What is Spine/Swine Flu & How to Prevent it?
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Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu and pig flu) refers to influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus, called swine influenza virus (SIV), that usually infect (is endemic in) pigs. As of 2009 these strains are all found in Influenza C virus and the subtypes of Influenza A virus known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3. Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.
Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always cause human influenza, often only resulting in the production of antibodies in the blood. The meat of the animal poses no risk of transmitting the virus when properly cooked. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonoticswine flu. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of catching swine flu. In the mid-20th century, identification of influenza subtypes became possible, this allows accurate diagnosis of transmission to humans. Since then, fifty confirmed transmissions have been recorded, Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those ofinfluenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache,coughing, weakness and general discomfort.The 2009 flu outbreak in humans, known as "swine flu", is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that contains genes closely related to swine influenza. The origin of this new strain is unknown. However, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that this strain has not been isolated in pigs. This strain can be transmitted from human to human, and causes the normal symptoms of influenza.Pigs can become infected with human influenza, and this appears to have happened during the 1918 flu pandemic and the 2009 flu outbreak.
Swine flu has similar symptoms to the more common, human seasonal form of influenza.It is one of a number of viruses that cause illness among people and animals, causing respiratory problems, fever and fatigue. Avian flu - which has previously been the subject of pandemic fears after humans began contracting it - is another deadly strain.
According to the Health Protection Agency, outbreaks of swine flu - a disease caused by type A influenza - regularly affect pigs. People who are around pigs are most likely to suffer from the H1N1 virus but it is also possible for the virus to spread from person to person. Evoking memories of the fears associated with bird flu, the latest perceived threat of a pandemic was brought to public attention after cases of human swine flu were reported in Mexico and parts of California and Texas in the US. There have been no cases identified in the UK for at least 10 years. Scientists found this virus is contagious and spreading from human to human although they do not know how easily the virus spreads between people, the HPA said.
The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea. Testing has shown that the human swine influenza H1N1 can be treated with the antivirals oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Seasonal flu is caused by viruses that are adapted to spread in humans, who have some natural immunity to common strains and can boost it by immunisation with a vaccine. Avian flu is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in birds while swine flu is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in pigs. Potentially major problems can arise when human and animal flu viruses mix and lead to the development of new viruses which are resistant to immunity and can spread through the population, sparking a pandemic.
The HPA said it was too early to say whether the cases in Mexico and the US would lead to a larger outbreak or could represent the appearance of a potential pandemic strain of influenza virus. There is currently insufficient evidence to understand the extent to which the cases are firmly linked. Experts from around the world are working in close collaboration with the World Health Organisation to help determine what risk this situation poses to global public health.
Medical Care:
Many countries have started Emergency Flu Camp in main cities, If you find yourself any Symptoms of Flu immediately contact nearest medical camp and treatment
Warning:
Don't panic. While it is prudent to be prepared, there is no need to overreact. For most people, basic precautions are all that is needed.
Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always cause human influenza, often only resulting in the production of antibodies in the blood. The meat of the animal poses no risk of transmitting the virus when properly cooked. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonoticswine flu. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of catching swine flu. In the mid-20th century, identification of influenza subtypes became possible, this allows accurate diagnosis of transmission to humans. Since then, fifty confirmed transmissions have been recorded, Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those ofinfluenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache,coughing, weakness and general discomfort.The 2009 flu outbreak in humans, known as "swine flu", is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that contains genes closely related to swine influenza. The origin of this new strain is unknown. However, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that this strain has not been isolated in pigs. This strain can be transmitted from human to human, and causes the normal symptoms of influenza.Pigs can become infected with human influenza, and this appears to have happened during the 1918 flu pandemic and the 2009 flu outbreak.
How to Prevent Flu?
Prevention
- Know what the signs of swine flu are in people. The symptoms look a lot like an ordinary flu and include fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C), cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. It is reported that diarrhea and vomiting can also be included with the symptoms of illness. There's no way to tell if you have the swine flu unless a respiratory specimen is taken within the first 4-5 days and sent to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or equivalent).
- Practice good hygiene. If you sneeze, keep a disposable tissue in front of your mouth, after sneezing or blowing your nose throw the tissue away. Wash your hands often, especially if after blowing your nose/sneezing and before you eat. Use a disinfectant when possible or just use soap and water.
- Don't share utensils or drinks. In cafeteria settings, it's not uncommon for people to casually share utensils or take a sip from someone else's drink. This should be completely avoided if there is any risk of a flu pandemic.
Swine flu has similar symptoms to the more common, human seasonal form of influenza.It is one of a number of viruses that cause illness among people and animals, causing respiratory problems, fever and fatigue. Avian flu - which has previously been the subject of pandemic fears after humans began contracting it - is another deadly strain.
According to the Health Protection Agency, outbreaks of swine flu - a disease caused by type A influenza - regularly affect pigs. People who are around pigs are most likely to suffer from the H1N1 virus but it is also possible for the virus to spread from person to person. Evoking memories of the fears associated with bird flu, the latest perceived threat of a pandemic was brought to public attention after cases of human swine flu were reported in Mexico and parts of California and Texas in the US. There have been no cases identified in the UK for at least 10 years. Scientists found this virus is contagious and spreading from human to human although they do not know how easily the virus spreads between people, the HPA said.
The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal flu and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea. Testing has shown that the human swine influenza H1N1 can be treated with the antivirals oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Seasonal flu is caused by viruses that are adapted to spread in humans, who have some natural immunity to common strains and can boost it by immunisation with a vaccine. Avian flu is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in birds while swine flu is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in pigs. Potentially major problems can arise when human and animal flu viruses mix and lead to the development of new viruses which are resistant to immunity and can spread through the population, sparking a pandemic.
The HPA said it was too early to say whether the cases in Mexico and the US would lead to a larger outbreak or could represent the appearance of a potential pandemic strain of influenza virus. There is currently insufficient evidence to understand the extent to which the cases are firmly linked. Experts from around the world are working in close collaboration with the World Health Organisation to help determine what risk this situation poses to global public health.
Medical Care:
Many countries have started Emergency Flu Camp in main cities, If you find yourself any Symptoms of Flu immediately contact nearest medical camp and treatment
Warning:
Don't panic. While it is prudent to be prepared, there is no need to overreact. For most people, basic precautions are all that is needed.
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