Alarm bells are ringing all over the world, over the unprecedented outbreak of swine flu. A kind of influenza caused by new strain of influenza A virus. This is an infection of a host animal by any one of the several specific types of swine influenza virus. The present outbreak is caused by H1N1. Commonly, swine flu is found among pigs and rarely transmitted to human beings. The origin of the swine flu 2009 is unknown but to our dismay it easily gets transmitted from person to person.
The number of individuals running flu is increasing at an alarming rate. It is harrowing that still people are unaware of the symptoms prevention and treatment methods. So it is a right time for us to get into the nitty-gritty of this subject.
As already pointed out swine flu caused by H1N1 is not zoonotic. But it gets transmitted from person to person. The infected individual shows symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, chill, severe headache, sore throat, body ache and fatigue. In stray cases vomiting and diarrhea could be seen. As a matter of fact these symptoms are not specific to swine flu. So a differential diagnosis is essential.
Anti-viral drugs are available in the market which by proper administration within two days of the infection will bring an end to the flu and prevent further complications.
“Prevention is better than cure”. So let us have a glance at the preventive measures. If you are not in a habit of washing your hands frequently especially after being in public gear up for it. Swine flu spreads by coughing and sneezing and people touching things with virus on it and then touching their nose. So, its better to practice washing your hands with soap and water or other alcohol based sanitizers. Moreover, try to clean the house hold surfaces with some disinfectants. Do not consider these as a throw away advice. Most of the viruses can be killed by using this infectant.
Social distancing is another tactic to prevent infection. Avoid contact with people who might get infection. Keep away from large gatherings where there will be a choc-a-bloc. By doing all these you can keep your door shut to swine flu.
Experts say that there is no need to panic. Swine flu is fatal very rarely. So, even if you are infected take it on your chin and try anti-viral drugs and other methods to bring down temperature and maintain fluid balance. Then, you will make a go of it, for sure.