Swine Flu Explained
We all are aware of the Swine flu that has infected humans in the U.S. and Mexico. This virus has not previously been identified in North America. Swine flu is a type of virus. It's named for a virus that pigs can get. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human.
Symptoms of Swine Flu:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
As soon as you discover these symptoms contact your doctor and get all required tests.
If you have flu symptoms, stay home, and when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Afterward, throw the tissue in the trash and wash your hands. That will help prevent your flu from spreading.
Preventive measures:
- Cove your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
- Avoid any close proximity to or touching any person that may have flu symptoms.
- Some physicians say face masks may help prevent getting airborne flu viruses.
Treatment: Empiric antiviral treatment is recommended for any ill person suspected to have swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Recommended duration of treatment is five days. Antiviral chemoprophylaxis with either oseltamivir or zanamivir is recommended for the following individuals:
- People who are in close contact with the confirmed or suspected case.
- School children who had close contact (face-to-face) with a confirmed or suspected case.
- Travelers to Mexico
- Border workers (Mexico)
- Health care workers or public health workers who had unprotected close contact with an ill confirmed case of swine influenza
To date, the Swine flu
virus has been detected in a small number of cases in Texas, California, New
York, and a few other states and in at least nine different countries all over
the world. The World Health Organization has not, as of Apr. 29, declared a
pandemic, but it has declared a phase 5 alert (a phase 5 WHO alert warns that a
disease outbreak has occurred that is transmitted from person to person, is
sustained in communities, and has spread to several nations) The WHO said it
may consider declaring a pandemic (WHO stage 6) if the number of cases and
nations affected increase
So take preventive measures and in case you discover any symptoms contact doctor immediately.
(Sources: nlm.nih.gov, medicinenet.com, webmd.com,
Image sources: wbz.com/2-MA-siblings-have-swine-flu/4295126, nature.com/news/2009/090429/full/news.2009.416.html, news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8027601.stm)
