Swine Flu Essentials- Everything You Need To Understand!
Saturday, February 6th, 2010With the current scare of a swine flu pandemic, lots of attention around the world has been focused on how to thwart and otherwise avoid the swine flu. Most of the information is common sense and follows along the lines of prevention and treatment of the common flu.
So how did swine flu start?
The transmission and start of swine flu use to be transmitted from pig to pig and only in unusual cases transmit to humans. The origins of swine flu might have been that humans first transmitted the influenza bug to pigs before they developed their own variety. The influenza season brings a mix of influenza viruses resulting in the increased risk of transmission and infection from pigs to humans, causing cross-species transmission. Recognized swine flu viruses are the H1N1 subtype as well as less popular subtypes like H1N2, H3N1 or H3N2.Therefore, a pig might be infected by more than one type of virus.
Infection Risk
Human to human infection was once limited to a close group of people, before the Mexico incidents on April 2009. Prior to that swine influenza was passed from infected pigs that had direct contact to human, mostly their owners.
Safety - Consumption of Pork?
It is safe to eat pork. So far, no documentation is available indicative of a link between safely prepared pork and human swine flu virus. The swine flu virus is destroyed by cooking temperatures of in the order of 160 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Vaccine Safeguard Against The Swine Flu Virus?
Up to now (End of April 2009) there are no vaccines known immunizing individuals from this influenza virus infection. Each year there is usually an flu vaccine being released, however it is ambiguous if this flu protection works on the swine flu bug. Please, do not take risks and make an appointment with your health professional at any signs of influenza illness.
Previous
The influenza virus is widespread and follows a pattern of seasonal occurrence. In some cases it has developed resistance towards antiviral medication and therefore reducing the success of treatment.
So far in Mexico or the United States, health officials have suggested the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for treatment. Make an informed decision by visiting your local health centre or doctor in case of observed signs of the virus.
What Are Typical Symptoms of Swine Flu Virus?
Severe respiratory tract infections of any kind throughout the influenza season could be an warning for swine flu infection. Even mild symptoms should be taken seriously, especially by kids, elderly people, pregnant or any physically weakened persons like patients or people on some sort of drug program. Please search for your next nearest health information, be it from your doctor or any qualified medical practitioner.
How To Decrease The Threat Of Infection?
Avoid individuals who seem to have the flu, especially those with symptoms of fever or coughing.
Eat healthy foods and drink 100 % fruit liquids or clean water. Avoid uncooked meat, especially pig, cooked as specified above should be okay. Practice recommended health habits such as physical fitness as much as possible.
Should someone in your family unit be infected make sure you take that person to the hospital or doctor for advice and treatment. If it’s not possible keep that person at least 3 feet away from others.
Improve the circulation of air in the room where the sick person is staying. Use doors and windows, when at all possible, for the aeration.
Keep the area clean from dust or any open cans, dustbins etc. Do not forget to wash your hands properly each time after contact with the infected person. COVER MOUTH AND NOSE with masks from your local authority or pharmacy. They must be fresh and unused.
Prevention of swine flu is easier than you think. First, do not live in fear. This alone will undermine your immune system. Living a healthy daily life is the best preventitive measure. The stronger your immune system, the less likely you will catch the flu.
Good fortune and good health!
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