Swine Flu Essentials- Everything You Need To Understand!

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010    Subscribe To Our Feed

With the recent scare of a swine flu pandemic, lots of interest around the world has been focused on how to avert and otherwise avoid the swine flu.  Most of the information is common wisdom and follows along the lines of prevention and treatment of the regular flu.

So how did swine flu start?

The transmission and start of swine flu use to leap from pig to pig and only in odd cases transmit to humans. The origins of swine flu might have been that humans first passed the influenza bug to pigs before they developed their own form. The influenza season brings a assortment of influenza viruses resulting in the bigger risk of transmission and infection from pigs to humans, causing cross-species spread. Recognized swine flu viruses are of the H1N1 subtype as well as less popular subtypes like H1N2, H3N1 or H3N2.   Therefore, a pig can be infected by more than type of virus at the same time.

Infection Risk

Human to human infection was once limited to a close group of people, before the Mexico incidents on April 2009. Prior to that swine influenza was transmitted from infected pigs that had direct contact to human, mostly their owners.

Safety - Ingestion of Pork?

It is safe eating pork. So far, no documentation is available representing a link between safely prepared pork and human swine flu infection. The swine flu virus is killed by cooking temperatures of in the order of 160 Degrees Fahrenheit.

Vaccine Safeguard Against The Swine Flu Virus?

Until recently (End of April 2009) there are no vaccines known protecting persons from this influenza virus ailment. Each year there is usually an influenza vaccine being released, however it is unclear if this influenza protection works on the swine flu bug. Please, don’t take chances and visit your health care professional at any symptoms of influenza infection.

therapy], requiring no medical treatment at all.

The influenza virus is pervasive and follows a pattern of seasonal occurrence. In some cases it has developed resistance towards antiviral medication and therefore reducing the effectiveness of treatment.

So far in Mexico or the United States, health officials have recommended the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for treatment.  Make an knowledgeable decision by visiting your local health centre or doctor in case of observed symptoms of the virus.

What Are Typical Symptoms of Swine Flu Infection?

Acute respiratory tract infections of any sort throughout the influenza season could be an warning for swine flu infection. Even mild symptoms should be taken seriously, especially by children, aged people, pregnant or any physically weakened persons like patients or people on some form of prescription program. Please search for your next nearest health information, be it from your doctor or any qualified medical practitioner.

How To Reduce The Threat Of Infection?

Avoid individuals who seem to have the flu, especially those with symptoms of fever or coughing.

Eat healthy foods and drink 100 % fruit liquids or filtered water. Avoid raw meat, especially pig, cooked as specified above should be ok.  Practice recommended health habits such as physical fitness as much as possible.

Should someone in your family be infected make sure you take that person to the health center or doctor for advice and treatment. If it’s not possible keep that person at least 1 meter away from others.

Increase the circulation of air in the room where the sick person is. Use doors and windows, if possible, for the ventilation.

Keep the area clean from dust or any open cans, dustbins etc. Do not forget to clean your hands appropriately each time after contact with the infected person. COVER MOUTH AND NOSE permanently with professional masks from your local authority or pharmacy. They must be fresh and unused.

Prevention of swine flu is easier than you think.  First, do not live in fear.  This alone will undermine your immune system.  Living a healthy daily life is the best preventitive measure.  The stronger your immune system, the less likely you will catch the flu.

Good fortune and good health!

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