With the number of swine flu cases increasing daily, here are 5 tips you can utilize to mitigate the chances of you or your children contracting this latest outbreak.

1. Wash hands often during the day. Use soap and warm water to thoroughly cleanse the hands for at least 30 to 40 seconds.

2. If your child is sick, keep him or her at home.

3. If you have a cough, cover your nose and mouth.

4. Have alcohol wipes on hand at the workplace to clean telephones, desk tops, and computer mouse. At home, use Clorox wipes to clean kitchen counter tops.

5. Use the antibacterial soaps available at doctor's offices to cleanse your hands before and after you leave.

One of the more immediate problems is that individuals are purchasing Tamiflu and Relenza medications from pharmacies as a preventative measure. It is recommended that you refrain from doing do, especially if you show no symptoms.

By purchasing these medications, the supply needed for those people who are really sick is dwindling. Also, taking these medications if you are not sick can have side effects, and cause you to become resistant to the drug when and if you do require it.

Another preventative measure you can take is to carry alcohol wipes with you and use them after you touch door knobs and other surfaces in public buildings, parks, fast food restaurants, and other frequently visited sites where germs are more prevalent.

Moreover, use alcohol wipes after handling currency. Avoid traveling on subways, buses, and planes if you are ill.

Another concern are schools, which are a haven for germs. Instruct your children to wash their hands frequently and avoid touching their face if they have shared a toy or writing implements with their schoolmates.

In some cases, parents of middle school children cannot take a day off from work and allow their sick children to attend school. In addition, the school may be informed that the child will have to remain in school until the parent can retrieve them at the end of their workday.

If your child does show flu-like symptoms, take them to the doctor immediately. If you cannot stay home with the child, ask a family member, friend, or neighbor to stay with the child during the day.

There are a variety of antibacterial hand cleansers that you can purchase at drug stores and supermarkets. Use them frequently to clean your hands thoroughly including the area around the cuticles. Purchase products that have an alcohol content of 60% or more.

Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.