The World Health Organization (WHO), on June 11, 2009, raised the worldwide pandemic alert level to Phase 6 in response to the ongoing global spread of the novel influenza A virus.
A Phase 6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is underway.
The outbreak of the H1N1 flu (formerly called the Swine flu) has caused much panic amongst the masses.
I think it's OK to be concerned about the situation, but panic is not warranted.
Yes, Preparedness to deal with the recent H1N1 flu is good, but preparedness by being ill-informed does not help the situation and this is exactly the sort of thing that creates panic.
What is H1N1 Flu? I think it's important to first understand what H1N1 flu really is.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) defines the flu as a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.
People do not normally get H1N1 flu, but human infections can and do happen.
H1N1 flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
What are the Symptoms of H1N1 Flu and how does it Spread? Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and fatigue are the most common symptoms of the flu, but diarrhea and vomiting have also been associated as symptoms.
Yes, the flu is contagious and the virus is spread mainly through coughing and/or sneezing of people infected with the virus.
In other instances, people may contract the virus by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
What Precautions Must I Take to Prevent from Contracting the Virus? Medical experts recommend the following:

• Wash your hands or use the sanitizers with over 60% alcohol content in it;
• Try to stay in good general health by being physically active, drinking plenty of water and good fluids, eating nutritious meals along with quality nutritional supplements and getting enough sleep;
• Manage your stress by meditating, staying positive and laughing a lot (it is indeed the best medicine);
• Try not touching surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus;
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  

What to do if I get Sick? If you live in areas where the flu cases have been identified and people have become sick the H1N1 flu-like symptoms mentioned above you may want to contact the local health care provider.
Accordingly, they will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick (including your children), you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
Do I need to Wear the N95 masks (respirators)? It seems like the mainstream media has caused a myth by broadcasting images of people wearing the N95 masks, to "protect themselves" from the H1N1 flu while interacting with one another.
Health officials say masks can help, but unless the person wearing the mask can ensure a sealed fit, the mask will offer no significant protection.
This can be more of a problem for children or men with beards.
Before I conclude, one point worth mentioning is that H1N1 flu viruses are not spread by food.
That is to say, you cannot contract the the flu virus from eating pork or pork products.
Consuming safely handled and cooked pork products is safe.
In conclusion, it is necessary to take precautions as outlined in this article to prevent from contracting or spreading the virus.
Being stressed and worried does not help the situation, if in doubt if you or your child are feeling sick, contact your local health care provider before rushing to the emergency.
Unless of course, you see warning signs warranting to do so.