus.
Awareness campaigns went all out to make sure everyone knew the procedures to take in case of infection. Coughing, sneezing and eating were all to be followed by a thorough hand wash and sanitization. Many cities advised the use of face mask for those who had to use public transport and go to public places.
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