Swine Flu Symptoms Treatment Prevention Causes Tests

Swine influenza - Wiki

Swine influenza, also called pig influenza, swine flu, hog flu and pig flu, is an infection caused by any one of several types of swine influenza viruses(swine flu virus). Swine influenza virus (SIV) or swine-origin influenza virus (S-OIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H2N1, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3.

History Of Swine Flu

In 1930, influenza was first identified in swine and over the course of the following sixty years, the viral Swine Flu strains were identifies as mostly H1N1, however, over a five year period from 1997, five new genotypes and three different subtypes were identified as being responsible for causing Flu in pigs in Northern America.

H3N2 strains were identified after they developed in 1998 and they did so as a result of a re-assortment of avian, swine and human Flu viruses which was called H1N2. A further re-assortment of swine and avian flu occurred in Canada which resulted in the H4N6 strain, however, fortunately it was isolated to one farm only.

H1N1 has been shown to have descended from the 1918 influenza outbreak and descents of this virus remained active in the form of seasonal influenza outbreaks throughout the remainder of the twentieth century. Infection from pigs to humans remains relatively rare and only twelve cases have been confirmed in the Untied States since 2005.

What is the Difference Between Swine Flu and Regular Flu?

Each year fall and winter brings cold and flu season. Seasonal flu strains (which we shall refer to as "regular flu") are widespread and varied. They appear all around the world and generally cause temporary discomfort.

Regular flu doesn't pose a long term health problem for the average person. The exceptions are the elderly and others with weakened immune systems. Most deaths attributed to regular flu occur within this demographic.

One of the big differences has to do with immunity. We are all exposed year to year to the various strains of regular flu. The H1N1 strain, or the swine flu, is different. It is an entirely new strain that, prior to the spring of this year, no one has ever been exposed to. Therefore no one is automatically immune.

Most flu strains are human in origin. But there are also those that originate in animals. Birds breed a flu strain (H5N1), and so do pigs (H1N1). While these normally do not affect humans, every once in a while something happens to cause them to cross over and infect people.

How To Prevent Swine Flu - Six Powerful Tips

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 swine flu 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.

Symptoms of Swine Flu and Precautions

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 and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 - Swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 - Swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, Swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Typical Symptoms of Swine Flu

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish or gray skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Swine Flu Precautions

Individuals should focus on protecting themselves and their families. They should stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available. They should also take these daily steps to protect their health and lessen the spread of the flu:

* Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the tissue in the trash after use.
* Wash hands frequently, especially after you cough or sneeze. Hand disinfectant cleaners can help.
* Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth to reduce spread of the virus.
* Avoid close contact with infected people.
* If sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for 7 days after onset of symptoms or until you have been Swine flu symptom free for 1 day, whichever is longer. This will reduce infecting others and spreading the virus.
* Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoid crowds and other social contact whenever possible.

Latest Swine Flu News From India in 2015

• Swine Flu Symptoms Treatment Prevention Causes Tests

Till 20-02-2015 - Swine flu claims 624 lives, 9311 cases reported so far across India in 2015 

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