Swine flu is just another form of the common flu, although this virus strain is normally identified with pigs.
The latest swine flu virus that has affected a lot of people and a lot of countries is however of a different kind, as it shows a combination of viruses previously seen in people, birds and pigs.
No one really gets a warning before being infected by the flu virus. But just like most illnesses, the swine flu virus is caused by factors that people should be aware of, so they can avoid the flu like the plague.
The respiratory tract plays a significant role in the transmission of the flu virus. Coughing and sneezing can transmit infected bodily fluids from one person to another, and this is being eyed as the mode of transmission of the new H1N1 virus. This is a far cry from the common notion that the virus is caused by eating pork.
World Health Organization official Keiji Fukuda said the spread of the virus has not been linked with eating pork or with close contact with pigs.
Caused by a Virus
Doctors have confirmed that a virus is causing the swine flu outbreak. In particular, it is the influenza H1N1 virus strain which is causing the infection. The letter H and N refers to the proteins on the virus which distinguishes a specific virus from the other subtypes.
While the world is not new to the influenza virus, the old virus has mutated and has changed its genes. The new swine flu virus is capable of being transmitted from person to person and is contagious. A person who has been infected by the virus can already infect others even before he develops the symptoms.
Mode of transmission
The virus is passed on from one person to another through coughing and sneezing. The germ which is released into the air can be transmitted to another person through the air they breathe and enter the body through the mouth, nose and eyes.
The virus can even be transmitted through ATM buttons, doorknobs and similar surfaces where the virus can rest. These hard surfaces can be a resting ground for the swine flu virus and when a person makes contact with this area, and then touches his eyes, nose or mouth, then the virus is transmitted.
Caused by pollution
There are also reports that the swine flu came as a result of water pollution, caused by a large hog processing company in the State of Veracruz in Perote, Mexico. A total of 27 million hogs are being slaughtered in this facility annually. The virus has travelled far and wide and has been detected in other countries and states including Australia, California and New York.
While the virus is commonly called swine flu, people are however cautioned against relating the virus to pigs and eating pork. For as long as meat products coming from pigs are cooked properly, it cannot infect people with the H1N1 flu virus. Knowing the swine flu causes is expected to improve the chances of mitigating the effects of the illness and in reducing the number of people infected by the
Thursday, October 22, 2009
How to Prevent Swine Flu - Special Tips to Boost Your Immune System Now
To prevent swine flu, many people think that wearing face masks and popping vitamin supplements will boost their immunity against the disease. However, many experts believe that we need to do more to keep swine flu at bay.
Wearing a face mask only stops an infected person from coughing and sneezing on other people. It does not stop germs from invading our bodies. Taking vitamin supplements will not help if we do not adopt a healthy lifestyle.
We are especially vulnerable to swine flu at the moment as the vaccine is not yet available. The best way to cope with swine flu is to boost our immune system.
Experts recommend the following tips to boost our immune system:
1) Going On A Healthy Diet
Experts recommend eating a balanced diet, with at least five to seven servings of fresh fruit and vegetables. Your daily diet should also include good protein and essential fatty acids. Salmon and eggs are excellent choices.
2) Exercise Thirty Minutes Daily, Five Times A Week
Experts have found out that during moderate exercise, immune cells circulate through the body more quickly and are able to locate and kill bacteria and viruses more promptly. After exercise ends, the immune system returns to normal after a few hours. But when you exercise regularly, the positive immune response your body exhibits appears more long-lasting.
3) Take Adequate Vitamin A and Vitamin C
Vitamin A is required to maintain tissues lining our lungs and digestive system. Sweet potatoes and carrots are excellent sources of Vitamin A. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which prevents inflammation of our tissue lining. Oranges and grapefruit are high in Vitamin C.
4) Get Sufficient Sleep
Our bodies have a chance to rejuvenate and undergo cell renewal when we sleep. This ensures that our immunity system is functioning at an optimum level at all times. We should also sleep in well-ventilated rooms.
5) Quit Smoking
Smoking compromises the respiratory system, making it more susceptible to attacks by flu viruses and other bacteria. Incidentally, by maintaining a healthy diet, a smoker is likely to cut down on cigarettes as a healthy diet spoils his or her taste for cigarettes. It will make quitting smoking easier.
6) Cleanse Your Blood
Cleanse and support the blood with garlic, tomato, spinach and nettle tea. Improve blood circulation with frequent dry skin brushing. This helps to reduce cellulite in women too.
Do you want additional free tips on how to cope with the current swine flu pandemic? Click on swine flu information for more details and updates.
Celine Yong hails from sunny Singapore. She is passionate about health and fitness. Visit her health and fitness blog for free today at http://howtobefitandhealthy.com At her blog, you will be able to read and benefit from the tips she has compiled from numerous health and fitness experts from both East and West.
Wearing a face mask only stops an infected person from coughing and sneezing on other people. It does not stop germs from invading our bodies. Taking vitamin supplements will not help if we do not adopt a healthy lifestyle.
We are especially vulnerable to swine flu at the moment as the vaccine is not yet available. The best way to cope with swine flu is to boost our immune system.
Experts recommend the following tips to boost our immune system:
1) Going On A Healthy Diet
Experts recommend eating a balanced diet, with at least five to seven servings of fresh fruit and vegetables. Your daily diet should also include good protein and essential fatty acids. Salmon and eggs are excellent choices.
2) Exercise Thirty Minutes Daily, Five Times A Week
Experts have found out that during moderate exercise, immune cells circulate through the body more quickly and are able to locate and kill bacteria and viruses more promptly. After exercise ends, the immune system returns to normal after a few hours. But when you exercise regularly, the positive immune response your body exhibits appears more long-lasting.
3) Take Adequate Vitamin A and Vitamin C
Vitamin A is required to maintain tissues lining our lungs and digestive system. Sweet potatoes and carrots are excellent sources of Vitamin A. Vitamin C is an antioxidant which prevents inflammation of our tissue lining. Oranges and grapefruit are high in Vitamin C.
4) Get Sufficient Sleep
Our bodies have a chance to rejuvenate and undergo cell renewal when we sleep. This ensures that our immunity system is functioning at an optimum level at all times. We should also sleep in well-ventilated rooms.
5) Quit Smoking
Smoking compromises the respiratory system, making it more susceptible to attacks by flu viruses and other bacteria. Incidentally, by maintaining a healthy diet, a smoker is likely to cut down on cigarettes as a healthy diet spoils his or her taste for cigarettes. It will make quitting smoking easier.
6) Cleanse Your Blood
Cleanse and support the blood with garlic, tomato, spinach and nettle tea. Improve blood circulation with frequent dry skin brushing. This helps to reduce cellulite in women too.
Do you want additional free tips on how to cope with the current swine flu pandemic? Click on swine flu information for more details and updates.
Celine Yong hails from sunny Singapore. She is passionate about health and fitness. Visit her health and fitness blog for free today at http://howtobefitandhealthy.com At her blog, you will be able to read and benefit from the tips she has compiled from numerous health and fitness experts from both East and West.
How Long Does Swine Flu Last?
Many people wonder how long swine flu lasts but as with many other disease it does depend upon the strength of the attack and whether other symptoms are present.
Essentially, just remember that swine flu is treatable and the earlier you get a diagnosis the better. Isn't it better to seek the opinion of a medical professional as early as possible rather than wait a few more days? If it is swine influenza you have caught it early, if it's not, then nothing lost. The visible basic swine flu symptoms can come and go in a matter of 5 days. However, for victims of the flu who have other complications and symptoms it can take up to 3 weeks or even longer in the very worst cases.
Worth noting is that swine flu if treated early and is free of other health problems (like unrelated respiratory disease) can be cured with regular medications which will also boost your immune system and make it less likely you will suffer a future attack. Although it must be said that since the flu affects various systems in one's body, some parts of the diseases consequence is not yet fully understood. And as ironic as it may sound, the more cases we see the quicker full treatments will become available - as each case has the potential to advance our knowledge of the disease.
Despite the contraction of swine flu being dangerous to health and indeed life, as stated previously it is treatable. It follows then that at the first sign of symptoms you must seek medical advice.
To learn more about the symptoms of swine flu and how long it lasts for you need to check this out, Swine Flu Facts It really is a book you should read, it's a no holds barred on the facts - facts you must know!
Essentially, just remember that swine flu is treatable and the earlier you get a diagnosis the better. Isn't it better to seek the opinion of a medical professional as early as possible rather than wait a few more days? If it is swine influenza you have caught it early, if it's not, then nothing lost. The visible basic swine flu symptoms can come and go in a matter of 5 days. However, for victims of the flu who have other complications and symptoms it can take up to 3 weeks or even longer in the very worst cases.
Worth noting is that swine flu if treated early and is free of other health problems (like unrelated respiratory disease) can be cured with regular medications which will also boost your immune system and make it less likely you will suffer a future attack. Although it must be said that since the flu affects various systems in one's body, some parts of the diseases consequence is not yet fully understood. And as ironic as it may sound, the more cases we see the quicker full treatments will become available - as each case has the potential to advance our knowledge of the disease.
Despite the contraction of swine flu being dangerous to health and indeed life, as stated previously it is treatable. It follows then that at the first sign of symptoms you must seek medical advice.
To learn more about the symptoms of swine flu and how long it lasts for you need to check this out, Swine Flu Facts It really is a book you should read, it's a no holds barred on the facts - facts you must know!
A-H1N1 Swine Flu Likely Originated in US Lab
When the first reported cases of A/H1N1 swine flu emerged in April 2009, it was widely believed that the novel influenza strain originated in Mexico. By late June, when evidence failed to materialize confirming a Mexican origin, a new theory hypothesized that A/H1N1 originated in Asia and was transported unintentionally via an unsuspecting human carrier to North America. This though, probably is not the case. Instead it is likely, though not confirmed, that A/H1N1, is a genetically engineered creation that originated in the United States, specifically in a lab in Madison, Wisconsin that had accidentally escaped through some kind of contamination.
The evidence for this scenario is compelling:
1. Prior to the A/H1N1 outbreak, The Institute for Molecular Virology (IMV) located in Bock Labs (administered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison) had been involved in a transmission capability study for vaccine production. This study involved reverse genetic engineering of a tissue specimen that had been extracted from a deceased Intuit woman who had succumbed to Spanish influenza that had killed up to 50 million people during the 1918-19 pandemic.
2. The current A/H1N1 version is a "highly unusual virus" never seen before that combines genetic material from North American human, avian, and swine flus and Eurasian swine flu.[1] Such a combination is unprecedented having never been found in pigs, birds, or people per The Associated Press, and likely improbable to have emerged naturally. When the fact that no close relatives of the current strain exist and IMV's mission - to conduct virology research and training at a molecular level - is taken into account, creation through artificial genetic engineering offers the best explanation.
3. Retired Australian researcher Adrian Gibbs, who played a leading role in the development of Tamiflu®, a highly-effective anti-flu drug, theorized on May 12, 2009 that the new strain of A/H1N1 likely escaped from a laboratory setting because it exhibited characteristics "of having undergone 'accelerated evolution' such as what happens when flu viruses try to adapt to growth in eggs" during vaccine studies.[2] Although The World Health Organization (WHO) swiftly ruled out Mr. Gibbs' theory a day later, it is implausible that sufficient research to ascertain a conclusion could be completed in only 24 hours.
4. When A/H1N1's existence had been firmly established in the United States by May 10, 2009, Wisconsin and Illinois had nearly a third of the country's cases. Since then Wisconsin has consistently led the nation despite its population of 5,627,967 based on July 2008 estimates versus the larger states - California, Texas, New York, Illinois and even Michigan with July 2008 populations of 36,755,666, 24,326,974, 19,490,297, 12,901,563 and 10,003,422, respectively. By June 12, 2009 when dispersion had set in, Wisconsin and Illinois still accounted for more than a quarter of U.S. cases. Demographically speaking this disproportionate caseload makes little sense. However, when Madison, WI is viewed as the point of origin, the two-State caseload provides incontrovertible evidence of the virus' inception. When A/H1N1 likely escaped from IMV, it immediately impacted the city's environs and nearby locales including Illinois (since a sizeable number of Wisconsinites commute to that state each day) before spreading to Mexico (likely transmitted by a U.S. national since Granja Carroll hog farms located in La Gloria where the first case of A/H1N1 is believed to have occurred, is a subsidiary of American-based Smithfield Foods), other parts of the United States and ultimately much of the rest of the world.
Centers For Disease Control (CDC) Bulletins:
5/10/2009: Wisconsin: 357 Cases (14.1% of the national caseload); Illinois: 466 Cases (18.4% of the national caseload)
6/12/2009: Wisconsin: 3008 Cases (16.8% of the national caseload); Illinois: 1983 Cases (11.1% of the national caseload)
5. To date the A/H1N1 2009 pandemic version of swine flu has not been found to be endemic in global pig stocks discounting natural mutation and initial pig to human transmission theories. Furthermore, none of the pig stocks in Wisconsin have tested positive for the novel A/H1N1 strain that currently afflicts the world.
6. Statements and actions point to prior knowledge. As early as April 25, 2009 when the new A/H1N1 strain was officially detected in only 3 states (11 cases), a top CDC official, Dr. Anne Schuchat stated, "We do not think we can contain the spread of this virus." By April 28, 2009 Vice President Joseph Biden ruled out quarantining Mexico citing limited benefits since "the swine flu virus [had] already penetrated many states" (64 cases in 5 states). An immediate quarantine when news of the A/H1N1 outbreak in Mexico surfaced on April 23, 2009 likely was not implemented because the CDC and top U.S. government officials had already been alerted about the accidental escape from IMV and consequent unconfirmed and unreported infections. A quarantine made little sense since cases were rapidly evolving in the United States and because such a step would likely have drawn suspicion when such cases were subsequently confirmed and reported.
7. Samples of the new A/H1N1 virus were already present at the CDC prior to receipt of Mexican specimens. Per CDC virologist Ruben Donis in an interview conducted by Science Direct (published April 29, 2009) - the CDC had completed sequencing of the novel A/H1N1 strain two weeks earlier or by April 15, 2009 - three days before Mexican officials shipped swab samples to its Atlanta headquarters for testing.
Based on the compelling facts above, conclusive evidence exists that the outbreak of A/H1N1 swine flu that has led to the WHO's first pandemic declaration in 41 years, was created synthetically and likely can be traced back to IMV's lab in Madison, WI. As a result, the moderate risk based on A/H1N1's characteristics and potential threat especially to a generation that has never endured a pandemic and those with pre-existing medical conditions (asthma and other respiratory disorders, diabetes, heart problems, immune deficiency disorders, and pregnancy, to name a few) whose immune systems are ill-prepared or equipped to recognize and combat the novel strain, respectively, must be taken seriously. At the writing of this article, this is not being done (e.g. The New York City Department of Health stated on its website as late as June 25, 2009 - "Most cases of influenza-like illness do not need to be tested for H1N1" even though seasonal influenza has disappeared for the summer, failure to isolate suspected emergency room cases facilitating contagion, etc.). Continued failure to do so may result in between 1 million (based on a .25% mortality rate on existing WHO estimates that up to a third of the world's population may be infected) to 25 million or more deaths since people will be treated much further into the illness (after serious complications have developed) and/or if the virus mutates into a more lethal form resulting in a 1+% mortality rate that is already being exhibited in Argentina, a country that has just entered the winter season.
The evidence for this scenario is compelling:
1. Prior to the A/H1N1 outbreak, The Institute for Molecular Virology (IMV) located in Bock Labs (administered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison) had been involved in a transmission capability study for vaccine production. This study involved reverse genetic engineering of a tissue specimen that had been extracted from a deceased Intuit woman who had succumbed to Spanish influenza that had killed up to 50 million people during the 1918-19 pandemic.
2. The current A/H1N1 version is a "highly unusual virus" never seen before that combines genetic material from North American human, avian, and swine flus and Eurasian swine flu.[1] Such a combination is unprecedented having never been found in pigs, birds, or people per The Associated Press, and likely improbable to have emerged naturally. When the fact that no close relatives of the current strain exist and IMV's mission - to conduct virology research and training at a molecular level - is taken into account, creation through artificial genetic engineering offers the best explanation.
3. Retired Australian researcher Adrian Gibbs, who played a leading role in the development of Tamiflu®, a highly-effective anti-flu drug, theorized on May 12, 2009 that the new strain of A/H1N1 likely escaped from a laboratory setting because it exhibited characteristics "of having undergone 'accelerated evolution' such as what happens when flu viruses try to adapt to growth in eggs" during vaccine studies.[2] Although The World Health Organization (WHO) swiftly ruled out Mr. Gibbs' theory a day later, it is implausible that sufficient research to ascertain a conclusion could be completed in only 24 hours.
4. When A/H1N1's existence had been firmly established in the United States by May 10, 2009, Wisconsin and Illinois had nearly a third of the country's cases. Since then Wisconsin has consistently led the nation despite its population of 5,627,967 based on July 2008 estimates versus the larger states - California, Texas, New York, Illinois and even Michigan with July 2008 populations of 36,755,666, 24,326,974, 19,490,297, 12,901,563 and 10,003,422, respectively. By June 12, 2009 when dispersion had set in, Wisconsin and Illinois still accounted for more than a quarter of U.S. cases. Demographically speaking this disproportionate caseload makes little sense. However, when Madison, WI is viewed as the point of origin, the two-State caseload provides incontrovertible evidence of the virus' inception. When A/H1N1 likely escaped from IMV, it immediately impacted the city's environs and nearby locales including Illinois (since a sizeable number of Wisconsinites commute to that state each day) before spreading to Mexico (likely transmitted by a U.S. national since Granja Carroll hog farms located in La Gloria where the first case of A/H1N1 is believed to have occurred, is a subsidiary of American-based Smithfield Foods), other parts of the United States and ultimately much of the rest of the world.
Centers For Disease Control (CDC) Bulletins:
5/10/2009: Wisconsin: 357 Cases (14.1% of the national caseload); Illinois: 466 Cases (18.4% of the national caseload)
6/12/2009: Wisconsin: 3008 Cases (16.8% of the national caseload); Illinois: 1983 Cases (11.1% of the national caseload)
5. To date the A/H1N1 2009 pandemic version of swine flu has not been found to be endemic in global pig stocks discounting natural mutation and initial pig to human transmission theories. Furthermore, none of the pig stocks in Wisconsin have tested positive for the novel A/H1N1 strain that currently afflicts the world.
6. Statements and actions point to prior knowledge. As early as April 25, 2009 when the new A/H1N1 strain was officially detected in only 3 states (11 cases), a top CDC official, Dr. Anne Schuchat stated, "We do not think we can contain the spread of this virus." By April 28, 2009 Vice President Joseph Biden ruled out quarantining Mexico citing limited benefits since "the swine flu virus [had] already penetrated many states" (64 cases in 5 states). An immediate quarantine when news of the A/H1N1 outbreak in Mexico surfaced on April 23, 2009 likely was not implemented because the CDC and top U.S. government officials had already been alerted about the accidental escape from IMV and consequent unconfirmed and unreported infections. A quarantine made little sense since cases were rapidly evolving in the United States and because such a step would likely have drawn suspicion when such cases were subsequently confirmed and reported.
7. Samples of the new A/H1N1 virus were already present at the CDC prior to receipt of Mexican specimens. Per CDC virologist Ruben Donis in an interview conducted by Science Direct (published April 29, 2009) - the CDC had completed sequencing of the novel A/H1N1 strain two weeks earlier or by April 15, 2009 - three days before Mexican officials shipped swab samples to its Atlanta headquarters for testing.
Based on the compelling facts above, conclusive evidence exists that the outbreak of A/H1N1 swine flu that has led to the WHO's first pandemic declaration in 41 years, was created synthetically and likely can be traced back to IMV's lab in Madison, WI. As a result, the moderate risk based on A/H1N1's characteristics and potential threat especially to a generation that has never endured a pandemic and those with pre-existing medical conditions (asthma and other respiratory disorders, diabetes, heart problems, immune deficiency disorders, and pregnancy, to name a few) whose immune systems are ill-prepared or equipped to recognize and combat the novel strain, respectively, must be taken seriously. At the writing of this article, this is not being done (e.g. The New York City Department of Health stated on its website as late as June 25, 2009 - "Most cases of influenza-like illness do not need to be tested for H1N1" even though seasonal influenza has disappeared for the summer, failure to isolate suspected emergency room cases facilitating contagion, etc.). Continued failure to do so may result in between 1 million (based on a .25% mortality rate on existing WHO estimates that up to a third of the world's population may be infected) to 25 million or more deaths since people will be treated much further into the illness (after serious complications have developed) and/or if the virus mutates into a more lethal form resulting in a 1+% mortality rate that is already being exhibited in Argentina, a country that has just entered the winter season.
Stress and Swine Flu - Why Reducing Stress May Be a Key Step You Must Take to Avoid Swine Flu
Are you stressed about the swine flu or the h1n1 flu? Or are you just stressed about whatever is going on in your life? It doesn't matter. Stress and swine flu are a bad mix. Read on to find out why and what you can do about it.
Stress weakens your immune system. And encountering a flu virus with such an impairment is making you a sitting duck. Don't sit still for that. You can lower your stress and increase your immune system's ability to fight incoming germs.
And even if you do get the swine flu, a strengthened immune system will have many benefits. Especially if you get it. Because it will help you fight off the virus and incapacitate it sooner rather than later. Not only that, but a stronger immune system may prevent opportunistic secondary infections that could take what otherwise might just be a nuisance and make it potentially deadly.
Of course there are many things you can do to strengthen your resistance to illness. You can make sure you're well rested. You can eat well and exercise. You can lead a happy life.
But you know what? Some of these are difficult to do when you are too stressed. You may find you're not sleeping well when you worry about things. And your support system can get tired of your worrywart ways and might start to avoid you or become much less supportive.
So dealing with the stress in your life can really be a key part of bolstering your immune system, and in turn, for avoiding the H1N1 swine flu. After all, that way it will be better at fighting off the swine flu -- or any other kind of flu for that matter.
So what can you do about your stress? Pick some of your favorite stress management strategies and use them on a daily basis. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Start by doing some deep breathing. Get some exercise on a regular basis. Listen to soothing music. Talk to your friends and family, and get regular hugs. And stop worrying about the swine flu.
And then pick up some information on stress management strategies, select a few things you're willing to do on a regular basis, and then do them
Stress weakens your immune system. And encountering a flu virus with such an impairment is making you a sitting duck. Don't sit still for that. You can lower your stress and increase your immune system's ability to fight incoming germs.
And even if you do get the swine flu, a strengthened immune system will have many benefits. Especially if you get it. Because it will help you fight off the virus and incapacitate it sooner rather than later. Not only that, but a stronger immune system may prevent opportunistic secondary infections that could take what otherwise might just be a nuisance and make it potentially deadly.
Of course there are many things you can do to strengthen your resistance to illness. You can make sure you're well rested. You can eat well and exercise. You can lead a happy life.
But you know what? Some of these are difficult to do when you are too stressed. You may find you're not sleeping well when you worry about things. And your support system can get tired of your worrywart ways and might start to avoid you or become much less supportive.
So dealing with the stress in your life can really be a key part of bolstering your immune system, and in turn, for avoiding the H1N1 swine flu. After all, that way it will be better at fighting off the swine flu -- or any other kind of flu for that matter.
So what can you do about your stress? Pick some of your favorite stress management strategies and use them on a daily basis. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Start by doing some deep breathing. Get some exercise on a regular basis. Listen to soothing music. Talk to your friends and family, and get regular hugs. And stop worrying about the swine flu.
And then pick up some information on stress management strategies, select a few things you're willing to do on a regular basis, and then do them
Symptoms of Swine Flu - Know the Difference Between H1N1 Flu and Regular Flu
Swine Flu is a number one health concern the world over. The HI1N1 flu or Swine Flu was first detected in US in April 2009. The worst affected areas initially were Canada and Mexico before H1N1 flu cases began to emerge in other areas of the world. In a short span of four months, the disease has spread to almost all regions in the world. World Health Organization has called H1N1 as pandemic which means a big epidemic that involves the entire country or perhaps the world. Usually, the signs of a pandemic are when a virus without any immunity to stop it, spreads across various parts of the world.
Risk factors of Swine Flu
Swine Flu spreads from person to person in the same way as regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. People with high risk for seasonal flu are also at high risk for H1N1 flu. For example, people above 65 years of age, pregnant women, children below 5 years of age and those with chronic medical conditions and lifestyle diseases like diabetes are at high risk.
Symptoms of Swine Flu
In children, the symptoms of H1N1 virus include:
1. Rapid Breathing or Difficulty in breathing.
2. Grayish or Bluish Skin Color
3. Dehydration
4. Persistent of severe vomiting
5. Not able to interact properly with people, become irritable
6. Flu like symptoms, bad cough and fever
In adults, the symptoms of swine flu include:
1. Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
2. Pain in chest or abdomen
3. Sudden dizziness or loss of energy
4. Severe or continuous vomiting
6. Flu like symptoms, bad cough and fever
The symptoms of H1N1 is similar to the ones that people get in regular, seasonal flu and so things like fever, sneezing, cough, body ache, head ache, shivering, sore throat and fatigue are common. Diarrhea and vomiting are also symptoms that have been associated with some cases of this flu, also known as Influenza A.
How do I catch swine flu?
H1N1 is transmitted the same way like seasonal flu. Flu viruses are spread usually from person to person through sneezing or coughing by people who have influenza. Some people may become infected with the deadly H1N1 by touching something that has virus on it and then bringing to their nose or mouth.
How can someone with swine flu infect it to someone else?
Infected people can actually infect others from the first day itself, even before they themselves get any symptoms. This means there are also chances that one can pass on the symptoms of flu even before she or he knows that she or he is sick.
How do I protect myself from swine flu? How can I take precautions against H1N1virus?
There is no vaccine that can protect you or be prevention against H1N1 Flu. You can only maintain hygiene and take care to prevent spread of germs that can lead to illnesses like influenza. Here are the ways in which you can prevent yourself against the flu:
1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash after you sneeze into it.
2. Wash your hands with a liquid handwash like Dettol or Lifebuoy, especially after you cough or sneeze.
3. Do not touch your mouth, eyes or nose. Germs can spread in this manner.
4. Avoid contact with people who are infected. This is sad but then the disease is highly infective.
5. If you are sick with influenza, stay at home and do not go to school or work. Limit your contact with people so that they do not get infected.
6. Do not venture into crowded spaces.
7. Increase the airflow in your room by opening the windows for proper ventilation.
8. Sleep well, eat nutritious food and practise healthy habits so that you are physically active and immune to the flu.
How long can the Swine Flu virus stay on things like doorknobs and furniture?
According to medical experts, the influenza virus can stay on environmental surfaces and infect people from 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on things like door knobs, books etc. Germs of H1N1 can spread when a person touches infected areas or infected people and then touches their eyes, ears, nose or mouth. Cough droplets or sneeze from an infected person can travel through the area. When a person comes in contact with droplets of sneeze of another person or touches things like books or desk of that person that is contaminated with sneeze droplets, and touches his or her own eyes, mouth, nose etc; before washing hands, one can contract the virus.
What are the medicines and treatment options?
Taking oseltamivir(Tamiflu) or zanamivir(Relenza) can treat H1N1 but they should be taken in the early stages of the disease. Antiviral drugs or prescription medicines can make your immune system strong and keep the flu viruses at bay and stop them from reproducing in your body. So, you should start taking antiviral drugs within two days of getting H1N1 or influenza symptoms.
How do I prevent getting H1N1 in high risk areas?
If you live in places where people have been infected with H1N1 virus or have influenza like symptoms mentioned above, then you should stay home and avoid contact with these people. If you develop flu like symptoms, do not leave things to chance and take instant medical care. Your health care provider or doctor will be able to tell you whether H1N1 flu testing is required.
Does WHO recommend using a MASK?
If you are not sick or if you are not living in high risk areas, it is not required to wear a mask. If a near and dear one is sick with H1N1, you need to wear a mask since you will be in close contact with the ill person. Dispose the mask after contact and wash and clean your hands thoroughly. Using the mask correctly is important because using it incorrectly will spread infection.
How can I differentiate between H1N1 Swine Flu and seasonal flu?
You cannot tell the difference without a medical verdict on it. Since symptoms for both the diseases are same like cough, headache, sneezing, fever, runny nose etc, only your doctor will be able to say if you have H1N1 virus. In case, your doctor suspects symptoms, they will have your blood sample, nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) and throat swab to laboratories.
Home remedies for swine flu:
There are no home remedies, especially when you have to figure out if it is H1N1 or season flu. The H1N1 requires anti-viral drugs because treating it is an emergency issue. However you can prevent the spread of swine flu and strengthen your immune system by doing the following:
1. Wash your hands properly before having a meal, not just with soap and water.
2. Wear face mask before going outside. If someone is coughing or sneezing near you, cover your nose and mouth with palms or a hanky. Swine flu gets into the body through the mouth and nose.
3. Drink lemon balm tea because it has anti-viral properties.
4. Chew fresh garlic cloves because they have antiviral properties as well.
5. Steam inhalation with chamomile or eucalyptus thrice a day can relieve lung congestion and prevent swine flu symptoms.
Risk factors of Swine Flu
Swine Flu spreads from person to person in the same way as regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. People with high risk for seasonal flu are also at high risk for H1N1 flu. For example, people above 65 years of age, pregnant women, children below 5 years of age and those with chronic medical conditions and lifestyle diseases like diabetes are at high risk.
Symptoms of Swine Flu
In children, the symptoms of H1N1 virus include:
1. Rapid Breathing or Difficulty in breathing.
2. Grayish or Bluish Skin Color
3. Dehydration
4. Persistent of severe vomiting
5. Not able to interact properly with people, become irritable
6. Flu like symptoms, bad cough and fever
In adults, the symptoms of swine flu include:
1. Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
2. Pain in chest or abdomen
3. Sudden dizziness or loss of energy
4. Severe or continuous vomiting
6. Flu like symptoms, bad cough and fever
The symptoms of H1N1 is similar to the ones that people get in regular, seasonal flu and so things like fever, sneezing, cough, body ache, head ache, shivering, sore throat and fatigue are common. Diarrhea and vomiting are also symptoms that have been associated with some cases of this flu, also known as Influenza A.
How do I catch swine flu?
H1N1 is transmitted the same way like seasonal flu. Flu viruses are spread usually from person to person through sneezing or coughing by people who have influenza. Some people may become infected with the deadly H1N1 by touching something that has virus on it and then bringing to their nose or mouth.
How can someone with swine flu infect it to someone else?
Infected people can actually infect others from the first day itself, even before they themselves get any symptoms. This means there are also chances that one can pass on the symptoms of flu even before she or he knows that she or he is sick.
How do I protect myself from swine flu? How can I take precautions against H1N1virus?
There is no vaccine that can protect you or be prevention against H1N1 Flu. You can only maintain hygiene and take care to prevent spread of germs that can lead to illnesses like influenza. Here are the ways in which you can prevent yourself against the flu:
1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash after you sneeze into it.
2. Wash your hands with a liquid handwash like Dettol or Lifebuoy, especially after you cough or sneeze.
3. Do not touch your mouth, eyes or nose. Germs can spread in this manner.
4. Avoid contact with people who are infected. This is sad but then the disease is highly infective.
5. If you are sick with influenza, stay at home and do not go to school or work. Limit your contact with people so that they do not get infected.
6. Do not venture into crowded spaces.
7. Increase the airflow in your room by opening the windows for proper ventilation.
8. Sleep well, eat nutritious food and practise healthy habits so that you are physically active and immune to the flu.
How long can the Swine Flu virus stay on things like doorknobs and furniture?
According to medical experts, the influenza virus can stay on environmental surfaces and infect people from 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on things like door knobs, books etc. Germs of H1N1 can spread when a person touches infected areas or infected people and then touches their eyes, ears, nose or mouth. Cough droplets or sneeze from an infected person can travel through the area. When a person comes in contact with droplets of sneeze of another person or touches things like books or desk of that person that is contaminated with sneeze droplets, and touches his or her own eyes, mouth, nose etc; before washing hands, one can contract the virus.
What are the medicines and treatment options?
Taking oseltamivir(Tamiflu) or zanamivir(Relenza) can treat H1N1 but they should be taken in the early stages of the disease. Antiviral drugs or prescription medicines can make your immune system strong and keep the flu viruses at bay and stop them from reproducing in your body. So, you should start taking antiviral drugs within two days of getting H1N1 or influenza symptoms.
How do I prevent getting H1N1 in high risk areas?
If you live in places where people have been infected with H1N1 virus or have influenza like symptoms mentioned above, then you should stay home and avoid contact with these people. If you develop flu like symptoms, do not leave things to chance and take instant medical care. Your health care provider or doctor will be able to tell you whether H1N1 flu testing is required.
Does WHO recommend using a MASK?
If you are not sick or if you are not living in high risk areas, it is not required to wear a mask. If a near and dear one is sick with H1N1, you need to wear a mask since you will be in close contact with the ill person. Dispose the mask after contact and wash and clean your hands thoroughly. Using the mask correctly is important because using it incorrectly will spread infection.
How can I differentiate between H1N1 Swine Flu and seasonal flu?
You cannot tell the difference without a medical verdict on it. Since symptoms for both the diseases are same like cough, headache, sneezing, fever, runny nose etc, only your doctor will be able to say if you have H1N1 virus. In case, your doctor suspects symptoms, they will have your blood sample, nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) and throat swab to laboratories.
Home remedies for swine flu:
There are no home remedies, especially when you have to figure out if it is H1N1 or season flu. The H1N1 requires anti-viral drugs because treating it is an emergency issue. However you can prevent the spread of swine flu and strengthen your immune system by doing the following:
1. Wash your hands properly before having a meal, not just with soap and water.
2. Wear face mask before going outside. If someone is coughing or sneezing near you, cover your nose and mouth with palms or a hanky. Swine flu gets into the body through the mouth and nose.
3. Drink lemon balm tea because it has anti-viral properties.
4. Chew fresh garlic cloves because they have antiviral properties as well.
5. Steam inhalation with chamomile or eucalyptus thrice a day can relieve lung congestion and prevent swine flu symptoms.
Swine Flu Prevention in Moultrie and Colquitt County - Optimize Your Immune System
The City of Moultrie, located in Colquitt County, in SW Georgia, recently received it's first case of the H1N1 virus; better known as Swine Flu. Needless to say, there is understandable concern in this growingl agricultural community. With many families living within close proximity to one another, the threat of an infection spreading amongst family members and the public at large is real.
Coupled with this, school resumes on August 17, 2009, with thousands of children and young adults facing potential exposure to an uncertain flu season. What's a parent, or, anyone else for that matter, to do?
Among the heavily publicized preventive measures that everyone should take are:
Washing your hands
Covering your mouth when coughing
Avoiding people who are ill
A Healthy Immune System is the Cornerstone of Disease Prevention
An approached that is often completely overlooked and rarely talked about, yet, is critical in your prevention efforts and is usually within the control of every citizen in the county; is making sure that you have a healthy immune system; particularly is the vital for children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory problem conditions.
With more and more respected doctors and scientists coming to the conclusion that an optimized immune system is the cornerstone of good health and disease prevention, it's important that everyone, whether at risk for H1N1, or not; to take steps now to improve their bodies natural and unique defenses. Simply put, a properly functioning immune system will enable the body to mount a stronger resistance to the Swine Flu.
How Your Immune Response Can Be Optimized
Well, years ago this might have been a challenge as there was no one clear-cut way that was proven to actually directly impact the immune system. Today, however, that has changed.
Thanks to extensive research by such renown experts like Drs. Gustavo Bountous, the "Father of the Elemental diet," immunologist, Patrician Kongshavn, scientists, and glutathione expert, Dr. Jimmy Gutman, people all over the North American continent can now take that 'action step' to optimize the immune response. How, by simply raising the body's natural glutathione levels.
How To Naturally Raise Your Glutathione Levels to Optimize Your Immune System
There are drugs that raise glutathione, however they all produce size effects, and are not recommended for long-term use. One of the more commonly available and potent glutathione precursor, is NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine). It is a standard treatment for acetaminophen overdose. But, it has two common problems:
Carries a certain toxicity
Has rapid peaks and declines in within hours
The first problem with NAC is obvious; TOXICITY. None of us wants to add more toxicity to our bodies; as we are already being bombarded with toxins from our polluted environment. Secondly, since NAC has, what is termed, "a short half-life," due to it decline within hours, maintaining elevated levels of glutathione requires usage several times a day; and that is very hard on the body.
Fortunately, there is a better way. For the first time, there is a natural, safe, clinically-proven way to raise and sustain elevated glutathione levels using a bioactive whey protein. But, this is not just any whey protein, like the kind you can purchase from your local health food store. No, this special undenatured bioactive whey protein has several impressive credentials. Note the following:
75 - Method-Of-Use Global Patents
13 - Number of years in practical use
34 - Number of PUBLISHED medical articles
35 - Number of years of scientific research
So, if you live in Moultrie, or, Colquitt County, Georgia, or, anywhere else for that matter, and you want to take preventive measures to reduce your chances of getting the Swine Flu; then you need to take an 'action step' right now in behalf of your own health, by raising your glutathione levels. If you want to do that naturally, this special bio-available whey protein comes highly recommended
Coupled with this, school resumes on August 17, 2009, with thousands of children and young adults facing potential exposure to an uncertain flu season. What's a parent, or, anyone else for that matter, to do?
Among the heavily publicized preventive measures that everyone should take are:
Washing your hands
Covering your mouth when coughing
Avoiding people who are ill
A Healthy Immune System is the Cornerstone of Disease Prevention
An approached that is often completely overlooked and rarely talked about, yet, is critical in your prevention efforts and is usually within the control of every citizen in the county; is making sure that you have a healthy immune system; particularly is the vital for children, the elderly, and those with existing respiratory problem conditions.
With more and more respected doctors and scientists coming to the conclusion that an optimized immune system is the cornerstone of good health and disease prevention, it's important that everyone, whether at risk for H1N1, or not; to take steps now to improve their bodies natural and unique defenses. Simply put, a properly functioning immune system will enable the body to mount a stronger resistance to the Swine Flu.
How Your Immune Response Can Be Optimized
Well, years ago this might have been a challenge as there was no one clear-cut way that was proven to actually directly impact the immune system. Today, however, that has changed.
Thanks to extensive research by such renown experts like Drs. Gustavo Bountous, the "Father of the Elemental diet," immunologist, Patrician Kongshavn, scientists, and glutathione expert, Dr. Jimmy Gutman, people all over the North American continent can now take that 'action step' to optimize the immune response. How, by simply raising the body's natural glutathione levels.
How To Naturally Raise Your Glutathione Levels to Optimize Your Immune System
There are drugs that raise glutathione, however they all produce size effects, and are not recommended for long-term use. One of the more commonly available and potent glutathione precursor, is NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine). It is a standard treatment for acetaminophen overdose. But, it has two common problems:
Carries a certain toxicity
Has rapid peaks and declines in within hours
The first problem with NAC is obvious; TOXICITY. None of us wants to add more toxicity to our bodies; as we are already being bombarded with toxins from our polluted environment. Secondly, since NAC has, what is termed, "a short half-life," due to it decline within hours, maintaining elevated levels of glutathione requires usage several times a day; and that is very hard on the body.
Fortunately, there is a better way. For the first time, there is a natural, safe, clinically-proven way to raise and sustain elevated glutathione levels using a bioactive whey protein. But, this is not just any whey protein, like the kind you can purchase from your local health food store. No, this special undenatured bioactive whey protein has several impressive credentials. Note the following:
75 - Method-Of-Use Global Patents
13 - Number of years in practical use
34 - Number of PUBLISHED medical articles
35 - Number of years of scientific research
So, if you live in Moultrie, or, Colquitt County, Georgia, or, anywhere else for that matter, and you want to take preventive measures to reduce your chances of getting the Swine Flu; then you need to take an 'action step' right now in behalf of your own health, by raising your glutathione levels. If you want to do that naturally, this special bio-available whey protein comes highly recommended
Swine Flu - A Global Health Concern
Swine flu does not occur due to eating pork. But, certainly the flu is highly contagious and is spreading throughout the globe. It is believed that swine flu is different from other types of influenza and was not exposed to humans earlier. Because of this there is no drug that can prevent causing H1N1. This is the main reason why elderly people, young children and people who suffer compromised immune systems are advised to be very careful so that they can avert from getting the flu, as the transmission of this disease is from human to human.
Swine flu was renamed as H1N1 to avoid having any direct connection to pigs, however it is identical to some flu and is proving sometimes to be fatal. The outbreak is serious and might become a global concern as many people do not have full immunity to this influenza.
Swine flu virus gets easily spread by touching contaminated surfaces, coughing or sneezing. This can result in fever, headache, cough, sore throat, sneeze, joint or muscle pains. It is strictly suggested that people experiencing any such symptoms should immediately consult their doctors. The symptoms are identical to the standard flu bugs. Swine flu affected people experience initially high fever and extreme fatigue in association with muscle aches. People also at times experience diarrhea and vomiting. Seeking medical attention is a must so that the treatment towards recovery may take place.
Swine flu is recognized after sending the swab sample of nose and throat for testing. It represents a respiratory ailment caused by influenza A. At present time, there is no availability of vaccine, but doctors have confidence on the anti-viral drugs Relenza and Tamiflu to be considered an appropriate treatment. Mostly, people get over swine flu in a few days and those who have suffered this virus will certainly have immunity even in the future to this particular strain. Tamiflu is a popular drug prescribed and helps in preventing and treating influenza type A.
Tamiflu cannot be taken directly without a doctor prescription. Conversely, people suffering with swine flu have to initially go to a doctor and undergo the lab tests. Only with the approval of a doctor and valid prescription, people can buy Tamiflu from licensed drugstores. This medicine can also be purchased over the internet conveniently. The recommendation of the doctor is best followed as the doses for treating and preventing flu varies. Generally, adults are advised to take one capsule two times a day for five days as treatment. On the other hand, the same medicine Tamiflu is taken one capsule everyday for a period of ten days as preventive measure.
Tamiflu is a drug that may cause side effects to patients suffering with swine flu. The side effects caused are vomiting, rash, nausea, lack of sleep and abdominal pain. The patients are advised to take this medication with food so that the intensity of causing side effects is lower. However, besides taking anti-viral medication, it is best to avoid contacts and to use mask. The wise measure is to maintain good personal hygiene as it protects from spreading harmful germs. Also avoiding touching nose, eyes and mouth prevents the risk of spreading germs
Swine flu was renamed as H1N1 to avoid having any direct connection to pigs, however it is identical to some flu and is proving sometimes to be fatal. The outbreak is serious and might become a global concern as many people do not have full immunity to this influenza.
Swine flu virus gets easily spread by touching contaminated surfaces, coughing or sneezing. This can result in fever, headache, cough, sore throat, sneeze, joint or muscle pains. It is strictly suggested that people experiencing any such symptoms should immediately consult their doctors. The symptoms are identical to the standard flu bugs. Swine flu affected people experience initially high fever and extreme fatigue in association with muscle aches. People also at times experience diarrhea and vomiting. Seeking medical attention is a must so that the treatment towards recovery may take place.
Swine flu is recognized after sending the swab sample of nose and throat for testing. It represents a respiratory ailment caused by influenza A. At present time, there is no availability of vaccine, but doctors have confidence on the anti-viral drugs Relenza and Tamiflu to be considered an appropriate treatment. Mostly, people get over swine flu in a few days and those who have suffered this virus will certainly have immunity even in the future to this particular strain. Tamiflu is a popular drug prescribed and helps in preventing and treating influenza type A.
Tamiflu cannot be taken directly without a doctor prescription. Conversely, people suffering with swine flu have to initially go to a doctor and undergo the lab tests. Only with the approval of a doctor and valid prescription, people can buy Tamiflu from licensed drugstores. This medicine can also be purchased over the internet conveniently. The recommendation of the doctor is best followed as the doses for treating and preventing flu varies. Generally, adults are advised to take one capsule two times a day for five days as treatment. On the other hand, the same medicine Tamiflu is taken one capsule everyday for a period of ten days as preventive measure.
Tamiflu is a drug that may cause side effects to patients suffering with swine flu. The side effects caused are vomiting, rash, nausea, lack of sleep and abdominal pain. The patients are advised to take this medication with food so that the intensity of causing side effects is lower. However, besides taking anti-viral medication, it is best to avoid contacts and to use mask. The wise measure is to maintain good personal hygiene as it protects from spreading harmful germs. Also avoiding touching nose, eyes and mouth prevents the risk of spreading germs
Swine Flu - How You Can Protect Yourself
Swine flu is a very much feared virus at the present time. There is a tendency for some people to panic especially because a certain number of people are dieing from this H1N1 virus. There is also a rise in people suffering from swine flu as it spreads around the globe. Governments of various countries acknowledge that there is a need for world wide awareness but absolutely no need for panic.
The good news is that there are a few measures you can undertake to protect yourself from this virus. One of the best and easiest ways to do this is to use surgical masks which will help cough and sneeze droplets from spreading around. If you know someone is infected make sure that he/she as well as yourself wears a mask. However this is not a fool proof method of keeping yourself away from this nasty virus.
You might also contract swine flu if an infected person sneezes or even coughs in their own hands. The reason being that when their hand touches something and you happen to touch the same thing you will be infected . This is what really makes this virus hard to contain.
In places where there is a high rate of infection its imperative that you take all preventive measures. You need to be especially careful in places such as offices, and public transportation. You also need to keep yourself from touching anything while you are in public areas and to make sure that you don't touch your face. Use tissue paper to handle possibly infected items, such as door handles, and then discard it immediately.
If you want to avoid catching any virus its always best to wash your hands with soap and water for a full minute and then dry with a paper towel. Use a paper towel also to take hold of the door handle in public washroom facilities and discard it right away.
You need to protect your children, especially those just a few months old. The reason being that their immune system is still not fully developed and they are susceptible to infection. This goes even for those who are in their teens who tend to feel invincible. They need to be just as cautious as you are to avoid the H1N1 virus.
Make sure that everyone in your family takes all necessary precautions to avoid infection by this virus as well as the usual seasonal flu virus . Wash your hands frequently and carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser for use where you cannot wash.
The good news is that there are a few measures you can undertake to protect yourself from this virus. One of the best and easiest ways to do this is to use surgical masks which will help cough and sneeze droplets from spreading around. If you know someone is infected make sure that he/she as well as yourself wears a mask. However this is not a fool proof method of keeping yourself away from this nasty virus.
You might also contract swine flu if an infected person sneezes or even coughs in their own hands. The reason being that when their hand touches something and you happen to touch the same thing you will be infected . This is what really makes this virus hard to contain.
In places where there is a high rate of infection its imperative that you take all preventive measures. You need to be especially careful in places such as offices, and public transportation. You also need to keep yourself from touching anything while you are in public areas and to make sure that you don't touch your face. Use tissue paper to handle possibly infected items, such as door handles, and then discard it immediately.
If you want to avoid catching any virus its always best to wash your hands with soap and water for a full minute and then dry with a paper towel. Use a paper towel also to take hold of the door handle in public washroom facilities and discard it right away.
You need to protect your children, especially those just a few months old. The reason being that their immune system is still not fully developed and they are susceptible to infection. This goes even for those who are in their teens who tend to feel invincible. They need to be just as cautious as you are to avoid the H1N1 virus.
Make sure that everyone in your family takes all necessary precautions to avoid infection by this virus as well as the usual seasonal flu virus . Wash your hands frequently and carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser for use where you cannot wash.
Swine Flu Exposed
What is a Virus?
Lets shed some light on what a virus actually is in order to better understand the Swine Flu. A virus is a bundle of DNA or RNA wrapped in a protein shell or coat. Viruses replicate by infiltrating the cells of a living host and subsequently using the cells functions to reproduce it's own DNA. A virus cannot survive long outside of a living host (2-8 hrs generally).
Why The Big Deal About Swine Flu?
The seasonal flu is responsible for thousands of deaths a year. So why the big deal about the Swine Flu? Well, there is certainly a little media hype surrounding the Swine Flu but there is potential danger. Especially for the elderly, infant, and immunocompromised (persons with weakened immune systems) populations. Another concern, although scientists are planning on having a vaccine by fall, is that we currently have no vaccine for the Swine Fl. Also, anytime a virus jumps from one species to the next, there is potential for recombination. Let's say a person infected with the Swine Flu is also carrying the regular seasonal flu virus, the two viruses will meet, merge, and recombine to form a totally new strain of the flu virus with potentially deadly properties.
Swine Flu Prevention
Wash your hands frequently for 15-30 seconds using a vigorous friction rub. Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing. Place tissues in the proper receptacles. Keep your distance from persons with respiratory illness. If ill, rest and reduce social activity so as not to infect others. You cannot get Swine Flu from eating cooked pork or handling uncooked pork. As stated previously, a virus must have a living host in order to survive. So unless you plan on handling a freshly butchered pig, you have nothing to worry about. However, bacteria can survive without a living host. Cook pork properly and wash hands thoroughly after handling raw pork in order to avoid bacterial infection. Use common sense and you should be fine.
Lets shed some light on what a virus actually is in order to better understand the Swine Flu. A virus is a bundle of DNA or RNA wrapped in a protein shell or coat. Viruses replicate by infiltrating the cells of a living host and subsequently using the cells functions to reproduce it's own DNA. A virus cannot survive long outside of a living host (2-8 hrs generally).
Why The Big Deal About Swine Flu?
The seasonal flu is responsible for thousands of deaths a year. So why the big deal about the Swine Flu? Well, there is certainly a little media hype surrounding the Swine Flu but there is potential danger. Especially for the elderly, infant, and immunocompromised (persons with weakened immune systems) populations. Another concern, although scientists are planning on having a vaccine by fall, is that we currently have no vaccine for the Swine Fl. Also, anytime a virus jumps from one species to the next, there is potential for recombination. Let's say a person infected with the Swine Flu is also carrying the regular seasonal flu virus, the two viruses will meet, merge, and recombine to form a totally new strain of the flu virus with potentially deadly properties.
Swine Flu Prevention
Wash your hands frequently for 15-30 seconds using a vigorous friction rub. Cover your mouth when coughing and sneezing. Place tissues in the proper receptacles. Keep your distance from persons with respiratory illness. If ill, rest and reduce social activity so as not to infect others. You cannot get Swine Flu from eating cooked pork or handling uncooked pork. As stated previously, a virus must have a living host in order to survive. So unless you plan on handling a freshly butchered pig, you have nothing to worry about. However, bacteria can survive without a living host. Cook pork properly and wash hands thoroughly after handling raw pork in order to avoid bacterial infection. Use common sense and you should be fine.
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