How To Prevent Flu Info

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is caused by viruses. Pigs can get influenza (flu) just like human beings, but swine flu viruses are not the same as human flu viruses. As such, swine flu doesn’t often infect people, and very rarely only have infected people who have had direct contact with pigs.

However, the current swine flu outbreak is different. It’s caused by a new strain of swine flu virus that has spread from person to person and it’s happening among people who haven’t had any contact with pigs.

The worry is that pigs are excellent hosts for the virus. And because they are genetically close to humans, they can pass the virus to us more easily than birds can.

What are swine flu symptoms?

Swine flu symptoms are like normal flu symptoms which include fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

These symptoms are not exactly exclusive to flu but can also be caused by many other conditions. This makes the diagnosis of swine flu extremely difficult if just based on symptoms. It would require a lab test to tell whether it is actually swine flu or some other condition.

In severe cases, it may lead to pneumonia, multi-organ failure, and death. The incubation period for ordinary human flu is two to five days.

How does swine flu spread?

It is likely that the swine flu virus spreads just like normal flu. It can be spread directly from an infected person, or by touching an object they recently touched, and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. That’s why you should make washing your hands a habit. Infected people can start spreading flu germs up to a day before symptoms start, and for up to seven days after getting sick, according to the CDC.

The swine flu virus can become airborne if you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth, sending germs into the air.

The U.S. residents infected with swine flu virus had no direct contact with pigs.

How is swine flu treated?

The new swine flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza.

Early indications are that patients in Mexico and the US have been successfully treated with the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. These drugs cannot prevent flu but they can limit its severity, and thus save lives.

The CDC recommends those drugs to prevent or treat swine flu; the drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms.

The US government has released 25% of its stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza to states.

Is there a vaccine against the new swine flu virus?

No. But the CDC and the World Health Organization are already taking the first steps toward making such a vaccine. That’s a lengthy process — it takes months.

I had a flu vaccine this season. Am I protected against swine flu?

No. This season’s flu vaccine wasn’t made with the new swine flu virus in mind; no one saw this virus coming ahead of time.

How can I prevent swine flu infection?

The CDC recommends taking these steps:

* Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

* Avoid close contact with sick people.

* Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Can I still eat pork?

Yes. You can’t get swine flu by eating pork, bacon, or other foods that come from pigs. Cooking destroys the virus.

What else should I be doing?

Keep informed of what’s going on in your community. For instance, parents might want to consider what they would do for their children as far as keeping them away from possible infection like not going to school temporarily.

Don’t panic, but a little planning wouldn’t hurt.

This entry was posted on Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 at 9:09 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.