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Facts about Swine Flu
§Swine flu is the name of virus which pigs can get. §2009 flu outbreak is due to virulent new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1. §Other subtypes commonly found in pigs are H1N2, H3N1 and H3n2. §Influenza virus C can also be found in pigs and humans. §Influenza virus B is not found in pigs .
Swine flu 2009 - data:
§According to WHO, till today 898 positive cases have been found in 18 countries.
§In USA, 226 cases have been confirmed .
§In Mexico only there are 568 confirmed cases and 22 deaths have been reported .
§In China 1 positive case has been detected who traveled by Mexican airline from Mexico .
§No positive case has been confirmed in India yet .
How Swine flu spread?
1.From pig to pig in herds and whole herd may be infected through nasal and respiratory secretions
§2.Pig to human transmission specially among those who deals directly with pigs specially if virus is re assorted [ mutation] 3.Human to human by droplet infection of nasal and respiratory secretions.
§Symptoms:
Fever, Runny nose, sore throat, diarreha, Lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, nausea, vommiting.
Swine flu can be diagnosed by examining respiratory samples for isolation of virus with 3-4 days of symptoms.
§In some cases virus keeps on shedding even up to 10 days .
§ Can people catch swine flu from eating pork ? No, As properly handled and cooked pork does not spread swine flu as cooking pork at 160 degree celsius kill the viruses.
You can prevent spread of germs that cause spread of reparatory illnesses like flu by observing -
§1.Covering your nose and mouth with tissue paper while sneezing and disposing tissue paper properly in trash
§2.Washing your hands with soap and water frequently especially after you sneeze or cough
§3.Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
§4.Try to avoid close contact with sick persons with flu like symptoms
§5.If you are sick with flu like symptoms, stay at home and get yourself tested .
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§Treatment: There is NO Vaccine for humans yet. §There are few antiviral drugs like Tamiflu [oseltamivir] and Relenza [ zanamivir] which can be used for treatment. But morbidity is still high.
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