1. No cause for panic.

So far, swine flu isn't much more threatening than regular seasonal flu. During the few months of this new flu's existence, hospitalizations and deaths from it seem to be lower than the average seen for seasonal flu, and the virus hasn't dramatically mutated.

That's what health officials have observed in the Southern Hemisphere. Still, more people are susceptible to swine flu and U.S. health officials are worried because it hung in so firmly during the summer - a time of year the flu usually goes away.

2. The virus is tougher on some people.

Swine flu is more of a threat to certain groups - children under 2, pregnant women, people with health problems like asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Teens and young adults are also more vulnerable to swine flu.

Ordinary, seasonal flu hits older people the hardest, but not swine flu. Scientists think older people may have some immunity from exposure years earlier to viruses similar to swine flu.

What are the symptoms?

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Dry cough
• Tiredness and weakness
• Chills
• Body or muscle aches

3. Wash your hands often and long.

Like seasonal flu, swine flu spreads through the coughs and sneezes of people who are sick. Emphasize to children that they should wash with soap and water long enough to finish singing the alphabet song, "Now I know my ABCs..." Also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

4. Get the kids vaccinated.

These groups should be first in line for swine flu shots, especially if vaccine supplies are limited - people 6 months to 24 years old, pregnant women, health care workers. Also a priority:

• Parents and caregivers of infants,
• people with those high-risk medical conditions previously noted.

5. Get your shots early.

If you are in one of the priority groups, try to get your shot as early as possible. Check with your doctor or local or state health department about where to do this.

6. Immunity may not take as long as we thought

It was initially thought that it would take two shots, given three weeks apart, to provide a robust immune response to this virus, but now due to recent research, it is felt that a robust immune response is obtained in most healthy adults 8-10 days after a single dose of the vaccine; although children under 10 will still likely require two shots.

The regular seasonal flu shot has been widely available since September. People over 50 are urged to be among the first to get that shot.

7. Vaccines are being tested.

Health officials feel confident that the swine flu vaccine is safe and effective, but they're testing it to make sure. The federal government has begun studies in eight cities across the country to assess its effectiveness. Vaccine makers are doing their own tests as well.

8. Help! Surrounded by swine flu.

If an outbreak of swine flu hits your area before you're vaccinated, be extra cautious. Stay away form public gathering places like malls, sports events and churches. Try to keep your distance from people in general. Keep washing those hands and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

9. What if you get sick?

If you have other health problems or are pregnant and develop flu-like symptoms, call your doctor right away. You may be prescribed Tamiflu or Relenza. These drugs can reduce the severity of swine flu if taken right after symptoms start.

If you develop breathing problems (rapid breathing for kids), pain in your chest, constant vomiting or a fever that keeps rising, go to an emergency room. Most people, though, should just stay home and rest, if they aren't one of the above high risk groups. Cough into your elbow or shoulder. Stay home for a least 24 hours after your fever breaks. Fluids and pain relievers like Tylenol can help with achiness and fever. Always check with your doctor before giving children any medicines. Adult cold and flu remedies are not for them.

Symptoms in children that need urgent medical attention:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• 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

Symptoms in adults that need urgent medical attention:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

10. No swine flu from barbecue.

You can't catch swine flu from pork - or poultry either (even though it recently turned up in turkeys in Chile).

Source: Associated Press, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene