Swine Flu (also called H1N1 flu, influenza, hog flu, and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine flu virus. Swine flu virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. Swine flu is an infection caused by a virus. It’s named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3. Recently H1N1 Swine Flu hitting the entire world. Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. The meat of an infected animal poses no risk of infection when properly cooked.
During the mid-20th century, identification of influenza subtypes became possible, allowing accurate diagnosis of transmission to humans. Since then, only 50 such transmissions have been confirmed. These strains of swine flu rarely pass from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, weakness and fatigue.
Prevention from Swine Flu
There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. Recommendations to prevent spread of the virus among humans include using standard infection control against influenza. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by -
*Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
*Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially especially after being out in public.
*Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers work well to destroy viruses and bacteria.
*Chance of transmission is also reduced by disinfecting household surfaces, which can be done effectively with a diluted chlorine bleach solution.
*Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
*Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
*Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation and should contact a doctor for advice. For more information see here
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