We've already seen Chicagoans wearing masks (I personally did on the CTA this morning) to avoid the outbreak of the H1N1 swine flu, and rightfully so - It's getting close to us. Chicago is a hub for flights to and from Mexico, so it's probably only a matter of time before it makes it's way over to us.

You can use Google Maps to track the flu's spread across the country in real-time as cases are reported. The map even gives you the age of the indivual and a brief description, which makes it very interesting just to look at. According to the map, it shows the closest case to Chicago was reported in Indiana, roughly 155 miles southeast of the loop. The pink markers are suspected cases of the flu, the purple markers are confirmed cases. If a death occured from the case, the marker will not have a black dot in the middle.

We hate to bring bad news here at Tech Loop, but we want you all to be safe and healthy.

Visit the map here, and please, remember to wash your hands...it's a jungle out there.

*Edit: You can also follow @CDCemergency on Twitter to learn important updates about the flu.

So, what are you doing to steer clear of the virus? Are you going to buy a mask? Let us know in the comments below!

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Blake Schnitkey
As a graduate in Visual Communications Technology from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, Blake was drawn into a love for technology via the biggest passion in his lif More