Swine Flu FAQs by Womens Health Doctor

What is “Swine flu”?

Swine flu is a viral infection basically found in pigs that is caused by swine influenza virus. It is very rare to get swine flu in humans except in some cases where people have direct contact with pigs. Currently, the nature of swine flu virus transmission has changed and it can be transmitted from humans to humans even if there is no prior contact with pigs. There are four main sub-types of the virus, but the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

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How does the swine flu spread?

In the present outbreak of swine flu, the virus is spread by air borne contact. Infection can be transmitted through cough, sneeze, or even by touching the objects that have been touched by an infected individual. Chances of infection are more if after touching these objects one touches the eyes, mouth, or nose.

Can you get swine flu by eating pork?

Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above kills the swine flu virus.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

Since it is a viral infection, its symptoms are similar to Influenza. In humans, the symptoms include:

-Fever

-Cough

-Sore throat

-Runny nose

-Headache

-Fatigue

-General body aches

-Diarrhea and vomiting

-Neurological symptoms (Especially in children)

How to prevent swine flu?

There are several ways to prevent swine flu. Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol based sanitizers after being out in the public. Also eat a healthy nutritious diet and drink plenty of fluids and keep your household articles clean with disinfectant or diluted chlorine bleach. Avoid close contact with people who might be infected. Wear a face mask (consider using an N95 respirator) if you must come into close contact with a sick person.

How to diagnose swine flu?

Diagnosis of swine flu is done by collecting respiratory specimens during the first 4 to 5 days of illness (10 days in children) and getting real-time RT-PCR and/or viral culture specifically for Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus. Hence, if one has any of the swine flu symptoms, a doctor’s consultation is necessary.

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What is the treatment of swine flu?

As it is a viral illness, hence, majority make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs. However, the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses has been found to be effective. In the recent outbreak, the virus has been found to be resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.

Is there a vaccine for swine flu?

There is no vaccine for swine flu as yet. But vaccines are being made in large quantities and clinical tests will begin in August 2009.

How to deal with a swine flu patient at home?

If any of your family members have fever with cough or sore throat, make sure to consult your doctor at the earliest. Suspected person should stay home for seven days after symptoms begin and should wear a face mask or N95 respirator. He/ She should throw the used tissues and other disposable items in the trash and immediately wash his hands afterwards. Alternatively, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. Linens, eating utensils and dishes belonging to suspected cases should be washed by using household laundry soap and tumbled dry. One should wash one’s hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub immediately after handling dirty laundry and other household items of suspected individuals. Children should be strictly prohibited from close contact and an infected breast feeding mother should express her breast milk, and the child should be fed by someone else. If the investigations come out positive, then the infected individual should be quarantined in an isolated ward in a hospital and treatment started to prevent complications.

What is the role of face masks in swine flu prevention?

The role of face masks and respirators as the first line of defense against the virus is still controversial. But these offer additional protection against the air borne illness.N-95 respirators are better than face masks or surgical masks but it is hard to breathe through them for extended periods and are inconvenient to wear for children and people with facial hair.

What is the prognosis of patients with swine flu?

Most of the patients of swine flu recover with no complications. Patients with depressed immune function or those who are seriously ill have worse prognosis compared to those who are immunocompetent.

How does swine flu kill?

Swine flu being an air borne infection infects the respiratory system chiefly lungs and causes lung infections. It can also cause secondary infection which can affect the vital organs of the body and lead to death.

What precautions should you take while travelling?

Apart from the general measures described above to prevent swine flu, if you become ill in any way while in the country, you should seek medical advice immediately.Also consult your health care provider and discuss the various risks associated with the disease if you are travelling to any country that has reported cases of flu among birds, swine, or humans.

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About the Author

Medical questions answered by qualified doctors on http://www.womenshealthdr.com

WomensHealthDr.com is a website designed to answer any questions that you may have about pregnancy. Our endeavor is to provide you the latest information on the subject, as well as specific advice tailored to your unique case. One of our experienced doctors will answer your questions.

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David Ballard
About H1N1 Virus

Welcome back, keep updated with: h1n1 feed. Thanks again for visiting! Remember to WASH your hands.

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Swine flu displays regular human flu symptoms including cough, fever, body ache, fatigue, sore throat, chills and headache. Antiviral medicines are available to prevent and treat swine flu, but right now appropriate vaccine is not available to protect from swine flu. Spreading of these germs can be prevented as it causes respiratory illnesses such as influenza by:

* Avoiding contact with sick patients, avoiding touching your mouth, eyes or nose as the germs spread faster in this way.

* Covering mouth and nose using a tissue while coughing or sneezing and immediately throwing the tissue in a trash after one use.

* Washing hands using soap and water, particularly after sneezing or coughing is essential and also using hand cleaners that are alcohol-based is preferred.

* Staying at home when you are sick without attending school or your work place is suggested to prevent spreading of this infection.

Immediate care is recommended on the initial symptoms of swine flu. The symptoms vary from person to person as there are patients having high fever, body ache and sore throat, while some complain about running nose, vomiting and diarrhea. However, these symptoms alone does not declare a person being infected by swine flu and is confirmed after the respiratory specimen lab test.

Precautions taken helps in minimizing the risk and the simplest way is covering the nose and mouth by wearing a mask. Mask covering assists in avoiding spreading the infection especially, when an infected person comes in contact. Precautions also include maintenance of high levels of hygiene, by washing hands frequently using soap and water. Subsequently, as influenza spreads through contact and air, surface sanitizing is also one of the best ways to prevent infections. Effective sanitizer is alcohol and even bleach can be employed to sanitize rooms and equipments used by patients having influenza symptoms.

Prevention of swine flu is considered in the aim of limiting the risks and this can be done by:

* – Building and balancing the immune system, as it is believed that this infection affects people having compromised immune systems easily. Hence, balancing and improving the overall immune system is the best solution to beat swine flu.

* Improving overall health is highlighted as mostly people having underlying medical conditions are easily prone to this risk. Getting into better shape is essential so that your body is a warrior to attack swine flu and this can be achieved by going on physical fitness program.

* Washing hands before and after meals is mandatory, besides also wash after shaking hands with outsiders. This is simple but very protective to keep you at a safe distance from getting infected.

* Avoiding crowded areas is advised as there are more chances of acquiring this flu mainly because it is difficult to identify swine flu inflected people, even if they stand next to you.

* Avoid visiting patients infected with swine flue is highly recommended as this enhances all the chances of spreading swine flu.

* Checking the temperature of your body regularly is advised as fever is the main swine flu symptom.

Treatment plays a significant role in preventing spreading of this deadly infection and also in curing the ailment. People with flu are suggested to take plenty of rest, avoid taking tobacco and alcohol and to drink lots of liquids such as fresh fruit juices and water. Taking medications to get relieved from fever and muscle aches is recommended, but definitely relying on self-medication is not advisable and hence getting in touch with the doctor will ensure the right treatment. Panicking on observing the symptoms will lead to seriousness, while maintaining coolness and getting tested will ascertain proper treatments.

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Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil

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If you arm yourself with the facts about the H1N1 virus and implement the proper measures, prevention of exposure and not spreading to others is possible. Below are 7 tips for prevention based on the facts about swine flu. This is just good common sense we should practice when dealing with any illness and  would be just as effective against any flu, even H1N1, this season.

1.Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
Physical contact is the primary transmission method. Door handles, phones, tools, keyboards and similar items we share are the biggest offenders.

2.Sneeze or cough into a tissue or cloth. If neither are available use elbow or shoulder. This needs to be impressed on the young ones in the family.

3.Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth. This is most important when in public places but also needs to be exercised at home.

4.If sick with flu-like symptoms remain home for at least 24 hours after fever has broken except for doctor or hospital visits.

5.Follow public heath announcements concern school closures, avoiding traveling and other social distancing measures. When returning home from work, school or any other public place be sure to wash hands throughly.

6.Be prepared in advance with the basic necessities and medications to be able to stay home for a week or two just in case you do get sick.

7.Try to avoid contact with sick people but if necessary to do so take protective measures. If taking care of sick family members keeping all soiled clothing and linens washed as soon as possible is a good practice.

If illness persist, especially fever, consult your doctor. Be extra cautious in this regard with children since they are more impacted by the H1N1 flu and will have no immunities from previous viruses to rely on. Always take a child to the doctor when sick is what is recommended.

What separates the swine flu from the seasonal flu is the fact that children and young adults have the highest rate of mortality and not the aged. Swine flu is particular harmful to populations with preexisting conditions like asthma. It has been advised that everyone visit their doctor if sick during this unusual flu season.

Here in the United States, as of October 2009 the H1N1 flu vaccine is available on a limited basis. It is promised to be available to everyone in the next few weeks. Although there is rumored to be an upcoming mandatory vaccination program, at present getting vaccinated is strictly voluntary. Weather you choose this kind of defensive measure or not is up to you but it is important to get all the facts about swine flu, both  the passive and aggressive preventive measures available.

Basic everyday actions against the H1N1 virus are very effective, and easily implemented. Although a threat not to be taken lightly the facts about swine flu, when examined, can give you the upper hand when protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Don’t get caught off guard by H1N1! Arm yourself with the new Swine Flu Safety Handbook. Get ALL facts and resources in one place. Defend yourself and loved ones successfully.

Robert has researched assorted products dealing with the facts about swine flu and recommends this handbook as a complete source for current information for swine flu defense.

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