Swine Influenza Spreads to the U.S

President Obama has asked Congress for $1.5 billion to help battle the current and potential cases of the virus by stockpiling different medicines such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) an antiviral drug, and the hiring of personnel. Federal officials have declared a National Public Health Emergency, and even California Governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has declared a state of emergency due to the outbreak of the virus. However, officials would like to remind everyone not to panic and this is not yet considered a "crisis response."

Currently, there have been 45 confirmed cases in New York, 10 in California, 6 in Texas, 2 in Kansas, and 1 in Ohio. Though a reported 149 people have been killed in Mexico due to the virus, none have died in the United States.

However, it is advised that you should begin any preventative measures you are able to do. The first and most important thing to remember is something you may have heard your mother tell (or if you didn't listen, yell at) you, remember to always, always, always wash your hands. That does not mean just turn the tap on run you hands underwater for a couple of seconds. Take the time to thoroughly and properly wash your hands, use soap and warm water if at all possible. Get some sleep, its good for your overall health and not to mention your mood, nobody wants to be around someone who's cranky. Exercise, get some physical education in, grab a bat and play some ball. Eat healthily. A balanced diet can help boost your body's immune system.