The school year has started up again, and that means homework, sports, plus the annual flu. This year students and teachers don’t only have to worry about not catching the annual flu, but they have to worry about the swine flu as well. Several students have been out sick with the swine flu (H1N1) already. Tahoma Senior High isn’t the only school to be affected by the infamous swine flu. Central Valley School District and Federal Way School District are just two of the several school districts affected by the swine flu so far this year.

 The swine flu is contracted just like any other flu, through coughs and sneezes. Just like any other flu, it can be prevented easily. Some ways to prevent the swine flu include, coughing or sneezing into your arm or the crease of your elbow. Washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer frequently are highly recommended as well.

If you do happen to get sick, STAY HOME. Coming to school despite the fact that you are sick is a fast and easy way to spread whatever bug you may have. Staying home helps to prevent the flu from being spread. If you are home sick and are concerned that you may have contracted the swine flu, there are some distinctive symptoms you can look for. You may experience, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and possibly, vomiting. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor can do simple tests to help confirm if you have the swine flu or if you just contracted the annual flu.

 The swine flu is rarely deadly especially since scientists have been able to study it more. Treating the swine flu almost immediately will significantly decrease the chances of the swine flu turning fatal. With the vaccine now available to the public, doctors have more resources to fight this un-welcome flu. If everyone stays home, gets tested and treated, then we may be able to eliminate the swine flu at our school. Eliminating the swine flu all together would give everyone a chance to stop holding their breaths and just relax.