Now a Pandemic
The World Health Organization has now declared swine flu or Influenza A(H1N1) as a global pandemic. There are now more than 30,000 reported swine flu cases in the whole world. WHO is now asking drugmakers of the world to speed up the production of swine flu vaccines. This pandemic is now considered to be the first in 41 years. This is also called the first flu pandemic in the 21st century. The last global pandemic that killed a million people was the Hongkong Flu of 1968.
What is Swine Flu or Influenza A(H1N1)?
Swine Flu or Influenza A(H1N1) is a viral infection that came from pigs and has infected humans. The transmission of this disease from pigs to humans was made possible by the exposure of human workers to pigs in swine farms. Most flu are easily treatable but this flu is different. It is resistant to antiviral drugs such as amantadine and ramantadine. However, the virus is sensitive to zanamivir and oseltamivir. The virus is also resilient to warm temperature which is quite different from common flu virus.
What are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?
Swine flu symptoms include fever, cough, body aches, headache, sore throat, fatigue and chills. Other symptoms reported with swine influenza A virus infection include diarrhea, myalgia, vomiting, dyspnea and conjunctivitis. Mild respiratory illness without fever were also reported.
What Should We Do to Avoid Getting infected by the Swine Flu Virus
Swine flu or Influenza A(H1N1) virus is, just like any common flu, transmitted from one person to another by coughing or sneezing. If a person who is infected with swine flu virus coughs or sneezes in front or beside another person, the other will catch a flu through the saliva that comes out from the mouth of the infected one. Holding hands or touching things that contain the virus can transmit the virus to the hands of the other person. If this person touches his nose or mouth using his unsanitized hands, he could get infected. Another thing that you can do to avoid getting infected by the virus is avoid crowded places such as market place, malls, church, cinemas, schools and similar places if there are reported swine flu cases in your area.
What Should You Do If You Suspect You Get Infected by Swine Flu?
If you are having the symptoms listed above, the best way to do is go to the nearest hospital and have yourself examined if you caught swine flu. This is the best step that you should take if you have been to a crowded place or have had a face-to-face interaction with people in a place where there is already a reported confirmed swine flu case. However if you live in a place where there is a small neighborhood and located away from the cities or towns, chances are you only have a common flu or common illness and therefore there is nothing to worry. Most of all, do not panic. Just carefully observe your condition.
