Swine Flu Advisory
Swine Flu Advisory
Overview:
Swine Flu/Swine Influenza refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine)
Swine flu is common in swine and rare in humans
People who work with swine are at risk of getting swine influenza if the swine carries a virus strain capable to infect humans (zoonotic transmission)
The outbreak of swine flu is due to mutation of Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) into a form which can pass easily from human to human
Cause:
Agent: The 2009 swine flu outbreak in human is due to a new strain of Influenza Virus A Subtype H1N1 - is a genetic mixture of viruses that have been seen in pigs, birds and people but it is called Swine Flu as the structure of this virus is similar to SIV
Source of Infection: This virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes around you or by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes with your now infected hands
Signs & Symptoms:
In humans the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza which includes: Fever, Cough, Sore throat, Body aches, Headache,ChillsDiarrhea,Vomiting
Investigation:
The rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel diagnostic test is used to scan samples from flu patients to determine if they have the new strain but the current tests cannot detect all the virus subtypes that are suspected of creating the new strain of swine flu
In the rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel diagnostic test, a nasal or nasopharyngeal swab is used to amplify the genetic profile of the virus. A positive test result presumably concludes that the patient is carrying the swine flu but it cannot determine the stage of infection and a negative test result does not conclude that a person does not carry the swine flu virus
Prevention:
Some hygiene steps that can help in preventing the spread of germs are:
- Washing hands frequently
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Avoiding touching of the surfaces that might be contaminated
Treatment:
Antivirals Oseltamivir and Zanamivir - are recommended for the treatment and prevention of the infection with swine flu virus
If a person gets sick, antiviral drugs, which work best if started within 2 days of getting symptoms, can make the illness milder as well as prevent serious flu complications, and hence, making the patient feel better faster
Some Facts:
Pork and other pig-derived products (like ham, sausages, etc) if properly handled and cooked do not transmit swine flu as the flu virus is killed by cooking temperature of 160?F (70?C)
As per research studies, any new virus which is able to spread from an animal to a person and then spread from person to person - is always a source of concern as such virus when in human to human transmission can continue to mutate making it difficult to treat
Studies also say that a new strain of the flu virus can spread faster because people do not have natural immunity and the development of vaccine to such virus may take months
It is essential to be aware and informed on any new epidemic in the world because there is always a possibility of it to become pandemic. Taking adequate preventive measures will always save you from the misery a disease brings along. If you have any symptoms then it is advisable to refer to your doctor at the earliest as an early treatment is found to be effective in the cases of swine flu.
Read more about other Contagious Diseases and Conditions
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