According to the World Health Organisation, H1N1 swine flu has killed more than 700 people globally since the outbreak began four months ago. Swine flu is now officially a pandemic, an epidemic of infectious disease that is spreading through human populations across a large region.

In England, the National Pandemic Flu Service will soon be operating as part of the government’s fight against the virus. Initially it was planned to be introduced in the autumn, although the sudden demand of new cases of swine flu in July 2009 meant that it was brought forward.

To educate the public about swine flu; its symptoms and how to deal with any suspected outbreaks, The UK Department of Health has also setup a swine flu information line: 0800 1 513 513 which is set to be manned by 2,000 people.

Here are 10 reasons why the swine flu information line is an 0800 phone number:

1. 0800 numbers are free to call from a landline. This encourages people to call the swine flu information line and means that there is no cost barrier in doing so.

2. 0800 numbers (http://www.windsor-telecom.co.uk/0800-freephone-numbers.php) are highly memorable. The swine flu information line is very memorable in order for people to recall it with ease after seeing it on leaflets and TV campaigns etc.

3. The swine flu information line will be advertised nationally and therefore the phone number needs to be non-geographic (no local dialling code) in order to encourage calls from across the UK.

4. The swine flu information line will get thousands of calls. With an 0800 number, intelligent call management systems can be used in order to ensure that each call is distributed evenly throughout the call centre to ensure that every call is answered.

5. 0800 numbers (http://www.windsor-telecom.co.uk/0800-freephone-numbers.php) enable the swine flu information line to present people with a recorded introduction message when they dial it. E.g. “Thank you for calling the swine flu information line.” This recorded message then goes on to educate people about swine flu, who is more at risk and the symptoms of swine flu.

6. By using an 0800 number, the swine flu information line can have caller options to ensure that people are transferred to the relevant department or service. E.g. “For more information about swine flu and what a pandemic is, press 1, for details about how you can protect yourself against swine flu, press 2, to order an information leaflet about swine flu, press 3… etc.”

7. Callers to the swine flu information line can be queued if all lines are busy.

8. It’s possible to record calls to 0800 numbers. This could help the Department of Health train their 2000 call centre operatives.

9. 0800 numbers allow organisations to see where their calls are coming from and the total number of calls they receive with online call statistics. This could help the Department of Health gauge where swine flu is more of a problem and work out exactly where health providers are under pressure.

10. People trust 0800 numbers because they are established UK phone numbers.

There is no doubt that the swine flu information line is set to be busy in the upcoming weeks and months. By choosing an 0800 number (http://www.windsor-telecom.co.uk/0800-freephone-numbers.php), the Department of Health has ensured that it will easily cope with the demand, offer people a free call from a landline and communicate the required information and advice necessary in the midst of a global pandemic.

Swine flu is also known as the H1N1 flu and a number of other names such as swine influenza, hog flu, pig flu etc. The swine flu virus is a strain of the influenza family of viruses that is predominantly endemic in pigs. The swine flu virus is common all over the world; however the transfer of the virus from pigs to humans is not so common and does not necessarily cause human influenza. This usually leads to the production of antibodies in the human blood stream. When such a transmission does create human influenza, it is known as zoonotic swine flu. Those people who are exposed to pigs more than others stand a higher chance of getting infected by swine flu. However the meat of a pig will not carry any virus with it once it has been well cooked. Symptoms of zootonic swine flu in human beings are like the symptoms of normal influenza faced by humans. Chills, fever, sore throat, headaches, coughing, muscle and joint pains are bound to be experienced if you do not only suffer from influenza but also swine flu. Thus the latter becomes tougher to diagnose. The main causes for the swine flu are identified and research work is carryion on for producing immunity for this disease. During 1918, swine flu was first said to be a disease related to human influenza and this was understood when pigs and human beings grew sick together. However the first identification of an influenza stemming from diseases in pigs did not occur till at least ten years later. For the 60 years that followed, swine flue strains were mostly H1N1. Later newer strains of three different subtypes and five different genotypes were found to be the cause of swine flu among pigs in North America. Latest strains that have emerged show strains from humans, pigs and birds and these together form the fast spreading swine flu virus that if detected too late, causes the life of the victim to grow fatal. The H1N1 version of swine flu is one of the strains that caused the 1918 flu pandemic. The descendants of this virus have been circulating among humans throughout the 20th century. This has worsened the condition of the normal seasonal epidemics of influenza that normally affect humans. However it is rare that the virus might get transferred from pigs to humans directly and only 12 such cases have been found in America. However if that is to imply that swine flu is less likely to affect humans, do not live in denial as it does not take much to restore its pandemic state. Though the outbreak of swine flu in pigs are common and its rarely found in humans, or at least studies said so, it is shocking how things seemed to have changed and tables have been turned in the latest swine flu pandemic. Many are falling victim to swine flu and each has to be very responsible and even more careful.

With so much discussion about the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, you may be wondering what is the difference between regular flu and the swine flu.   This article should give you some easy to understand answers.  Regular flu is also referred to as seasonal flu. Generally it refers to influenza type A, B, or C, which is endemic to humans. Swine flu actually is a mutation of an animal strain that was transmitted to humans.   In this case, the strain originated with a pig, which is the H1N1 strain.   Other animal strains come from birds, and they are the H5N1 strains.   Scientists have traced the current pig strain to a farm near Vera Cruz, Mexico. Is it true that swine flu is more dangerous than regular flu?  Why?It is believed that swine flu is more dangerous.   In the case of the current strain, no one in the world has been exposed to it before 2009.   Therefore no one has been able to build up an immunity to it.  That is the main reason the entire world is looking to a vaccine for protection. Won’t your regular yearly flu shot protect you against swine flu?It appears that it will not.  Is there a Difference between Swine Flu Vaccine and Seasonal Flu Vaccine?Yes.   Swine flu vaccine is made up of the H1N1 virus.   Seasonal flu vaccines are generally a combination of the three most common flu viruses found in humans.  Are the symptoms between swine flu and regular flu different?You probably would not know, at least at first, if you have seasonal or swine flu.   Coughing, sneezing, fever, chills, aches, fatigue – these all appear to be symptoms of both flus. The largest concern about swine flu is its tendency to settle in the respiratory system and progress into pneumonia or other complications.  Are the folks with the highest risk factors with swine flu the same as regular flu?Seasonal Flu is particularly dangerous for anyone with a weakened immune system, which generally includes the elderly. Younger people who are healthy normally are not bothered seriously by the side effects of seasonal flu. There is a big change when it comes to swine flu.  CDC information states that the  H1N1 flu is likely more dangerous to people younger than 25 years of age.   People over 65 seem to have less of a chance to contract it.   It is believed they may have some immunity from exposure to similar (though not identical) strains in the 1950s and 60s. How will I know which flu I have?You will need to have a lab test run.   Your doctor can take a simple swab test and you should know within a day or two. Will the treatment differ between the two flus?It appears most people will be treated about the same.   This includes bed rest and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.   Some over the counter medications to relieve coughing and indigestion may be indicated.  Naturally, you will want to follow your doctor’s advice.   He or she will have the most up to date information.  Some doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs such as Relenza or Tamiflu.   These appear to have some effectiveness against the swine flu virus – particularly if they are taken as soon as the symptoms first appear.  If your child is sick they should be watched carefully to make certain they do not become dehydrated or develop difficulty breathing.   Consider it a danger sign if they appear overly lethargic or find breathing strained of hard. Keep in touch with your pediatrician.   This is vitally important. Why is swine flu considered more dangerous than regular flu?It is possible that the swine flu could cause serious respiratory problems which could result in life threatning complications.   These will generally develop around the fifth or sixth day, when regular flu symptoms would be disappearing. The World Health Organization, in April, 2009, raised the warning level to Level 5, thus instructing governments to immediately prepare for a global pandemic.   Infections have already been reported around the world, particularly in the Western Hemisphere and the United States. Past history suggests these strains appear to die out during the summer months but roar back with greater ferocity in the fall and winter.

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. The virus currently spreading among people is now generally referred to as swine flu. Swine flu viruses are usually of H1N1 sub-type. The swine flu that has spread to humans is a version of this virus. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. Why is swine flu affecting humans? The swine flu virus has changed and is now able to infect humans and transmit between them. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e. g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. Symptoms of swine flu are: Fast breathing or trouble breathing Bluish or gray skin color Not drinking enough fluids Severe or persistent vomiting Not interacting Irritation Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Sore throat Nausea Diarrhea Treatment of Swine Flu Mild influenza illness does not require specific anti viral medicine. Medicines should be taken only on advice of the doctor. Paracetamol for fever and ibuprofen for myalgia can be taken as per the advice of the dooctor. Oseltamivir, if prescribed / advised by the doctor only. Children need to be given paediatric preparation and dosage of the above drugs. Medicines (other than paracetamol) available for fever, headache, body ache in general groceries, pan shops etc should not be taken as they may contain aspirin. Aspirin should not be given for fever or body ache. Patients should take plenty of fluids. If fever is not responding, there is worsening of symptoms and in particular altered sensorium (confusion, incoherent speech etc) / loss of consciousness or difficulty in breathing, patient should be referred to nearest identified health facility. Swine Flu Precaution Precautions from swine flu for general person Get a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza. People at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older should get vaccination. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone While sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active Precautions form swine flu for sick person Keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house. (For example, a spare bedroom with its own bathroom, if that’s possible. ) Keep the sickroom door closed. Wear mask all the time. Three layered surgical mask should be provided by the hospital / community health worker. If mask is not readily available, mouth and nose should be covered with a piece of cloth / handkerchief / tissue paper. avoid smoking The sick person should clean his hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after coughing and/or sneezing. Unless necessary, person with the flu should not leave the home when he has a fever or during the time that he is most likely to spread the infection to others Avoid going into the community, school, office, markets If person with the flu needs to leave the home (for example, for medical care), he should cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing Have the sick person wear a surgical mask if they need to be in a common area of the house near other persons If possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom. This bathroom should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant

The world is facing a serious threat of avian influenza in the form of a pig. Currently, human cases of swine influenza have occurred in Mexico and the United States. Swine flu, the first time in Mexico, where several people have died in the new position of influenza virus, so health authorities have placed a large notice to prevent a pandemic situation occurs. Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza A (H1N1). Its main symptoms are similar to those of seasonal influenza, including fever, cough, poor appetite, runny nose, nausea, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea. Swine flu medicines are currently not available for the treatment of swine flu vaccine. But doctors believe that low cost anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza, may be useful for the treatment and prevention. A popular prescription drug, Tamiflu, may help to deal with an influenza infection, such as swine flu. Not only that, you can prevent influenza. The main ingredient of Tamiflu oseltamivir to prevent the spread of the virus in the body, which provides more immunity defense. Tamiflu is a prescription to buy what you need to go to the doctor and the medical examination. If the doctor accepts, and will give you a valid prescription, you can buy at any drug Tamiflu locally under license. Another way is to buy the medicine on the Internet. Tamiflu treatment and prevention of influenza can vary. Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Generally, treatment, adults can take a dose capsule twice a day for five days. Preventive measures can be taken one capsule a day for 10 days. Since Tamiflu is a prescription medication, patients are susceptible to some of its side effects, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and sleep disorders. It is recommended that patients take Tamiflu with food, which can reduce the severity of side effects. Remember, Tamiflu is a drug proven to treat the flu and is particularly useful for prevention of influenza, as well. Another flu treatment Relenza, zanamivir and contain substances (5 mg) and lactose (20 mg), which effectively treated for influenza A and B infections. The Treatment of influenza is a powder that breathes twice a day for five days, or at least once a day for up to 28 days. Swine flu prevention You can take Relenza for the prevention against influenza infection, such as swine flu. To prevent the spread of influenza virus in the body and strengthens the immune system in general. With the exception of any anti-viral medication can prevent infection in swine flu preventive measures every day. The first is to avoid contact with an infected person. You should always try to keep your distance, and if she is his closest and dearest, use the mask, you can always go to that person. When you are ill due to influenza infection was always to stay home to avoid the spread is coughing or sneezing always cover the mouth and nose with a tissue. Be careful to maintain good personal hygiene. Always wash your hands, because it protects you from germs. You should avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth, increasing the possibility of spreading germs if you have touched the contaminated surfaces.