What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs which is caused by common Type A influenza virus that attacks pigs. Swine flu is a common outbreak that is seen in pigs who are nurtured in pig farms. Due to contagious nature of this virus, it is reported that swine flu spread to humans working in pig farms. Slowly but substantially through person to person contact, today swine flu has spread across 150 countries and declared as pandemic by WHO.
Signs and symptoms of swine flu seen in humans
- The symptoms of swine H1N1 Type A flu in people are similar to the common flu, people show symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, body pain, frequent chills and fatigue.
- Some infected people show severe symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. Many patients have died due to acute respiratory failure associated with swine influenza
H1N1 Type A swine influenza is spread due to people to people contact through coughing, or sneezing. In many cases it is seen that people may contract swine flu while touching objects with live flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
How swine flu is diagnosed?
To diagnose H1N1 Type A swine influenza a respiratory specimen is collected and sent to laboratory for testing within four to five days of illness.
Is there a vaccine available for Swine flu?
Since the virus is new in its origin, there is still no vaccine available for this pandemic disease. World health organization has said that it will take another 6 to 12 months to produce a vaccine. It is important to note that the seasonal flu vaccine will provide little protection against swine flu.
Which medicine will help in treating swine flu?
World health organization has stated that Tamiflu, a swine flu antiviral drug, as an effective medicine that can prevent swine flu infection from spreading. It is imperative to note that Tamiflu is only effective when taken during initial symptoms.
Prevention mechanisms
Maintaining a proper hygiene will protect you from swine flu virus. Avoid making close physical contact with people who show symptoms of common flu. Use face mask when you are in a public place.
The 2009 flu pandemic is a global outbreak of a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, referred to as the "novel H1N1" first identified in April 2009, and commonly called "swine flu". It is thought to be a re-assortment of four known strains of influenza A virus: one endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs (swine). Transmission of the new strain is human-to-human, with cooked pork products safe to eat as the virus cannot be transmitted by eating foods.
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