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With swine flu deaths in Mexico, and increasing incidents of diagnoses across the globe, we have to ask – should we fear swine flu?

The answer is no. Fear is unnecessary. But a healthy respect is definitely important.

A "Public Health Emergency"

Calling swine flu a public health emergency definitely gets our attention. But that doesn’t necessarily mean there is a crisis. It means that money gets distributed to public health officials who will take steps to protect us. Let those words remind you to take precautions. But don't be afraid of them.

Flu is Flu

Swine flu sounds scary because it originally came from pigs, and perhaps because we don’t have a way to vaccinate against it, or even cure it. But it behaves just like seasonal flues. We catch it the same way, and we can protect ourselves in most of the same ways.

Pandemic Describes Geography

The term “pandemic” has nothing to do with how sick we might get or how many people might die. It simply means this flu is found in several countries around the world. Pan comes from Latin and Greek meaning across or around. Demos means populations or people.

What About Those Face Masks?

Seeing people wear masks in news reports reminds us of SARS and bird flu from a few years ago. Masks aren't a bad idea, but they don't indicate that the flu is any more dangerous than any seasonal flu. Thousands of people die of seasonal flu each year, but we don't wear masks.

Put Your Fear Energy Into Protection Efforts Instead

Health officials tell us the best precautions against swine or any flu are those common sense steps we use to keep any contagious illness at bay:

• Keep your hands washed and sanitized.
• Avoid touching other people. For now, resist greeting others by shaking hands or hugging.
• Double check travel plans. The CDC has a travel advisory page that stays updated.

• Covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, using a tissue or even your sleeve, not your hands. Dispose of tissues immediately.
• Stay home from work or school.

An empowered patient realizes that solid background knowledge and active prevention are the best defenses against fear and flu.
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Learn more about Swine Flu and Frequently Asked Questions at my About.com guide site.