What is swine flu?
At any time there are several types of influenza or flu, virus circulating in the
human and animal environment. With different strains cuasing illness in humans , birds and pigs.
The most common viruses among human are summed up as seasonal
influenza. As we come into contact with these most regularly we have natural immunity to these strains, which can be boosted by a seasonal influenza vaccine.
We will remember the recent stories about Avian flu , which comes from the viruses which have adapted for infection in birds.
Similarly swine flu is caused by flu viruses adapted for infection in Pigs.The virus grouped in H1N1 and named as H1N1 virus . The symptoms for all strains , in all hosts are similar.
Symptoms
The symptoms and risks are essentially the same as any other type of flu.
As with common flu cases , symptoms are
Fever
Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Coughing
Sore throat
Some patients with swine flu have also vomitting and diarrhoea
What should do if you have swine flu symptoms?
Stay indoors and take all the
precautions for normal seasonal flu to protect yourself and others.
Consult your family doctor for treatment.The treatment would be the same as with normal flu.Basically there is no cure for flu, as it is a self - limiting illness.Anti-viral drugs such as
Tamiflu will lessen the severity of the illness and duration if given in the early stages.
The best advice is to stay at home and rest to avoid spreading it around.
How can we stopthe spread of the virus ? As with any infectious disease the best way to stop the spread of swine flu is with basic good hygiene.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Use disposable tissues and throw them in a bin straight away
Turn your face away from other people when sneezung
When preparing food take particular care to wash hands and not to cough or sneeze near the food.
Wipe down all surfaces you or someone in the family with symptoms - might have touched
Above all
WASH YOUR HANDS regularly, particularly after sneezing or coughing and before eating food .