Today we are more at at more risk from the various mutations of the influenza virus than we have been before. First we had great concerns about bird flu, and recently swine flu has become a major problem. Swine flu is of more problem than bird flu. It was feared that bird flu may change into a form that would infect humans, apart from a few isolated cases, this has not materialized so far.
Swine flu is of much more concern, it can spread from person to person which makes it a very serious health problem. What exactly is swine flu. Swine flu, or influenza A (H1N1), is an illness that effects pigs, it is caused by an influenza virus. Swine flu outbreaks in pigs isn’t uncommon and is rarely fatal. Swine flu does not usually infect humans, but it can occasionally occur when people have been close contact with pigs with swine flu.
Swine flu is a new strain of virus and therefore is extremely dangerous to humans. No one has had contact with this type previously, which means no one has developed any immunity. It is our built in immunity that stops diseases from becoming life threatening, with no inbuilt immunity we have no defense from the virus. Everyone is susceptible, including healthy adults as well as young children and the elderly.
Swine flu can easily give rise to a pandemic influenza situation. A pandemic flu situation occurs when a flu viral strain develops that is different from previous flu strains that few, if any, humans have any immunity to. This allows the influenza virus to spread rapidly in the population.
Seasonal flu and swine flu differ as detailed below Ordinary influenza occurs annually, mainly in the winter. About between 10 and 15 percent of the population are effected and most will recover with no treatment in 1 to 2 weeks.
A pandemic flu outbreak affects more of the population and up to half of all people infected. It affects people of every age.
The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. Symptoms can include a sudden onset of fever, a cough or shortness of breath. Symptoms that may also be present may include headache, sore throat, aching muscles, sneezing, chills, a runny nose, appetite loss and tiredness.
Precautions to take. First, anyone displaying cold or flu symptoms should take a few simple, but very important precautions. The influenza virus spreads between people by the tiny droplets from the mouth and nose when someone coughs or sneezes. This is how viruses like swine flu are spread from person to person. Covering your face with your hands when you sneeze or cough is not enough. The germs simply sit on your hands, and everything you touch afterwards becomes contaminated with germs. Anyone who the touches the same surface as you will pick up the virus and then risks becoming infected. Therefore, always use a handkerchief or tissue. A disposable tissue is much better, this should be disposed as soon as possible, try to always use a new tissue if you cough or sneeze again.
There are currently no vaccinations available to prevent anyone catching swine flu. Swine flu is an unknown strain of virus. Therefore the seasonal vaccination against ordinary flu is not effective for swine flu. Once the type of influenza causing swine flu is found, it will take several months to produce. By this time, it may have mutated into a different strain again.
The best precaution against swine flu is Tamiflu. Tamiflu isn’t guaranteed to prevent swine flu, but if you have been exposed to someone who has the flu virus, it will help in stopping the virus making you ill. If Tamiflu is taken within 2 days of contracting the swine flu virus, Tamiflu will help to stop the flu virus from spreading throughout the body, reducing the signs and symptoms and risk associated with the swine flu virus. Governments worldwide are stocking Tamiflu, but these supplies will be used in treating key workers before the general population.
can buy Tamiflu online, so if the situation arises you are able to protect yourself and your loved ones as much as is possible. Although it can’t be emphasized enough, Tamiflu needs to be taken as soon as possible for it to be effective, any delays in treating the virus will reduce how effective Tamiflu is.
Also, remember, swine flu is a worldwide problem. Should an outbreak become global it is possible that the supplies of Tamiflu may become low and may not be high enough to meet a massive worldwide demand. Until a vaccine is discovered and produced in the amounts required, Tamiflu is the only really effective treatment for swine flu, it is therefore be prudent to buy Tamiflu beforehand if you feel you are at risk.
Disclaimer: This post is based on information freely available in {the popular#the} press and medical articles related to swine flu. Nothing herein is intended to be or should be taken to be medical advice. For medical advice you should consult your physician.
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