When the news starts broadcasting stories about outbreaks or possible pandemics or weird strains of the flu, people tend to panic. But with the Internet being at our constant disposal, doing research helps to quell any fears we may have about the world turning into some version of The Stand (good movie, great book--go read it people!).

In an effort to do my part to allay any fears out there about swine flu, here are some facts about swine flu from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• Swine flu is a type A influenza virus.

• The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people.

• Swine Flu is spread the same way as "regular" flu--through coughing and sneezing.

• The best ways to keep from getting Swine Flu, or any flu, are washing your hands, staying generally healthy, getting plenty of sleep and drinking plenty of fluids. Frequent hand-washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from common surfaces such as telephones, elevator buttons, doorknobs, or drinking fountains. Also try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

• You can't get swine flu from eating pork!

If you do get sick with flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea), and live in an area where swine flu cases have been identified, the CDC says you may want to contact your health car provider. Your doctor will determine if swine flu testing is needed. Also, if you are sick you should stay home and try to avoid contact with people to keep from spreading your illness.

The CDC recommends that you seek emergency medical care if you are ill and experience any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

• Sudden dizziness

• Confusion

• Severe or persistent vomiting

Even though Governor Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in California, that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano declared a public health emergency in the United States, or that President Obama asked Congress for an additional $1.5 billion to fight swine flu, most scientists are telling us not to panic. Though it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

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