In Search of Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1 Virus)
Searches for swine flu and related information have been topping search engine results pages since last week when the swine flu virus was first detected and confirmed. This issue on health has turned out to be a word of mouth not only among Mexicans but through out the world, making it a potential global threat.
But what really is swine flu? How is it acquired and transmitted?
Swine flu is a new influenza virus that causes illness among people. It is believed to have originated from pigs, hence the name swine flu, and may be transferred from one person to another in the same way that regular flu viruses spread.
Swine flu is now referred to as influenza A H1N1 and has affected countries like Mexico, the United States, Israel and Canada. The signs and symptoms of influenza A H1N1 virus include fever, cough, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue which are common signs and symptoms of the common flu that affects people. This disease may also be accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting.
H1N1 influenza virus may be spread through coughing, sneezing and direct contact with materials contaminated with the virus. Health experts strongly encourage regular hand washing to prevent contacting this disease. Medical professionals also encourage getting plenty of sleep as well as plenty of fluids and nutritious foods to counter the A H1N1 influenza virus.
To avoid the spread of this deadly virus, it is also encouraged that everyone be protective not only of themselves but of others as well. Individuals who cough or sneeze are encouraged to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing so as to avoid the spread of the virus. Everyone is also encouraged to avoid large crowds and to limit contact with other people.
Swine Flu Outbreak hits United States
Scientist still do not know how the swine influenza affects humans. Five U.S states have reported that swine flu is present in their state. Almost 40 cases are reported but only one case led to hospitalization according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. The states that are hit by the swine flu outbreak are New York, Texas, Kansas, Ohio and California.
In Mexico, where the outbreak started, hundreds were reportedly ill and 149 of them have died with the same strain of virus that hit United States. Reports also emerged telling that the outbreak has reached other countries like Britain, Canada, New Zealand and France. Scientist now know the virus’ main component and found out that this kind of influenza strain contains genetic materials from swine, bird and human influenza. But it still remains a mystery how lethal this combination does to humans.
An epidemiologist in Atlanta says that until the biological properties of this influenza strain is understood, it is better for the people to refrain from going to Mexico where the outbreak started. Some officials also told the public to limit interpersonal contact, close the school of the affected areas, cancel all social events and quarantine the suspected people exposed to the virus.
The scientists are hoping that the timing of the influenza outbreak will limit the impact and they also said that as of now no existing vaccines are effective against this kind of strain. They believed that the outbreak will continue but they are positive that they can find a cure for this disease in time.
Swine Fluenza
Swine Influenza or commonly known as Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. It’s being called as swine flu because the overall structure of the virus is of the type that affects pigs. It is contagious and is spreading from human to human. Until now it is still unknown how the virus spreads between people.
The Signs and Symptoms of this disease are just similar to regular human flu which includes fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. Swine flu may also worsen underlying chronic medical conditions. The spread of the swine flu is thought to be the same to seasonal flu. Flu is generally transmitted through the respiratory tract. Studies of health researchers are still ongoing on how this virus spreads from person to person.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others. If you become ill and experience any of the following warning signs, seek emergency medical care. Antiviral drugs work best as medication to take care of this kind of virus. These are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping the flu virus from reproducing in your body. Antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster if started soon after getting sick.
This disease is fast rising in the United Kingdom. There are lots of cases going on there regarding with this disease. According to World Health Organization this is the latest disease in this period and it is dangerous since it can spread from human to human.