Swine Flu
Swine flu, also known as H1N1 flu, is an infection caused by the influenza virus. It is so named because this particular influenza virus generally infects the pigs. Humans, in normal course, are much less prone to get the H1N1 virus; however, human infections do happen. This virus is known to be extremely infectious and can spread from one human to another on contact.
Swine flu symptoms
It is extremely difficult to be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and swine flu symptoms (H1N1) without medical help. Since swine flu symptoms in people are quite similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include
- fever
- runny nose
- cough
- sore throat
- body aches
- headache
- chills
- fatigue
Only a medical practitioner or a local health authority can confirm a case of H1N1 flu on seeing the obvious swine flu symptoms. Pregnant women are more vulnerable but more study is required to determine if younger or older people or people with other medical conditions are more prone to infections. The World Health Organisation, however, recommends that everyone take precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
Swine flu treatment
Treatment of the H1N1 virus is carried out in two ways:
- One is through preventive means; this works best before a person actually catches the infection
- The second is through vaccines and medication; this treatment becomes imperative after a person is already found to be infected
Preventive swine flu treatment works best before actually catching the infection. This is best achieved by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms, in addition to strictly adhering to the measures mentioned below:
- Avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose; germs can easily spread this way
- Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis; especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated
- Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible; in crowds chances of infection are greatly enhanced
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing; throw the tissue in the trash after use
- Stay home from work or school if sick; this will help curtail the infection from spreading
- Improve airflow within your living surroundings by opening windows
- Get adequate sleep, eat nutritious food and keep physically active
Swine flu treatment in infected people involves the use of antiviral medicines like Tamiflu that can either be used as preventive swine flu treatment or as actual treatment. At present, swine flu treatment does not involve the use of vaccines as particular H1N1 vaccine has not become available yet. Apart from medication, it is best to prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
It is extremely difficult to be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and swine flu symptoms (H1N1) without medical help. Since swine flu symptoms in people are quite similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, runny nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Only a medical practitioner or a local health authority can confirm a case of H1N1 flu on seeing the obvious swine flu symptoms.
Pregnant women are more vulnerable but more study is required to determine if younger or older people or people with other medical conditions are more prone to infections. The World Health Organisation, however, recommends that everyone take precautions to prevent the spread of infection.
Swine flu UK
Swine flu UK is past the containing stage. Health ministry has launched a vicious campaign through TV, radio and the internet saying "Catch it, Bin it, Kill it!" so that the H1N1 virus can be successfully contained. People with and without the virus have been urged to use tissues when they sneeze, dispose them and then wash their hands. Leaflets advising people about the new H1N1 virus are to be sent to every home in UK. The British government stresses it has enough anti-viral drugs to treat swine flu UK in more than half the population if required.
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