For those people that the news channels have sufficiently freaked out about swine flu, also known as—in medical terminology—the H1N1 virus, don’t worry any longer: Here is a guide to what it is, what it isn’t, what’s being done and how to deal with it. Read it over and prepare for the season.

What is H1N1 virus?
H1N1 flu, sometimes referred to as swine flu, is the latest worry in the medical world. It began in April of 2009 and has since then been deemed a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the WHO, H1N1 flu is much like a regular influenza except slightly more contagious. Michael Mulig, a Hoover student who recently suffered from H1N1 flu, agreed.
“It’s really not that big of a deal,” he said. “It just makes you feel weak and tired.”
What are some symptoms of H1N1 virus, and who is at risk?
Aside from the weakness and exhaustion, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) said that signs of H1N1 are a fever, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Those 25 and younger are more prone to H1N1, and unlike regular influenza, the group least at risk is 65 and over.
How can you prevent H1N1 or cope once you have it?
To prevent swine flu, the WHO said it’s a matter of keeping your germs to yourself: Wash your hands, cover your mouth when you cough and keep contact to a minimum.
Another way to prevent the virus is to get the vaccine. The government purchased 250 million doses of the vaccine, so once it becomes available, most Americans should be able to get it.
If you have already developed the virus, get plenty of rest, hydrate and let it run its course. According to the CDC, most people who have developed H1N1 have been only mildly ill and have not needed medical attention. They advise to only go to the emergency room if you have the “emergency symptoms,” which include difficulty breathing, chest pains, confusion and severe or consistent vomiting. Otherwise, just call your family doctor for advice, and he or she will decide if the anti-viral drug is necessary.
What is being done close to home to prevent the virus?
The North Canton City Schools district is bustling with ways to prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus.
“The district is caring and concerned about student health, but we are not in panic mode; we are in planning mode,” superintendent Mr. Mike Gallina said.
An H1N1 response team has been created for the district, which meets monthly to keep up-to-date on the virus and the district’s plans. They have plans for a “community day,” where the vaccine will be distributed at an elementary clinic in the afternoon or evening and at the high and middle schools during the school day. Anyone wishing to receive the vaccine will need a signed form on the day of distribution.
As for school closings, “we’d have to be told [by the Stark County Health Department] to close school,” Gallina said.
The district is asking that confirmed cases be reported to the district and that students don’t come back until they have been fever free (without the help of Tylenol and Advil) for at least 24 hours.
“If all these precautions are taken,” Gallina said, “I think we are in good shape.”