Organism That Causes Swine Flu
The world at large is shocked and surprised to see the outbreak of swine flu. This pandemic left no time for doctors to know about its occurrence and killed about 100 people in Mexico. With no vaccine available for curing swine flu infected, this disease became a big challenge for the medical fraternity. Swine flu is a virus just like the one that can cause seasonal flu. However, swine flu virus has no cure and our immune system is not equipped to fight it, thus making it a threat to us. The case of swine flu was first detected in La Gloria and Mexico which then spread to different other cities and nations.
Swine flu is caused by micro organisms that can not be seen with the naked eye. The virus is alike to that of regular flu. This influenza “A” H1N1 is known to be contagious and can quickly spread from person to person. Experts say that the organism that causes swine flu is not a bacteria but a virus and it does multiply fast. The swine flu virus also contains pigs and birds’ components for which our immune system has no defense. This flu was only found among pigs until a few days back when we found these cases in humans too.
Swine flu can easily be passed on to others. The virus can get on to you through air particles and thus you can see large numbers of people in surgical masks. An infected person can pass on this disease even before he knows he has been infected. The infected person may not show the symptoms of swine flu instantly. A few signs of this virus are high fever, diarrhea, dizziness, vomiting, cough and chills. The infected person needs to be isolated as he/she can pass on this disease to others within no time.
The sudden outbreak of swine fluhas brought up the complex issue of being ready with medicines, and machinery to fight such life threatening viruses. Due to the occurrence of SARS and bird flu, the medical experts are certainly ready with few vaccines that can at least help to stop this virus from developing further. A tablet called a Tamiflu is distributed widely as it can restrict this virus from growing further.
Entire populations in the US and many other nations are living in fear of getting infected with H1N1 virus. This sudden occurrence of virus has made many people stay indoors or step out only with the protection mask. One can see people wearing funny and creative masks instead of surgical masks. However, doctors do not recommend these fancy masks as they are unsure if it can really protect you from the deadly virus.
In such a terrified situation, one has to take care and follow preventive measures to stay away from swine flu. The spread of virus can be avoided by maintaining high level of hygiene. Eat fresh food and include more of vegetables and fruits in your diet. Wash your hands and clothes with medicated products that can kill the germs. As of now where the while whole world is waiting for a solution to this deadly virus, we can only protect ourselves by being safe.
Description Of Swine Flu
Every day we are getting reports and reading news about the outbreak of Swine Flu in Mexico. There have been a handful of cases in the US and other countries like Spain, Germany etc that have tested positive. All people wants to know the answer of the question; “What is Swine Flu”?” Swine flu as the name suggests usually affects pigs. However, with some changes to its original form it has now also affected humans. The dangerous thing is that it communicates from person to person very quickly and easily.
We need to keep ourselves informed about the flu to ensure that there are no extreme panic responses to the infection. The name swine flu has been given as it resembles the flu that infects the pigs. Earlier too, there were swine flu casesbut that infection was mainly among those who came in direct contact with pigs. However, the new virus that has spread is a virulent new strain. It is has infected many people who have no contact with pigs at all. The various types of flu are Flu A, B and C. It is further categorized as per surface molecules, H for Haemagglutinin and N. The new strain that is circulating is H1N1 virus known to circulate in humans as well as pigs and birds.
Does it infect from person to person?
According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) the new swine flu is highly contagious and easily spreads from person to person. It spreads in a similar manner as ordinary colds and flu. The main source is the droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when an affected person coughs or sneezes. If the person fails to cover the nose or mouth while coughing and sneezing, the virus may be transferred to anyone within a one meter distance. Similarly it may also spread if a person coughs or sneezes into their hands and those droplets with the virus are transferred to any surface that the person touches like door handles and hand rails. When you touch these surfaces and touch your face the virus may enter into your system and you can become infected.
Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of the regular flu. The symptoms of this disease are sore throat, cough, fever, body aches, headache, fatigue and chills. The 2009 outbreak also has people reporting diarrhea and vomiting. However, with these symptoms being common to regular flu it requires a lab test to find if its swine flu or any other condition. Fatality is caused due to complications like pneumonia and respiratory failure.
To avoid spread if you have flu symptoms, it is preferable to stay home and use a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Clean hands after throwing away the tissue. Tamiflu and Relenza are known to be more effective drugs when taken within 48 hours of the start of flu like symptoms.
Keeping yourself informed of what is happening in your community is very important. Seek the guidance of the local health department to understand the situation in your area and ensure preventive measures as per their advice.