H1N1 "Swine Flu" cases have increased across Jordan, with hospital admissions rising in a week and death tolls remarkably increasing, according to the most recent statements issued by the Ministry of Health.

Until this morning, nine people died of the flu, while 292 were reported infected with it.

How can you prevent the illness?

1- Don't touch your face

You should keep your hands away from your eyes, mouth and nose, all of which serve as pathways for the virus to enter your respiratory tract.

2- Wash your hands

If you must touch your face, scrub your hands, getting under the fingernails and inside all crevices, for 20 to 30 seconds with hot soap and water beforehand, as soap is effective against all flu viruses.

3- Use a hand sanitizer

If you don't have a sink near you or even if you have washed your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Alcohol can inactivate viruses by destroying the structure of their proteins.

4- Cover your nose and mouth

When someone sneezes or coughs, liquid droplets packing flu viruses can travel as far as one meter through the air and descend on your nose or mouth, so face masks can help maintain at least an arm's-length distance when talking to someone who shows signs of infection.

People at high risk of being infected with flu-related complications are:

1- People with chronic diseases, such as asthma and diabetes, kidney disease, and immune deficiency.

2- Children under the age of five.

3- Pregnant women, especially in the third trimester of pregnancy.

4- Elderly people.

5- Health personnel.

The symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to those of infections caused by other flu strains and can include:

1- Fever

2- Chills

3- Cough

4- Sore throat

5- Runny or stuffy nose

6- Body aches

7- Headache

8- Fatigue

9- Diarrhea

10- Nausea and vomiting