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Swine Flu – Should You Be Worried?
By admin | July 17, 2009
Swine flu, also known as pig flu/swine influenza, is a virus hosted by pigs.
In the past few months, articles and stories about swine flu were everywhere – in your local newspapers, online magazines and TV stations across the world.
Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is actually not that common. The latest outbreak of swine flu occurred in April of 2009, which was transmitted between people. After careful research, scientists now believe that this outbreak was caused by pigs in Asia, further carried to Central and North America by infected people. There is also new evidence which shows that this type of virus was actually circulating among pigs for years before it was carried on to humans.
It is important to emphasize that the swine flu cannot be transmitted from foods; of course, all meat needs to be properly cooked before consuming.
The Outbreak Of Swine Flu
In April, Mexico announced the outbreak of swine flu. Scientists believe it was very possible that the virus was being transmitted among humans for months before the outbreak was recognized. Only few days after, the officials closed most of the public facilities in Mexico City, trying to contain the spread.
With people traveling throughout Mexico and to United States, the swine flu spread very quickly. In early June, World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak to be a pandemic.
Initial cases of swine flu in the USA were reported in early April in California and Texas. It was determined that the virus was spread by human contact, since patients were not in contact with pigs. Soon after, most of the US states had reported cases of swine flu.
US Federal Government declared a public health emergency.
In the next few weeks, there were reported cases of swine flu throughout the world. South America, Europe, Australia, Asia all declared a threat to public health.
How It’s Spread
Initially, most cases in other countries were connected to traveling to/from Central and North America. Because of this, most countries advised their citizens not to travel to infected places, especially North and Central America. This was difficult to do, mainly because of school trips, graduation travels etc. Also, people coming back were contained at the airports and were tested for the virus.
It is known that the swine flu is not transmitted from eating pork.
Coughing, sneezing, not washing hands regularly, touching contaminated surfaces and being in the presence of infected people is how the virus is spread.
A lot of people started washing their hands more often, being more careful when coughing/sneezing and wearing masks across their mouth and nose.
Symptoms Of Swine Flu
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of a regular/seasonal flu. Sneezing, coughing, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, fatigue, chills and headache. Runny nose, diarrhea and vomiting have also been reported. Senior citizens, pregnant women, children younger than 5 and adults with underlying medical conditions (asthma, obesity, diabetes etc.) were at higher risk.
It is also very important to add that most cases were mild, with symptoms like sneezing, cough and sore throat.
Treatment Of Swine Influenza
Since the official outbreak, media was bombarding public with many ways to treat swine flu/swine influenza. Doctors and scientists agreed on the following:
- Drink plenty of fluid. Hot soups are also good because they are very healthy, refreshing and not hard on stomach.
- Rest, rest, rest. As with seasonal flu, treatment of pig flu requires a lot of rest and relaxation.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, like Aspirin. But, it’s very important to know that Aspirin is dangerous for children, and you should advise with your doctor before giving pain relievers to your child.
- Antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) can be given to those with severe symptoms.
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