Swine Flu

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Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease spread by pigs.It is caused by the type A influenza virus and is also called 'H1N1 influenza" .The form of flu that originated in Mexico is a genetic mixture of viruses that have been seen in pigs, birds and people.

How does it spread?

It is common among pigs and spreads quickly from one pig to another by direct contact.These viruses spread through tiny droplets and if you do not cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing the virus spreads when others inhale these droplets.Common surfaces where flu viruses can be found include door handles, computer keyboards, phones and remote controls.By touching these everyday items and then touching your face the virus can enter your system and is passed from person to person.


How can swine flu be prevented?

In pigs:

Swine flu can be prevented by vaccination, using disnfectants and isolating infected pigs from the herd.

In humans:

Transmission occurs mostly in farms where humans are in touch with the pigs.To prevent this farmers should wear masks and gloves when dealing with infected pigs.Isolating infected people and giving them anti viral drugs ia an effective treatment against swine flu.

Prevention of swine flu

  • Maintain oral and personal hygiene
  • Wash your hands / face regularly .The reason is, the swine flu virus can stay on your skin due to various reasons and if you wash your hands and face often the virus will not get enough time to act on you and you can stay safe.
  • Cover the mouth & nose - if you are really want to prevent the swine flu, then it is better to cover your mouth and nose while you are coughing or sneezing. The reason is the swine flu can be spread through the air and it you take these necessary precautions, and then it will be easy to prevent the swine flu.
  • Don't touch the infected person - if you are dealing with an infected person, then you must always keep in mind to avoid much contact with the relevant person as this can be a reason to make you also infected.
  • In case you are showing swine flu symptoms consult a doctor immediately.Avoid self medication.

WHO has declared swine flu as a global pandemic.A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus spreads quickly and few people have immunity. The most severe flu pandemic on record was the 1918 Spanish Flu. Researchers estimate it killed about 50 million people around the world.

Taking right precautions will help you to prevent swine flu infections. At least be aware and keep yourself far out from its reach.

Comments

  1. cheJune 18, 2009 at 9:31 PM

    Well it seems that there exists some confusion regarding the usage of the term swine flu.Historically speaking,it refers to a disease in swines caused by Influenza viruses, A and C.This disease could be transmitted to man or vice versa with man to man transmission being very uncommon.Or in other words, it was very difficult to encounter a case of swine flu in humanbeings without the person having any prior contact with affected swines.The 2009 pandemic that we are talking about is supposed to be a variant of a strain that is believed to have originally lived in pigs.This strain of H1N1 subtype influenza A has a rapid human to human transmission rate,thus requiring no previous contact with infected pigs.However,this doesnt rule out the possibility of human infection from affected swines,though it can be said with certainty that a person cannot get infected with the disease after eating well cooked pork.

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