Many of you may have heard of this swine flu business that is sweeping the nation and much of North America. 149 people have died in Mexico and the World Health Organization has called the outbreak a public health emergency. Fears of a global pandemic are running high, but don’t worry, swine flu is not currently an issue at Penn State, according to Penn State Live.

Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to seasonal flu. These symptoms include fever, tiredness, body aches and coughing. Runny nose, sore throat, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting also been reported.

Shelley Haffner, infection control nurse manager for University Health Services, advises following these basic guidelines to stay healthy:

— Wash your hands thoroughly and often — especially after coughing or sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

— Do not share utensils, drinks, cigarettes, or personal care items; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as cross-contamination can occur.

— Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Always dispose of tissues properly.

If you want to, you can wear those masks that were so popular in China during the SARS episode. I hear they’re all the rage south of the border. That would be a pretty wicked tan line though…

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