thread starter MrKratos Apr 29 2009
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 | Currently Swine Flu Level rated by CDC Level 5 What is Swine Flu? Swine flu is common in swine and rare in humans. People who work with swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of catching swine influenza if the swine carry a strain able to infect humans. However, these strains rarely are able to pass from human to human. Rarely, SIV mutates into a form able to pass easily from human to human. The strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak in humans is believed to have undergone such a mutation. Of the three genera of human flu, two are endemic also in swine: Influenzavirus A (common) and Influenzavirus C (rare). Influenzavirus B has not been reported in swine. Within Influenzavirus A and Influenzavirus C, the strains endemic to swine and humans are largely distinct. How would I know I have it? In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort. The strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak in most cases causes only mild symptoms and the infected person makes a full recovery without requiring medical attention and without the use of antiviral medicines. If you do not understand what is said above... The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. How can I prevent getting the Swine Flu? Prevention of swine influenza has three components: prevention in swine, prevention of transmission to humans, and prevention of its spread among humans. 1. Sanitize � i.e. Wash Your Hands Frequently. It may sound obvious, but hand-washing with soap and water for around 20 seconds is the single best thing you can do (if you�re going to go out into the world and interact with other human beings). The CDC estimates that 80 percent of all infections are spread by hands. If you can�t wash your hands regularly, try hand-sanitizers with 60 percent alcohol content. 2. Avoid � i.e. Engage in Social Distancing.� That�s the fancy term for staying away from other people if you�re sick or if you�re concerned that they may be infected. It may not be especially practical when you have to go to, say, work, but experts believe it�s worth repeating: Isolation and avoidance reduce your chances of getting infected or infecting others. 3. Be Alert � i.e. Recognize the Symptoms and Get Help. Swine flu symptoms are similar to regular flu: Fever, body aches, sore throat, cough, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. If you don�t feel well, seek medical attention. So far, it�s important to note, this swine flu is treatable (and absolutely survivable). It�s resistant to two of four antiviral drugs approved for combating the flu: Symmetrel and Flumadine. |
