15 Cancer Symptoms Women Ignore

WebMD uncovers common cancer warning signs women often overlook.

By Kathleen Doheny
WebMD Feature

Women tend to be more vigilant than men about getting recommended health checkups and cancer screenings, according to studies and experts.

They're generally more willing, as well, to get potentially worrisome symptoms checked out, says Mary Daly, MD, oncologist and head of the department of clinical genetics at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

But not always. Younger women, for instance, tend to ignore symptoms that could point to cancer. "They have this notion that cancer is a problem of older people," Daly tells WebMD. And they're often right, but plenty of young people get cancer, too.

Of course, some women are as skilled as men are at switching to denial mode. "There are people who deliberately ignore their cancer symptoms," says Hannah Linden, MD, a medical oncologist. She is a joint associate member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and associate professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle. It's usually denial, but not always, she says. "For some, there is a cultural belief that cancer is incurable, so why go there."

Talking about worrisome symptoms shouldn't make people overreact, says Ranit Mishori, MD, an assistant professor of family medicine at the Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. "I don't want to give people the impression they should look for every little thing," she says.

With that healthy balance between denial and hypochondria in mind, WebMD asked experts to talk about the symptoms that may not immediately make a woman worry about cancer, but that should be checked out. Read on for 15 possible cancer symptoms women often ignore.

What Is Your Cancer Risk? Take the WebMD Cancer Health Check

No. 1: Unexplained Weight Loss

Many women would be delighted to lose weight without trying. But unexplained weight loss -- say 10 pounds in a month without an increase in exercise or a decrease in food intake -- should be checked out, Mishori says.

"Unexplained weight loss is cancer unless proven not," she says. It could, of course, turn out to be another condition, such as an overactive thyroid.

Expect your doctor to run tests to check the thyroid and perhaps order a CT scan of different organs. The doctor needs to "rule out the possibilities, one by one," Mishori says.
No. 2: Bloating

Bloating is so common that many women just live with it. But it could point to ovarian cancer. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include abdominal pain or pelvic pain, feeling full quickly -- even when you haven't eaten much -- and urinary problems, such as having an urgent need to go to the bathroom.

If the bloating occurs almost every day and persists for more than a few weeks, you should consult your physician. Expect your doctor to take a careful history and order a CT scan and blood tests, among others.

No. 3: Breast Changes

Most women know their breasts well, even if they don't do regular self-exams, and know to be on the lookout for lumps. But that's not the only breast symptom that could point to cancer. Redness and thickening of the skin on the breast, which could indicate a very rare but aggressive form of breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, also needs to be examined, Linden says. "If you have a rash that persists over weeks, you have to get it evaluated," she says.

Likewise, if the look of a nipple changes, or if you notice discharge (and aren’t breastfeeding), see your doctor. "If it's outgoing normally and turns in," she says, that's not a good sign. "If your nipples are inverted chronically, no big deal." It's the change in appearance that could be a worrisome symptom.

If you have breast changes, expect your doctor to take a careful history, examine the breast, and order tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, MRI, and perhaps a biopsy.

No. 4: Between-Period Bleeding or Other Unusual Bleeding

''Premenopausal women tend to ignore between-period bleeding," Daly says. They also tend to ignore bleeding from the GI tract, mistakenly thinking it is from their period. But between-period bleeding, especially if you are typically regular, bears checking out, she says. So does bleeding after menopause, as it could be a symptom of endometrial cancer. GI bleeding could be a symptom of colorectal cancer.

Think about what's normal for you, says Debbie Saslow, PhD, director of breast and gynaecologic cancer at the American Cancer Society in Atlanta. "If a woman never spots [between periods] and she spots, it's abnormal for her. For someone else, it might not be."

"Endometrial cancer is a common gynaecologic cancer," Saslow says. "At least three-quarters who get it have some abnormal bleeding as an early sign."

Your doctor will take a careful history and, depending on the timing of the bleeding and other symptoms, probably order an ultrasound or biopsy.

No. 5: Skin Changes

Most of us know to look for any changes in moles -- a well-known sign of skin cancer. But we should also watch for changes in skin pigmentation, Daly says.

If you suddenly develop bleeding on your skin or excessive scaling, that should be checked, too, she says. It's difficult to say how long is too long to observe skin changes before you go to the doctor, but most experts say not longer than several weeks.

No. 6: Difficulty Swallowing

If you have difficulty swallowing, you may have already changed your diet so chewing isn't so difficult, perhaps turning to soups or liquid foods such as protein shakes.

But that difficulty could be a sign of a GI cancer, such as in the oesophagus, says Leonard Lichtenfeld, MD, deputy chief medical officer at the American Cancer Society.

Expect your doctor to take a careful history and order tests such as a chest X-ray or exams of the GI tract.

No. 7: Blood in the Wrong Place

If you notice blood in your urine or your stool, don’t assume it's from a haemorrhoid, says Mishori. "It could be colon cancer."

Expect your doctor to ask questions and perhaps order testing such as a colonoscopy, an exam of the colon to look for cancer.

Seeing blood in the toilet bowl may actually be from the vagina if a woman is menstruating, Mishori says. But if not, it should be checked to rule out bladder or kidney cancer, she says.

Coughing up blood should be evaluated, too. One occasion of blood in the wrong place may not point to anything, Mishori says, but if it happens more than once, go see your doctor.

No. 8: Gnawing Abdominal Pain and Depression

Any woman who's got a pain in the abdomen and is feeling depressed needs a checkups, says Lichtenfeld. Some researchers have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer, but it's a poorly understood connection.

No. 9: Indigestion

Women who have been pregnant may remember the indigestion that occurred as they gained weight. But indigestion for no apparent reason may be a red flag.

It could be an early clue to cancer of the oesophagus, stomach, or throat.

Expect your doctor to take a careful history and ask questions about the indigestion before deciding which tests to order, if any.

No. 10: Mouth Changes

Smokers should be especially alert for any white patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue, according to the American Cancer Society. Both can point to a precancerous condition called leukoplakia that can progress to oral cancer.

Ask your dentist or doctor to take a look and decide what should be done next.

No. 11: Pain

As people age they seem to complain more of various aches and pains, but pain, as vague as it may be, can also be an early symptom of some cancers, although most pain complaints are not from cancer.

Pain that persists and is unexplained needs to be checked out. Expect your physician to take a careful history, and based on that information decide what further testing, if any, is needed.

No. 12: Changes in the Lymph Nodes

If you notice a lump or swelling in the lymph nodes under your armpit or in your neck -- or anywhere else -- it could be worrisome, Linden says.

"If you have a lymph node that gets progressively larger, and it’s [been] longer than a month, see a doctor," she says. Your doctor will examine you and figure out any associated issues (such as infection) that could explain the lymph node enlargement.

If there are none, your doctor will typically order a biopsy.

No. 13: Fever

If you have a fever that isn't explained by influenza or other infection, it could point to cancer. Fevers more often occur after cancer has spread from its original site, but it can also point to early blood cancers such as leukaemia or lymphoma, according to the American Cancer Society.

Other cancer symptoms can include jaundice, or a change in the colour of your stool.

Expect your doctor to conduct a careful physical exam and take a medical history, and then order tests such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or other tests, depending on the findings.

No. 14: Fatigue

Fatigue is another vague symptom that could point to cancer -- as well as a host of other problems. It can set in after the cancer has grown, but it may also occur early in certain cancers, such as leukaemia or with some colon or stomach cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.

No. 15: Persistent Cough

Coughs are expected with colds, the flu, allergies, and sometimes are a side effect of medications. But a very prolonged cough -- defined as lasting more than three or four weeks -- should not be ignored, Mishori says.

You would expect your doctor to take a careful history, examine your throat, check out your lung functioning and perhaps order X-rays, especially if you are a smoker.

15 Cancer Symptoms Men Ignore

Men, heed these possible clues and find cancer early, when it's more treatable.

By Kathleen Doheny

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

Some men are notorious foot-draggers, especially when it comes to scheduling doctor visits. That’s unfortunate. Routine preventive care can find cancer in men and other diseases in the early stages, when there are more options for treatment and better chances of a cure. Some men, though, would never go to the doctor except for the women in their life. According to Leonard Lichtenfeld, MD, deputy chief medical officer for the national office of the American Cancer Society, women are often the ones who push men to get screened for cancer.

Experts say that men could benefit greatly by being alert to certain cancer symptoms that indicate a trip to the doctor’s office sooner rather than later. Some of those cancer symptoms in men are specific. They involve certain body parts and may even point directly to the possibility of cancer. Other symptoms are more vague. For instance, pain that affects many body parts could have dozens of explanations and may not be cancer. But that doesn’t mean you can rule out cancer without seeing a doctor.

What Is Your Cancer Risk? Take the WebMD Cancer Health Check

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 1: Breast Mass

If you’re like most men, you’ve probably never considered the possibility of having breast cancer. Although it’s not common, it is possible. "Any new mass in the breast area of a man needs to be checked out by a physician," Lichtenfeld says.

In addition, the American Cancer Society identifies several other worrisome signs involving the breast that men as well as women should take note of.

They include:

• Skin dimpling or puckering


• Nipple retraction


• Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin


• Nipple discharge

When you consult your physician about any of these signs, expect him to take a careful history and do a physical exam. Then, depending on the findings, the doctor may order a mammogram, a biopsy, or other tests.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 2: Pain

As they age, people often complain of more aches and pains. But pain, as vague as it may be, can be an early symptom of some cancers although most pain complaints are not from cancer.

Any pain that persists, according to the American Cancer Society, should be checked out by your physician. The doctor can take a careful history, get more details, and then decide whether further testing is necessary, and if so what kind. If it's not cancer, you will still benefit from the visit to the office. That’s because the doctor can work with you to find out what's causing the pain and help you know what to do about it.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 3: Changes in the Testicles

Testicular cancer occurs most often in men aged 20 to 39. The American Cancer Society recommends that men get a testicular exam by a doctor as part of a routine cancer-related checkup. And some doctors suggest a monthly self-exam.

Yu tells WebMD that being aware of troublesome testicular symptoms between exams is wise. "Any change in the size of the testicles, such as growth or shrinkage," Yu says, “should be a concern.” In addition, swelling or a lump should not be ignored. Nor should a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. Some testicular cancers occur very quickly. So early detection is especially crucial. Yu recalls a young man who waited until his testicle was the size of a grapefruit before coming in for help. "If you feel a hard lump of coal [in your testicle], get it checked right away," Yu says.

Your doctor will do a testicular exam and an overall assessment of your health. If cancer is suspected, blood tests may be ordered. You may undergo an ultrasound examination of your scrotum. Your doctor may also decide to do a biopsy, taking a tiny sample of testicular tissue to examine it for cancer.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 4: Changes in the Lymph Nodes

If you notice a lump or swelling in the lymph nodes under your armpit or in your neck -- or anywhere else -- it could be a reason for concern, says Hannah Linden, MD. Linden is a medical oncologist and an associate professor of medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She is also a joint associate member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Wash. "If you have a lymph node that gets progressively larger, and it's been longer than a month, see a doctor," she says.

Your doctor will examine you and figure out any associated issues that could explain the lymph node enlargement, such as infection. If there is no infection, a doctor will typically order a biopsy.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 5: Fever

If you've got an unexplained fever, it may indicate cancer. It could also be a sign of pneumonia or some other illness that needs treatment.

Most cancers will cause fever at some point. Often, fever occurs after the cancer has spread from its original site and invaded another part of the body. But it can also be caused by blood cancers such as lymphoma or leukemia, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s best not to ignore a fever that can’t be explained. Check with your doctor to find out what might be causing it and if anything needs to be done.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 6: Weight Loss Without Trying

Unexpected weight loss is a concern, Lichtenfeld says. "Most of us don't lose weight easily." He's talking about more than simply a few pounds from a stepped up exercise program or to eating less because of a busy schedule. If a man loses more than 10% of his body weight in a short time period such as a matter of weeks, it’s time to see the doctor, he says.

Your doctor will do a general physical, ask you questions about your diet and exercise, and ask about other symptoms. Based on that information, the doctor will decide what other tests are needed.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 7: Gnawing Abdominal Pain and Depression

“Any guy who's got a pain in the abdomen and is feeling depressed needs a checkup,” says Lichtenfeld. Experts have found a link between depression and pancreatic cancer. Other symptoms can include jaundice or a change in the stool color, often a gray color.

Expect your doctor to do a careful physical exam and take a history. The doctor may then order tests such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI, and, possibly, other scans and tests.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 8: Fatigue

Fatigue is another vague symptom that could point to cancer in men. But a host of other problems could cause it as well. Like fever, fatigue can set in after the cancer has grown. But it may also happen early in cancers such as leukemia or with some colon or stomach cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.

If you often feel extremely tired and it doesn’t get better with rest, check with your doctor. The doctor will evaluate it along with any other symptoms in order to determine what’s causing it and what can be done about it.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 9: Persistent Cough

Coughs are expected, of course, with colds, the flu, and allergies. They are also sometimes a side effect of a medication. But a very prolonged cough -- defined as lasting more than three or four weeks -- should not be ignored, says Ranit Mishori, MD, assistant professor and director of the family medicine clerkship at Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. That kind of cough warrants a visit to the doctor. It could be a symptom of cancer, or it could indicate some other problem such as chronic bronchitis or acid reflux.

Your doctor will take a careful history, examine your throat, check how your lungs are functioning, and, especially if you are a smoker, perhaps order X-rays. Once the reason for the coughing is identified, the doctor will work with you to determine a treatment plan.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 10: Difficulty Swallowing

Some men may report trouble swallowing but then learn to live with it, Lichtenfeld says. "Over time, they change their diet to a more liquid diet. They start to drink more soup." But swallowing difficulties, he says, could be a sign of a GI cancer, such as cancer of the esophagus.

Let your doctor know if you are having trouble swallowing. Your doctor will take a careful history and possibly order a chest X-ray. The doctor may also send you to a specialist for an upper endoscopy to examine your esophagus and upper GI tract.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 11: Changes in the Skin

You should be alert to not only changes in moles -- a well-known sign of potential skin cancer -- but also changes in skin pigmentation, says Mary Daly, MD. Daly is an oncologist and head of the department of clinical genetics at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia.

She also says that suddenly developing bleeding on your skin or excessive scaling are reasons to check with your doctor. It's difficult to say how long is too long to observe skin changes, but most experts say not to wait longer than several weeks.

To find out what’s causing the changes, your doctor will take a careful history and perform a careful physical exam. The doctor may also order a biopsy to rule out cancer.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 12: Blood Where It Shouldn't Be

“Anytime you see blood coming from a body part where you've never seen it before, see a doctor,” Lichtenfeld says. "If you start coughing or spitting up blood, have blood in the bowel, or blood in the urine, it’s time for a doctor visit.”

Mishori says it’s a mistake to assume blood in the stool is simply from a hemorrhoid. "It could be colon cancer," he says.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms. The doctor may also order tests such as a colonoscopy, which is an examination of the colon using a long flexible tube with a camera on one end. The purpose of a colonoscopy is to identify any signs of cancer or precancer or to identify what else might be causing the bleeding.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 13: Mouth Changes

If you smoke or chew tobacco, you need to be especially alert for any white patches inside your mouth or white spots on your tongue. Those changes may indicate leukoplakia, a precancerous area that can occur with ongoing irritation. The condition can progress to oral cancer.

You should report the changes to your doctor or dentist. The dentist or doctor will take a careful history, examine the changes, and then decide what other tests might be needed.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 14: Urinary Problems

As men age, urinary problems become more frequent, says Yu. He's talking about the urge to urinate more often, a sense of urgency, and a feeling of not completely emptying the bladder. "Every man will develop these problems as he gets older," he says. "But if you notice it and it concerns you, you should seek attention." That's especially true if the symptoms get worse.

Your doctor will do a digital rectal exam, which will tell him whether the prostate gland is enlarged. The gland often enlarges as a man ages. It’s typically caused by a noncancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Your doctor may also order a blood test to check the level of prostate-specific antigen or PSA. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and the test is used to help determine the possibility of prostate cancer. If the doctor notices abnormalities in the prostate or if the PSA is higher than it should be, your doctor may refer you to an urologist and perhaps order a biopsy.

Cancer Symptom in Men No. 15: Indigestion

A lot of guys, especially as they get older, think "heart attack" when they get bad indigestion, even if they've just eaten and drunk their way through a marathon Super Bowl viewing. But persistent indigestion could point to cancer of the esophagus, throat, or stomach and should be reported to your doctor.

Your doctor will take a careful history and ask questions about the indigestion episodes. Based on the history and your answers to the questions, the doctor will decide what tests are needed.

How To Get Rid Of Acne In 3 Days:

1.) Eat only apples (Red Delicious Or Golden, Red Grapes can be substituted for those allergic to Apples)

2.) Drink only water

3.) On the last day drink 3oz. of Grape juice

4.) Massage pure castor oil into your skin before going to bed

5.) Internal cleansing of your bowel

6.) Don't use apples and Grapes, choose 1 and stick with it!

7.) 2 table spoons of Olive Oil at the end of the last day.

8.) Use a mild laxitive or enema (enemas are better to use) (you can find enemas online) (Fleet enemas are recommended) to cleanse your bowels

9.) 10 or more Red Delicious Apples per day (Peel the skin before eating them due to pesticides)

10.) 3 Enemas (Whatever brand is availble)

11.) Drink at least 6-8 16oz. bottles of water per day. The more water the better.

12.) Eat about 9 or 10 Apples the 1st day, 5 or 6 the 2nd and the rest of the Apples the 3rd day.

Herbal Tea ... 防流感中药方

防流感中药方

4月30号（星期四）早上9点15分，“爱谈天下事”邀请到 杨立前医师（专业中西和临床医生）来到“开讲天下议题”和我们谈谈最近流行的A（H1N1）型流感。杨医师提供以下药方以预防感染流感：
1．金银花 20克
2．菊花 15克
3．藿香 6克
4．防风 3克
5．红枣 5枚
以热水泡2-3分钟后就能马上服用，供2-3人饮用。杨医师特别提醒，不要加“板蓝根”，因为A（H1N1）型流感会导致呕吐、腹泻等症状，若加上板蓝根，会更加伤胃、伤肠而加剧病情恶化。
另外，如果你已经发现有流感症状，可采用由中国特殊机构认证的药方：
1.桑叶 12克
2.菊花 12克
3.杏仁 10克
4.枇杷叶 12克
5.意米仁 15克
6.银花 12克
7.葛根 15克
8.芦根 15克
9.桔梗 12克
10.莲翘 12克
11.大青叶 9克
12.甘草 6克
###无论如何，杨医师还是善意提醒各位：若发现有流感症状，请到诊所求医，以上药方只是供参考用途。###

Power Foods .......

Power Foods...
that boost your immunity
By Amanda MacMillan , Amanda MacMillan is a Prevention associate editor.

(Oct. 3, 2006) -- It takes more than an apple a day to keep viruses at bay. You can ensure your body and immunity run smoothly by getting your seven servings of fruits and veggies and 8 to 10 glasses of water a day, at the very least. The following ingredients can add extra flu-fighting punch to your winter meal plan.

Fish

Selenium, plentiful in shellfish such as oysters, lobsters, crabs, and clams, helps white blood cells produce cytokines--proteins that help clear flu viruses out of the body. Salmon, mackerel, and herring are rich in omega-3 fats, which reduce inflammation, increasing airflow and protecting lungs from colds and respiratory infections.

Your optimal dose Two servings a week (unless you're pregnant or planning to be).

Oats and Barley

These grains contain beta-glucan, a type of fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant capabilities more potent than echinacea, reports a Norwegian study. When animals eat this compound, they're less likely to contract influenza, herpes, even anthrax; in humans, it boosts immunity, speeds wound healing, and may help antibiotics work better.

Your optimal dose At least one in your three daily servings of whole grains.

Garlic

Garlic contains the active ingredient allicin, which fights infection and bacteria. British researchers gave 146 people either a placebo or a garlic extract for 12 weeks; the garlic takers were two-thirds less likely to catch a cold. Other studies suggest that garlic lovers who chow more than six cloves a week have a 30% lower rate of colorectal cancer and a 50% lower rate of stomach cancer.

Your optimal dose Two raw cloves a day and add crushed garlic to your cooking several times a week.



Yogurt

Probiotics, or the "live active cultures" found in yogurt, are healthy bacteria that keep the gut and intestinal tract free of disease-causing germs. Although they're available in supplement form, a recent study from the University of Vienna in Austria found that a daily 7-ounce dose of yogurt was just as effective in boosting immunity as popping pills. In an 80-day Swedish study of 181 factory employees, those who drank a daily supplement of Lactobacillus reuteri--a specific probiotic that appears to stimulate white blood cells--took 33% fewer sick days than those given a placebo. Any yogurt with a Live and Active Cultures seal contains some beneficial bugs, but Stonyfield Farm is the only US brand that contains this specific strain.

Your optimal dose Two 6-ounce servings a day.

Chicken Soup

When University of Nebraska researchers tested 13 brands, they found that all but one (chicken-flavored ramen noodles) blocked the migration of inflammatory white cells--an important finding, because cold symptoms are a response to the cells' accumulation in the bronchial tubes. The amino acid cysteine, released from chicken during cooking, chemically resembles the bronchitis drug acetylcysteine, which may explain the results. The soup's salty broth keeps mucus thin the same way cough medicines do. Added spices, such as garlic and onions, can increase soup's immune-boosting power.

Your optimal dose Have a bowl when feeling crummy.

Tea

People who drank 5 cups a day of black tea for 2 weeks had 10 times more virus-fighting interferon in their blood than others who drank a placebo hot drink, in a Harvard study. The amino acid that's responsible for this immune boost, L-theanine, is abundant in both black and green tea--decaf versions have it, too.

Your optimal dose Several cups daily, all season; to get up to five times more antioxidants from your tea bags, bob them up and down while you brew.

10 Swine Flu Safety Dos and Don'ts

10 Swine Flu Safety Dos and Don'ts


Should you strap on a face mask, keep your kid off the schoolbus, or start an emergency food stash? Here, the panicky woman's guide to navigating the swine flu hype.
By Lauren Gelman

After a few days of non-stop swine flu coverage, many of us are starting to feel a bit panicky: Is this just media hype, or should we really be worried? Is there anything else I should be doing to keep my family safe? After all, when Vice President Joe Biden declares he's told his family to stop flying and avoid subways because of swine flu fears, why shouldn't you do it too?

To find out what's really worth the worry—and what's a waste of your time—we talked Dos and Don'ts with Myron S. Cohen, MD, director of the Institute of Global Health and Infectious Disease at UNC Chapel Hill. "Overall, it's about doing what makes you comfortable, as long as it's not crazy," he says. Here's what else he had to say:

DO:

Germ-proof your skin: Wash your hands well and often. Not every 10 minutes, but when it makes sense, like after using the bathroom, touching common objects at work—like the microwave or printer—or returning home from the grocery store. Use warm water and soap, and rub your hands together for about 20 seconds.

Pack Purell in your kid's backpack: The classic germ-killer can be 99% effective in 20 seconds, says Cohen. Slathering it on throughout the day can minimize the chance that your child will transmit potential germs on his hands to his mouth and nose, where the virus enters the body. Keep a bottle in your purse too.

Keep your distance. "Critical closeness—less than 6 to 10 feet—is required to catch airborne viruses," explains Cohen. That means avoiding close contact with people who are coughing or sneezing, but it doesn't mean you should hole up at home and never go out in public until the swine flu passes.

Call the doctor if you think it's flu. "Some people think everything that's an infection is the flu, but there's actually a very specific cluster of symptoms to worry about," he says. These include:

· Almost always: Fever, cough, muscle aches, and headaches
· Sometimes: Runny nose, red eyes, nausea and vomiting

Take the right meds: Antivirals like Tamiflu will only help if you actually have the flu. They're most effective in the first 2 days of illness onset, so if you have suspicious symptoms, call your doctor right away. Your doctor may also recommend a fever-reducer like Tylenol or an NSAID like ibuprofen for muscle pain relief.

Remember, never give aspirin to children or teens with the flu (or any virus); this can cause a rare but serious condition called Reye's Syndrome.

DON'T:

· Skip public transportation or cancel air travel: "I think this is going overboard for right now," says Cohen, despite VP Biden's advice to the contrary. "Remember, at this point only .0001% of the population has swine flu."

· Keep your kid out of school. Schools with individual cases are being closed. If you live in a community or state with no instances of swine flu, there's no need to keep your child home.

· Banish the schoolbus. Wondering whether it's safer to chauffeur your child to school yourself? Don't feel like you have to, says Cohen. "If it makes you feel more comfortable, there's no downside, but this not something I'd recommend yet."

· Stock up on face masks. The CDC has said they're not necessary for people who don't work in healthcare jobs, and Cohen agrees. "Wear a face mask if you have swine flu, so the virus is contained better. For the rest of us, you're much better off just focusing on hand washing and avoiding people who are visibly sick."

· Start an emergency food and water stash. "That is crazy, crazy, crazy," he says. "You have to be rational about this. There's no evidence that we are going to have influenza so vast and out of control that we have to shut down grocery stores. There is nothing to support this."


More ways to stay healthy:

· 11 Best Ways to Stop Flu Spread
· Swine Flu 101: Everything to Know About Prevention, Spotting Symptoms, and More
· Power Foods that Boost Immunity

13 Facts About the Swine Flu

13 Facts About the Swine Flu
How to protect yourself and your family from the swine flu and what to do if you spot symptoms
By Lauren Gelman

On Sunday the government declared a public health emergency over swine flu, a strain of flu that normally occurs among pigs, but has begun spreading between humans. The virus, which originated in Mexico and, as of Monday afternoon, has infected more than 1,600 people worldwide, has also been detected in the US—with 50 cases reported to date—and Canada. Though the number of infected persons continues to climb, experts urge calm and caution.

While details are developing, not much is known yet about this flu strain, so understandably, questions arise: How contagious is this? Can your kids catch it at school? What do you do if you get sick and how do you know if it's the swine flu? Is pork safe to eat?

To help you separate fact from fiction (and fear!), Prevention turned to the CDC and public health experts for answers to your top questions. One reassuring fact right off the bat: Each of us can play a significant role in reducing our individual risk of infection, says Richard Besser, MD, acting director of the CDC. Here are the 13 top things you need to know about the swine flu.

Q: What is swine flu?
A: Just like humans, pigs can catch and spread the flu—a respiratory infection caused by a type of influenza A virus. Usually the virus is spread only among pigs, but sometimes humans can catch it too. This isn't the first time swine flu has struck: From December 2005 to February 2009, 12 cases were reported in the U.S.

Q: Is swine flu contagious?
A: Yes, the virus is contagious and has spread from person to person (rather than just from direct contact with an infected pig), but we currently don't know exactly how contagious it is, according to the CDC. The disease was first identified in Mexico, and currently 50 known cases have been identified in the U.S., in 5 states: New York, California, Ohio, Texas, and Kansas, says Besser. "But the more we look for it, the more cases we'll find," he says, noting that this isn't necessarily a sign that the disease is spreading, but just that we're able to correctly identify symptoms as swine flu.

Unlike the seasonal flu, which tends to most seriously affect the very young and very old, the age range of those affected in the U.S. so far is 7-54, says Besser, with a median age of 16. But this is likely to change as more cases are reported.

Q: How is swine flu spread?
A: Experts think this virus is spread the same way regular seasonal flu does—when an infected person coughs or sneezes and send the germs to other nearby people. Touching a surface that has been contaminated with the swine flu, such as a door handle or countertop, and then touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes can also transmit the virus.

Q: How dangerous is the swine flu?
A: So far, all cases in the U.S. have all been mild with only one hospitalization, and all patients have recovered, says Besser. But Mexican incidences have been more virulent, causing 152 deaths to date, as have past swine flu outbreaks in the US. A 1976 swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey, caused more than 200 cases, according to the CDC, including several serious illnesses and one death.

Q: What are symptoms of the swine flu?
A: Swine flu symptoms are similar to those of the regular flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported more gastrointestinal-like symptoms, like diarrhea and vomiting. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor—in particular if you've recently traveled to Mexico, where the flu is believed to have originated. But remember that lots of viruses can have flu-like symptoms, including the common cold and seasonal allergies. "Just because it looks like the flu doesn't mean it is the flu," says Burke.

There are no symptoms unique to the swine flu, says Dr. Besser. The only way to know for sure is for your doctor to send a respiratory specimen for testing to a CDC-affiliated lab. With regular flu season in the U.S. winding down, swine flu symptoms may stand out more than they would have earlier in the year.

Q: How can I prevent myself or my family from catching swine flu?
A: The #1 thing you can do is be more vigilant about hand washing, says Donald Burke, MD, dean of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. This is especially important after you've been in contact with other people (sick or healthy) or have used communal objects, such as the microwave at work. You'll only get sick if the virus actually enters your body, usually through your mouth or nose. Scrub your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap for at least 15-20 seconds to kill germs before they have the chance to invade. Other basic health hygiene rules from the CDC to follow include:
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Make sure your kids know to do the same.
· If you can't get to a sink to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand gel such as Purell to zap germs.
· Avoid contact with infected persons.
· If you get sick—with swine flu or anything else—stay home from work or school.

Another way to protect yourself: Regularly clean these 10 germiest zones in your home.

Q: Should I wear a face mask to protect myself?
A: "We would not recommend this as a precautionary measure," says Besser. Outside of healthcare settings where workers come into direct contact with infected people, the evidence for face masks reducing the spread of flu is not very strong, he explains. "I'd rather people focus on hand washing, or avoiding that little kiss of a greeting when you meet someone."

Q: Are there any medicines to prevent or treat swine flu?
A: Luckily, the current strains of swine flu are responsive to common antiviral drugs. These prescription medications, which keep flu viruses from reproducing in your body, can be used to treat people already infected with swine flu (they may make the illness milder, help you feel better faster, and reduce serious complications), as well as to prevent infection in high-risk people. If you think you may have flu symptoms or may have been exposed to someone diagnosed with swine flu, ask your doctor whether you should take these drugs, recommends Dr. Burke.

Keep in mind that influenza antiviral meds will only help if you're battling an influenza bug—they won't treat other types of viruses that may cause similar symptoms, according to the CDC. The best drugs for the current circulating strain of swine flu are Tamiflu (approved to treat and prevent flu in people age 1 and older) and Relenza (approved to treat infection in people age 7 and older and to prevent infection in people age 5 and older).

Q: Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
A: No, there is currently no vaccine for the swine flu and existing vaccines, like the flu shot you may have received earlier this year are not effective in preventing swine flu. But the CDC has taken steps to start a "seed stock" of the virus that could be used to make a vaccine in the future, although it is not ready to be manufactured yet.

Q: What if I have recently traveled to Mexico or have an upcoming trip planned?
A: The CDC just announced a new travel advisory for Mexico. "Out of an abundance of caution, all non-essential travel should be avoided for now," says Besser. If you've been to the country recently, there's no immediate action to take, other than just being on the lookout for flu-like symptoms and letting your doctor know if you experience them.

Q: Should I stop eating pork or other pig products?
A: No, says Besser. The swine flu cannot be spread through food. But it is important to make sure your meat is properly handled and cooked to reduce your risk of foodborne illness.

Q: What if I get the swine flu?
A: It's important to take care of yourself but equally important to take steps to avoid spreading the virus: Stay home from work or school, avoid crowds and public places, get plenty of rest, and take the full course of any medications your doctor prescribes. If you become sick and experience any of the following signs, the CDC recommends you seek emergency medical care:

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

Children:
· Fast breathing or trouble breathing
· Bluish skin color
· Not drinking enough fluids
· Not waking up or interacting
· Being so irritable the child doesn't want to be held
· Flu-like symptoms improve but return with fever and worse cough
· Fever with a rash

Q: What are signs that this virus is spreading or slowing down?
A: "As we look around we will see more cases," cautions Besser. But if we see instances in Mexico decreasing, becoming less severe or people recovering sooner, that's a good sign.

Q: What if this becomes a flu pandemic?
A: It's the responsibility of the World Health Organization to officially declare a flu pandemic (an outbreak that is spread through populations over large regions or globally). A flu pandemic is defined in 6 phases; the WHO recently announced a change from stage 3 to stage 4, which means that there’s a new virus that’s starting to spread from human to human, but at smaller community levels. This means that a pandemic is more likely, but still not inevitable. However, the CDC has not drastically changed their current strategy in response to the level update. The government has already released 25% of the national stockpile of antiviral drugs—or about 11 million courses—to affected states. "This flu is evolving quickly, changing quickly," he says. "But we continue to approach this aggressively, and are taking bold action to minimize consequences."