Please do not kiss your pet pig. You think I'm joking? As of April 29, 2009, the World Health Organization has raised the health alert for the swine virus to the “time to get organized” high of Phase 5.

Phase 5 indicates widespread human infection which means that, in at least two countries, sustained community level outbreaks are occurring and a pandemic might be imminent. It has risen above the level where animals get sick and only a few humans are affected. When a disease mutates and changes like the swine virus, the race for answers becomes of utmost importance. Currently vaccines are available to pigs for this influenza type A H1N1 virus but no effective vaccine has been created for the previously rare times when it finds its way into humans.

According to the CDC, the swine virus cannot be contracted by eating pork. Cooked pork or pork products, heated to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit kills off any harmful viruses and bacteria. As long as you handle the meat properly, it should be safe from any potential dangers.

The CDC is telling physicians to look for symptoms in people who have been to areas of known infection, had contact with live pigs or had contact with other infected parties. Just like a seasonal flu, it is passed through sneezing and coughing -- sending viral influenza into air and into other individuals.

The CDC also states that symptoms may include “fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.”

So, my daughter was home this week with a sore throat, cough and diarrhea. Should I think “swine virus?” As a parent, I am great at jumping to all kinds of conclusions but unless I hear that someone in her school is found with the virus, I really don't need to be worried. As with any seasonal flu or cold, I do plan on doing the following:

1. Encourage my child to cover her mouth when sneezing and coughing and have her use a disposable tissue when possible.
    
2. Make sure she washes her hands regularly.
    
3. Keep my daughter home for a day or two, limiting contact with others.
    
4. Make sure she gets plenty of rest and water.
    
5. See a physician if matters worsen. We saw a doctor for the sore throat but she didn't have strep or a fever. I am still watching in case a fever manifests itself, indicating some form of infection.
    
6. Maintain an awareness of the broader issues through watching the news and being aware of what is going on and what precautions are being taken in my area.

The swine flu is a mutating virus that should be treated with caution. Make sure you know your community and whether an occurrence has been treated locally. Viruses are also obtained through touching fresh germs and then touching one's eyes, nose or mouth.

If possible, encourage children of all ages to keep their hands out of their face, which I know is like putting water in front of a dying man in a desert and telling him not to drink. Thorough hand-washing with soap and water is highly recommended, especially at times like this.

Following these precautions, I think my daughter will pull through. I just hope I don't get it next! She might look at me funny if I come home with a face mask at this point. I think I'll stick to washing my hands a lot.