With many deaths recorded in Mexico, a new strain of swine flu virus is sweeping the globe. Several nations have suspect cases reported, from as far away as Hong Kong, Canada, Israel France and New Zealand.

Caused by type A influenza Swine flu, is a respiratory disease. Studies have shown that the swine flu, H1N1, is common throughout pig populations worldwide, with 25% of all animals displaying antibody evidence of having the disease. These are scary facts.

Swine flu viruses don't usually infect humans. The current swine flu, however, has a toxic mix of a gene segment from bird flu, a segment from human flu, plus two genes from pig flu. Pigs are well known as being the earth's most efficient 'mixing bowls'. The completely unknown virus is creating havoc, as humans have no immunity to it.

Swine flu cant be contacted through eating pork products, however human-to-human infections are happening, without the victims having any contact with infected animals.

Here are a few simple precautions you need to take to provide effective self-protection against the threat of a global pandemic:

Make sure you cover your nose and mouth if you sneeze or cough. Ensure you get rid of the tissue in the rubbish can after you use it. Keep a mask handy in case anyone sneezes or coughs around you.

One sneeze alone projects 100,000 droplets into the air at a speed of approximately 90 mph, settling on ATM and computer keypads, elevator buttons, door knobs, escalator railings and grocery trolley handles.

British researchers report that in a subway rail-station at rush hour, as high as 10 percent of all travellers can come in contact with the spray and residue from just one sneeze. That means as many as 150 commuters can be infected by one uncovered cough, or sneeze. The stream of air hurtling from a cough, moves at speeds that are close to 600 mph.

Always wash your hands frequently, for up to 20 seconds, with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Always wash your hands thoroughly prior to eating and whenever possible do not eat with your hands.

It is estimated that around 80 percent of all infections are passed on by hands. If you aren't able to wash your hands, use hand-sanitizers which have 60% alcohol content. These are readily available in handy pocket size containers.

Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and definitely avoid kissing on the cheeks.

Germs are spread more quickly through that method of transmission.

Try to stay away from sick people. Isolation and keeping your distance are your most efficient protective measures.

Stay home from work or school if you get sick and keep your contact with others limited, so as to not infect anyone else.

Keep aware and recognize any abnormal symptoms. If you are in doubt, go and seek professional advice.

Ensure you eat well, closely monitor your sleep habits and make sure you exercise regularly. Upgrade your vitamin C intake and ensure you practice good hygiene.

Swine flu can be treated. Though it is unaffected by two of the four drugs approved for treating flu, two new arrivals, Tamiflu and Relenza have proven to be successful.

Mexico has hundreds of industrial-scale pig facilities, known as 'confined animal feeding farms', where the hogs are packed in tight rows. Thousands of pigs are contained in indoor pens and grain-fed for the market. Breeding sows are baled-up in small metal crates where they spend most of their lives, either pregnant or nursing a new litter of piglets.

Up until now, Mexican hog workers, infected with swine flu, have rarely been the cause of infecting other humans, except for close family members.