Viral pandemics are here to stay and could be a consequence of global climate change as the world gets warmer.

This new outbreak of the North American flu is a hybrid of avian, swine and human causes. Also, one wonders as more and more people move into urban settings from rural areas that the spread and deadly consequences of viral outbreaks become more deadly. Several years ago for the first time in human history, more people now live in urban areas than rural areas.

And these viral outbreaks can spread a lot faster than nowadays with the speed people can travel worldwide. This new viral outbreak may have originated in Mexico and spread into the U.S.

Margaret Harris, assistant professor-health for the University of Arkansas division of agriculture, said that taking simple precautions such as hand washing can go a long way in keeping swine flu at bay.

“The same precautions you would take during cold and flu season apply to this outbreak of swine flu,” Harris said.

The first line of defense is hand washing and be sure to wash with warm water and soap for 15 to 20 seconds. Using alcohol-based wipes are a good follow up if soap and water aren’t available.

Keeping hands away from the face is also an effective preventative.

“Your eyes, nose and mouth offer the flu virus and other germs direct access to your body,” she said. “Be aware of this if you are tempted to rub your eyes, bite your fingernails or scratch your nose.”

There are other basic health measures that can help prevent infection, including keeping the immune system in good shape through exercise, good nutrition, adequate sleep and stress control.

Plus there are two key steps in helping prevent infection: “If you’re sick, don’t come to work and see your doctor ASAP,” Harris said. “And of course, avoid close contact with people who are sick.”

According to the federal Centers for Disease Control, symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal flu. They include: fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Parents should seek medical help immediately if they notice the following in their children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting