The Swine Flu outbreak these days alarm the public because of its rapid spread, first in Mexico, then in the US and some other nearby countries. Now it continues to spread even to Middle East and Asia-Pacific countries. Swine flue has been affecting human beings before but it has never been so disturbing as the present outbreak.
In the midst of this epidemic, people should be aware of some basic details to prevent acquiring the said fast-killing flu.
What is Swine Flu?
From its name, swine influenza is a viral disease trasmitted among pigs. This is a respiratory disease that circulates within pig populations, but certain outbreaks occur on cold season, on winter and fall, just like how ordinary flu affects human beings.
How is it transmitted to people?
Swine flu infects human beings and over two thousand cases of affected individuals confirm that swine flu is indeed something to be taken seriously. Normally, swine flu is not transmitted to humans. But within the bodies of swines, a process called the antigenic shift make swine flu a very contagious disease not only among pigs but also among us, people.
Pigs are not only carriers of ordinary swine flu viruses, they are also carriers of other animals’ viruses- such as of birds and of human beings. This ordinary human flu can turn into a human-infecting swine flu once combined with other flu viruses. As different types of viruses are being carried by pigs, viruses may reassort and swap genes with each other to develop a new strain of flu virus. This evolved virus is now being responsible for the present swine flu epidemic.
What are the symptoms and effects of swine flu?
Swine flue affects people people like the ordinary flu such as sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, fever, headache, chills body aches, and fatigue. Some patients also reported diarrhea and vomiting as symptoms.
Although swine flu is curable with some drugs, about 150 deaths that were caused by swine flu have been reported.
What should we do?
To prevent swine flu, peolple should take personal health precautions such as cleaning one’s hands and other hygenic practices. Since swine flu appears to be just like an ordinary flu, it would be wise for people, whether they think they have swine flu or not, to cough and sneeze on tissue papers and properly dispose them on trash cans. People should also refrain from touching their lips, eyes and nose unless their hands are really clean.
Swine flu is not transmitted by eating pork since swine flue viruses are killed in meat-cooking tempearture. However, one should still be careful when eating or drinking. It would be safe to make sure that one’s food are safe from germs.
There are antiviral drugs against swine flu such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir). These can be taken for both prevention and cure of swine flu.
With a proper way of facing this present health threat, people will prevent being infected by this epidemic.
Backlinks
In Buyers Guide Health Insurance you can Request free health insurance quotes to find affordable health plans. Compare rates from our major insurance providers to find low cost medical plans on group or individual medical insurance.
Visit: Buyers Guide Health Insurance
Mail this post
Technorati Tags: about, Basic, know, Need, Outbreak, Swine, Things
