The swine flu or the H1N1 virus has really been a scare. It not only affected a few people but a population. Because of the characteristic of the strain of this virus it is highly contagious. The threatening part of it is that it can be easily spread to various people even if it is just one person who has it. It has the signs and symptoms of a normal flu like chills, sore throat, coughing, runny nose, headache, body ache, fatigue, fever and for others vomiting and diarrhea are also manifested. A number of deaths have been related to the virus yet many of the cases have been resolved. People are more at risk if for example they acquire the disease then they have an existing health problem. It may complicate their condition. Old age, newborns and pregnancy are very much at risk as well. If you have signs and symptom of these better consult a physician and undergo throat swab to diagnose the disease. to protect yourself and prevent the spread of the virus you should cover your mouth when sneezing and coughing, throw the used napkin in a trash bin, avoid going to places with lots of people, always do handwashing and if you are sick better rest at home for at least 7 days.