Cases of swine flu also called Influenza A, HINI have been reported in the country. They say the flu catches people through direct contact with someone who is infected.

Teens need to know what to do in case someone comes around sneezing into your face. Some basic knowledge wouldn’t hurt and knowing how to prevent catching the influenza is an added advantage.

Annet Akimana a S.3 student at Lycee de Kigali Secondary School said that she got to know about Swine flu through reading text books.

She explained that by the time it was reported in the country, she was already informed about it.

"It was not the first time I learnt about swine flu. I read about it before it was reported in the papers,” Akimana said.

She also pointed out that because it can be transmitted even through shaking hands, she has suspended the habit until further notice.

"I will not shake hands maybe until they report that it no longer exists in the country,” she said.

Johnson Mugisha another S.3 student at Lycee de Kigali Secondary School said that although the infection can be treated, prevention is better than cure.

"Treatment has no assurance. Although treatment is available, it’s not a guaranteed cure because many have lost their lives because of swine flu,” Mugisha said.

He said that teens should discourage unnecessary hugging since it is one other way of direct contact.

"It may happen that the person you are hugging is infected thus getting infected too,” he said.

Since prevention is better than cure, informed teens are taking caution and staying safe.

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