SWINE FLU (H1N1)

WHAT IS SWINE FLU?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs cause by type A influenza viruses (H1N1 subtype) that causes outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.

Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person to person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. Because it is a new strain, the body’s natural immunity to it is low.

IS THERE A HUMAN VACCINE TO PROTECT FROM SWINE INFLUENZA?

There are no vaccines that contain the current swine influenza virus causing illness in humans. It is not known whether current human seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection. Influenza viruses change very quickly. It is important to develop a vaccine against the currently circulating virus strain for it to provide maximum protection to the vaccinated people. This is why WHO needs access to as many viruses as possible in order to select the most appropriate candidate vaccine virus.

WHAT DRUGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR TREATMENT?

Antiviral drugs for seasonal influenza are available in some countries and effectively prevent and treat the illness. There are two classes of such medicines. 1) adamantanes (amantadine and remantadine), and 2) inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase (oseltamivir and zanamivir).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of swine flue in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include Fever (greater than 100º F or 37.8ºC), Cough, Sore Throat, Body Aches, Headache, Chills and Fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.

In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

HOW DOES SWINE FLUE SPREAD?

Spread of this swine flu A (H1N1) virus is sought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

HOW CAN SOMEONE WITH FLU INFECT SOMEONE ELSE?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO KEEP FROM GETTING THE FLU?

First and most important: Wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with flu virus.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Avoid live animal markets, poultry and pig farms in infected countries
• Always maintain high level of personal hygiene especially before and after food preparation and in-out of toilets. Regularly wash your hands.
• Cook pork thoroughly.
• Do not consume half done pork.
• While in an affected region, seek immediate medical attention if you develop influenza-like symptoms. (high fever, body pain, coughing and red nose)



High-tech na sad ang mga bacteria karon kabalo na mag'mutate.
Gituyo ba or natunong lang gyud ang article kalabot adtong best roasted pig in the world sa TIME Magazine by Anthony Bourdain aning Swine Influenza A (H1N1)?