Currently, the world is taken aback by the sudden epidemic that has spread so quickly over many countries. Known as the H1N1, it is also commonly known as the swine flu or swine influenza. Let's have a look on what this swine flu is about.

"Swine influenza (also called swine flu, pigfluenza, hog flu, and pig flu) refers to influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus that usually infect pigs and are called swine influenza virus (SIV). Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia."

Such a serious health issue reminds me of the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) series that struck the world 6 years ago, if I can clearly remember. At that point of time, all schools were closed. Businesses and tourism was affected. Economy was not fairing well too. Lots of health precautions were taken and cleanliness and hygiene was emphasised over and over again.

I pray hard that such a situation does not repeat down here.