A snippet on the evening news, a headline in the newspaper. That's how most of us get our information about the H1N1 virus, aka swine flu. And sometimes it can be incomplete, contradictory and confusing.

Here then, according to Dr. Michael Schmidt, Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, are 10 things you should know about swine flu.

1. It's a world traveler: Since spring break in Cancun, the virus has been around the globe, spending the summer in Australia, New Zealand and South America. During this time, it has infected large numbers of people. This variant of the flu is highly contagious. If exposed, you have a 50-50 chance of getting sick.
   
2. You're infectious: You are infectious typically one day before you have symptoms and 24 hours after your fever breaks. Practice aggressive hand hygiene and control your sneezing and coughing.
   
   Too tired to text
   
   
3. Swine flu symptoms: A fever of 100 degrees is typical along with cough, sore throat and the hallmark aches, pains and lethargy. Translation: If you're too tired to text message, you've got it.
   
4. Born with immunity: People born between 1950 and 1980 have antibodies in their system that might protect them from the severity of the virus. However, the young and people with underlying health issues are vulnerable. Pregnant women should call the doctor early.
   
5. The arm's length rule: Keeping 6 feet between you and other people. This critter is transmitted by droplets, so gravity is our friend. Consequently, keeping people at arm's length means you're less likely to get attacked.
   
6. Hand hygiene works: The virus can stay viable on paper money for 17 days. Hand washing lessens your chances of getting the virus. So why are there fewer than a hundred swine flu cases at the College of Charleston and thousands at Washington State University? Charleston is still in the throes of summer, which means our mucus membranes are not drying out like they are in Washington state. The consequence is that it's much easier to get the virus in those dry areas.
   
   

   Get flu shots
   

7. Follow mother's advice: If you're sick, stay home in bed. The healthier you are, the quicker you will get better.
   
8. Swine flu vs. seasonal flu: It doesn't matter which you have, you treat it the same. Do you really want to spend your health care dollars figuring out which one you have?
   
9. Get flu shots: There is the traditional seasonal flu shot and there soon will be a vaccine for the swine flu. Get both.
   
10. The flu is the flu: You've had it before, and you will have it again. But simple measures like washing your hands and getting vaccinated will get you through this flu season.

DHEC on H1N1 Flu
Complete information on the Swine Flu from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

This article was written by Ken Burger and reprinted here with permission from the Post and Courier.