Everything about the swine flu
Beginning of swine flu.
Swine flu (also called pig flu, swine influenza and hog flu) is an infection of several specific types of swine influenza virus. Swine flu viruses are usually hosted by pigs. Swine influenza was first proposed to be a disease related to human influenza during the 1918 flu pandemic. Since the mid-20th century fifty confirmed pig to human transmissions have been recorded. 1918 pandemic in humans. 1976 U.S. outbreak. 1988 zoonosis. 1998 US outbreak in swine. 2007 Philippine outbreak in swine. And now, 2009 outbreak in humans.
The 2009 swine flu outbreak in humans is due to a new strain of influenza. The origin of this new strain is unknown. However, the World Organization for Animal Health reports that this strain has not been found in pigs. This strain can be transmitted from human to human, and causes the normal symptoms of influenza.
Swine Flu
Symptoms of the swine flu.
Symptoms of the 2009 "swine flu" virus are similar to those of flu and of influenza-like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting. The 2009 swine flu virus is not transmitted from pigs to humans, but from person to person.
The most common cause of death is respiratory failure, other causes of death are pneumonia (leading to sepsis), high fever (leading to neurological problems), dehydration (from excessive vomiting and diarrhea) and electrolyte imbalance. Fatalities are more likely in young children and the elderly.
Swine Flu
How the swine flu spreads?
Swine flu spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth.
Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food.
The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days.
Swine Flu
How to avoid the swine flu?
- First and most important: wash your hands.
- Social distancing is another tactic.
- Try to stay in good general health.
Swine Flu
Treatment for swine flu.
If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir).
Drink lots of water.
So far, swine flu remains a relatively mild disease, and most people don't need medical treatment to get better.
Swine Flu
More about the swine flu.
Swine flu & influenza news Swine flu UK Swine flu pandemic Tamiflu cost Swine flu update Oseltamivir
Swine Flu, a brief about the swine flu.