Facts About Swine Flu Influenza A(H1N1)

What is Swine Flu?

Swine Flu Influenza is a respiratory disease in pigs that is caused by type A influenza virus (H1N1) subtype that is cause regular outbreaks in pigs. The Swine Flu virus may be acquired from another person.

What Are The Signs and Symptom?

The sign and symptoms of swine flu are similar to regular flu:

• Fever(greater than 37.8 degree Celsius)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
• Body Aches and headaches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Vomiting

There are emergency warning that should seek urgent medical attention if you have

• Difficulty of breathing or shortness of breath
• pain pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

How Does Swine Flu Spread or Transmit?

• Swine Flu A(H1N1) virus spreads similarly to how seasonal flu spreads.
• This spreads mainly from person to person through coughing of person with virus,
• A person may also get infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then their mouth or nose.

How Can someone else with the Flu infect someone else?

• Beginning the 1st day before the symptoms develop and up to 7 days or more days after becoming sick infected person may be able to transmit the virus to others.

How to prevent ypurselfself from getting sick?

Right now, there is no available vaccine to protect against swine flu. However take these simples steps to protect your health.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol based cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth germs spread this way.
• Avoid going to crowded places like malls. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
• Taking Vitamin C and eat a lots of green vegetables and fruits everyday.

How long the Flu virus does survives on the surfaces?

• Flu bugs can survive for hours on surfaces. One study showed that flu viruses can live up to 48 hrs. on hard, nonporous such as stainless steel and up to 12hrs. on cloth and tissues. The virus seems to survive only for minutes on your hands --- but that's plenty of time fot\r you to transfer it to your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Is it safe to eat pork?

• Yes, it's still safe to eat pork. Swine Influenza viruses are not spread by food.
• You cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products.

Is there any Vaccines?

• None, but the Center for Disease Control(CDC) and the World Health Organization are already taking the first steps towards making such a vaccine.

What Drugs are available for Treatment?

• The Swine Flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs OSELATMIR or known as TAMIFLU and ZANAMIVIR or known as RELENZA. The center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends those drugs to prevent or treat swine flu.
• Drugs are mos effective when taken within 48hrs. from the start of flu symptoms.
  

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