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What is Swine Flu - H1N1 virus?
The phenomenon of swine flu, which is commonly found in pigs, is H1N1 virus. The consequences become severe when this bug invades human means and it then is known as a pandemic virus. This agonizing deadly disease has shaken many countries recently. It is a respiratory tract infection, which spreads from person to person. The early symptoms may be dealt with local drugs but if such measures aren’t taken the disease may show its deadly moves. Early diagnose is based on the symptoms which can be high fever, body aches, headaches, cough, runny nose, fatigue or tiredness, diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Swine influenza as we know is a viral disease. What we do not know exactly is, what is a virus? A virus is a microscopic organism, a parasite, and is usually disease causing. Swine influenza is a virus typical in pigs, thus named swine, however, it sometimes, though rarely, becomes zoonosis type, that is, it transfers from animal to humans due to close contact with the animal. Defeated at the hands of medical experts, Swine Influenza is a disease which is quite easily cured now, whether it affects humans or pigs. It is very rare that the disease proves to be fatal, especially in pigs. In their case, a little rest and some extra care is enough for a pig to recover from the disease. Though, sometimes antibiotics are also injected, although they do not directly help cure the disease as they do not affect a virus but they do help prevent other diseases while the pig is itself fighting the virus. Under modern animal management programme’s improved techniques such as vaccinations are also being encouragingly used to suppress the Influenza. The main focus is the prevention of the spread of the virus and to keep the farm environment healthy for humans and other animals.
Signs & Symptoms of Swine Flu - H1N1 virus
Although, most of the people who become victim of this disease regain their health without any medical treatment but it is recommended that within two days from the first sign of the signs and symptoms, medical assistance should be sought as special care and hospitalization fastens the process of recovery. Further, the use of antiviral such as Oseltamivir and Zanamivir helps improve the condition of the patient as they prevent the spread of the virus in between the cells of the body. The Food and Drug Administration U.S. has already made arrangements for making these drugs widely available. Similarly, other health societies are also taking required steps to take the affected as well as threatened areas out of this outbreak of Swine Influenza.
History of Swine influenza
Research in the mid 20th century revealed that this strain of influenza has several subtypes, which include influenza C and influenza A including H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2 and H2N3. These types are separated on the basis of the different amino acid sequences. The first outbreak of this disease was in 1918.
The disease was caused by the H1N1 type and was zoonosis type. By an estimate it is believed that about 50 million to 100 million people were killed world wide by this pandemic. The next major spread was in 1976 caused by the variant H1N1 type known as A (H3N2). The disease was suspected in an army camp when a soldier felt the symptoms of swine influenza that are; chills, fever, headache, coughing etc. This was followed by the 1988 U.S. outbreak in swine, 2007 Philippines outbreak in swine and the 2009 outbreak in humans. The present outbreak was reported first on 2 May 2009 when a pig on a farm in Alberta, Canada was found with the disease. This is believed to have caused by a new strain of H1N1. Further researches showed that this is a “reassortment” of the two strains of the virus.
What Causes Swine influenza? Responsible for binding the virus to host cells is called the HA (hemagglutinin) peplomer while the virus that allows to break its bonds to the host cell once it is ready to move on is called the NA (neuraminidase) peplomer. Swine flu or influenza is a condition caused by strains of subtypes of Influenza A virus called H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H3N3. These viruses are common in pigs located in midwestern United States, Canada, South America, Mexico, Mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, Europe, and other Eastern Asian countries. This type is also called H1N1 Flu or well-known as Swine Flu. Swine flu is a type of virus infected from pigs. Humans do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu such as cough, fever, body aches, sore throat, chills, fatigue and headache. Swine Flu is a respiratory track infection from the hogs. This kind of virus can kill the human race just like what happen to a pregnant woman and another individual in Texas with also reported death in Washington. This infection is a worldwide virus outbreak that started in Mexico and eventually spread from one country to another continent including China.
The spreading of this virus is similar to the common human flu i.e. from one person to another. Care must be taken that the person infected from this particular illness is to be kept away from other individuals. There had not been many cases and only those individuals were infected who had close exposure to pigs.
Recent studies had shown that this virus is not having any relation to the appetizing meal (pork). So the lovers who can not bear the sight of pork being abandoned shouldn’t give up as it is safe to have the scrumptious meal. Unlike most recent years, in which one or two cases of human swine flu were reported in the United States, at least 40 cases of swine flu in humans were reported as of April 27, 2009-the date CDC declared the issue a public health emergency. The global outbreak had also alerted medical research centres and antiviral flu drugs have been identified, like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) are available to the chaos creator. These drugs are to be taken within limit as they are not prescribed for the common viral infections. Other precautions are vital in order to prevent this virus spreading rapidly. So far, this virus has been shunned by the South Asian countries but they must be aware by the facts that if this bug erupts conspicuously, it could hardly be treated.
Risk Factors: One can recall a similar outbreak known as bird flu which was more risky than H1N1 virus. According to Professor Neil Ferguson of the World Health Organization, H1N1 is nothing when compared to other similar outbreaks such as SARS or the 1918 Spanish flu. Although, the mortality rate is fairly low, governments of many countries have decided to have precautionary measures against this disease which is believed to spread as a major disease in the coming winter season. Medical officials believe that pregnant women are at higher risk of complications of influenza, whether it's the seasonal influenza or pandemics of the past. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigates twenty cases of pregnant women with the swine flu, most of them experienced complications. Complications can include pneumonia, dehydration and premature birth. It is very important that doctors who are caring for pregnant women they suspect may have influenza, that they issue prompt treatment with antiviral medicines – the Tamiflu and the Relenza. Doctors can be hesitant to take care of pregnant women with antiviral drugs and pregnant women may be disinclined to take them out of fear that they may pose a risk during pregnancy. The benefits of using the antiviral drugs to treat influenza in a pregnant woman outweigh the theoretical concerns about the drugs strongly say by the medical experts who have looked into this situation. People at greater risk of serious side effects from seasonal flu include people more than 65 years old, children below 5 years old, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical consitions as well as those who are taking immunosuppressive medications or with HIV infection. Prevention:
In order to keep yourself from getting infected by the virus, here are some of the things that can be done: - Keep yourself informed about H1N1. You can visit the official website of the World Health Organization or check brochures from local hospitals or medical facilities. - Since the influenza virus can be transmitted from one person to another through coughing or sneezing, you can keep yourself busy by doing the following: - When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue. After using the tissue, dispose of it and throw it in the trash. - Wash your hands with soap and water after coughing and sneezing. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers whenever necessary. - To prevent germs from spreading, refrain from touching your eyes, mouth, or nose. - If you become ill, the CDC recommends that you avoid contact with other people at work or school so as not to infect them. - Comply with public health advice concerning school closures, crowd avoidance, and social distancing efforts. As far as swine flu is concerned, health authorities are doing everything they can to prevent the outbreak of another deadly virus. Get Vaccinated: Swine flu vaccines are administered prior to exposure to a virus so they would be protected from that agent. Antivirals only work if administered within a certain period of time before or after they are exposed to the virus. A "seed stock" to make the vaccine, which should be ready and it will be distributed to manufacturers worldwide so they can start producing the vaccine is now on the go as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention works on. After the vaccine manufacturers get the seed stock, they won't know how many doses of vaccine they can make or how long that would take. Including vaccine producer, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, the World Health Organization is under negotiation process to save some of their swine flu vaccine for poorer nations. A couple of years ago members of the rich nations like United States, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Canada and Britain signed deals with the vaccine makers to guarantee them pandemic vaccines as soon as they're available. Cipla (The pharmaceuticals giant in India) instructed by the World Health Organization to make a generic version of Tamiflu antiviral drug. Tamiflu also known as oseltamivir, one of the two antiviral drugs to treat the Swine Flu. Then WHO said Cipla's generic version was more effective than the original made by Swiss firm Roche Holding AG and would hopefully make the drug more accessible to the third world countries. As we all know that Indian pharmaceuticals produce drugs in very affordable prices. According to research the virus cannot survive outside the human cells for more than two weeks, except in cold temperatures (0 - 10 degree celcius). The farm temperature, thus , is kept higher than that as a preventive measure. As far as the transmission to humans is concerned, it is prevented by the use of hand gloves and face masks by the workers on the farms, as close contact with the ill animal is the major way of catching the disease. The preventive measures of transfer of the disease in the swine also apply here. As less the animals infected, less is the chance of humans getting infected from the animals. It is also believed that the farm workers who smoke are in more danger of getting the disease with who do not. In humans, coughs and sneezes by the infected person contain the contaminated germs and a healthy person if comes in contact with it, gets infected. As the means of catching the disease are similar to those of common cold, the preventive measures are also similar. Washing the hands every now and again, especially after public exposure, avoiding nearness to an infected person, avoiding public gatherings, using alcohol based sanitizers to kill the virus and using chlorine to disinfect the household surfaces are among all the measures which prove helpful against this disease. It is to be noted that consuming pork products is not a way of becoming a victim to this disease as the meat which is properly cooked has no pathogens remaining.
One of the things you have to remember is that influenza is spread via germs, and germs are spread via contact with contaminated items then contact with either your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can't get through the pores of your skin and need a convenient opening to get into. Don't give them that opening. There's a simple and easy way to do it: just wash your hands regularly, especially before eating anything or touching anything that you want to eat - like that tasty sandwich you're about to have for a snack It may seem rather simplistic but the regular act of rinsing and disinfecting your hands can help make sure that you never get infected with the swine flu. Another way to avoid infection is to avoid close contact with sick people. Remember germs can also be transmitted by air though microscopic droplets that are released when a person coughs or sneezes. Standing around sick people increases the chance of infection so try to avoid doing that, mostly because you can't avoid touching stuff that they've sneezed on and those germs can go directly into your nose and mouth when you inhale. When to seek Medical Advice:
So what if you suddenly get the sniffles? Is it time to go to the doctor for a consult? The smart thing to do is to just stay at home first and monitor your condition. The problem with identifying the swine flu is that it shares many of the same symptoms as the normal run-of-the-mill human flu: coughs, colds, fevers and the whole nine yards. Take the usual medicine at first and see if you settle down after that. The over-the-counter antiviral drugs aren't as effective on swine flu as human flu but they can make you feel a whole lot better and rev up you immune system to deal with your infection. You should also try your best to limit the infection to yourself. Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing so as to prevent the spread of germs in your environment. If your symptoms are taking too long to cure, you might be infected. Note that swine flu is like the normal flu in that it manages to weaken your immune system for other respiratory diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis to spread. It can also worsen any conditions that you might currently have, like asthma. If you start vomiting or start suffering from diarrhea, it's time to have the doctor drop by immediately.
Swine influenza Treatment/Therapy: Certain drugs have been tested to check their efficacy regarding the treatment. The centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that this flu can be treated very early, if caught, with two of the antiviral medications, Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and Relenza (Zanamivir). These must be taken within 48 hours after the first symptom recognised for better results. Currently there are four types of antiviral drugs available and are licensed for use in the US, Amantadine, Oseltamivir, Rimantadine and Zanamivir. It must be noted that these drugs do not prevent us from getting the disease but they only lessen the symptoms and produce antibodies which remain after the disease has gone and prevent countering any other disease. The CDC and World Health Organisation are working upon a new task which is based upon producing a vaccine which can prevent Swine Influenza. The Drug Manufacturers are already in the process and have been provided with required material used in the manufacturing. It has been suggested that the vaccine will be available by this summer (2009).Though the flu can be dealt with common antiviral drugs as soon as the early symptoms appear.
The Science of Homeopathy has also come up with a solution to this disease, and according to some articles, has proved to be more influencing in its curative nature in 1919 outbreak of the disease as compared to the allopathic treatment. The internationally renowned homeopathic expert, Dr. Manish Bhatia, has come up with yet another remedy for curing Swine Influenza which consists of various medicines like Baptisia, Arsenic-album, Gelsimium, Eupatorium perf and Cantharis.
In diagnosing influenza infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 3 to 4 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be contagious). However, some persons, especially children, may be infectious for 10 days or longer. If you get sick, there are two antiviral drugs (Tamiflu and Relenza) available with prescription can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious influenza complications. In treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started as soon after getting sick as possible, and might not work if started more than 2 days after illness starts. For treating swine flu, there are antiviral medicines that can be administered. So far, oseltamivir, amantadine, rimantadine, and zanamivir are the approved drugs for swine influenza treatment in the United States. However, amantadine and rimantadine will not work against swine flu as the H1N1 virus was found to be resistant against these medicines. Laboratory procedures, on the other hand, have proven that H1N1 is susceptible to oseltavimir and zanavimir. Using antiviral drugs in the treatment of swine influenza works by making your illness milder and making you feel relieved earlier than expected. Aside from that, antiviral medicines prevent the onset of serious complications. Antiviral medicines are most effective when administered after the onset of the illness usually within a couple of days. However, it should be considered two days after the onset of symptoms, especially for hospitalized patients or those at greater risk for influenza-related complications. Administration of anti viral drugs is also useful in preventing influenza when given to an individual who is not sick but has exposed to a person with swine influenza. It can reduce the possibility of infection by 70% to 90%. The duration of intake will be determined by the condition of the patient. Currently, there are no accessible vaccines for protecting against H1N1. Zanamivir and oseltamivir are neuroaminidase inhibitors which is a fancy description of what they do; they're a type of antiviral drugs that inhibits cell reproduction of viruses so that they won't spread in the patient's body. The Center for Disease Control has highly recommended their use for the treatment and control of the disease. Actually, if you find yourself sick, you can do initial treatment via the normal over-the-counter antibiotics that you use when dealing with the normal flu. These can help make the symptoms more bearable and help your body resist the disease better. Those and quite a bit of bed rest can go a long way to make you feel better.
Steps to Preventing the spread of swine flu: First, washing our hands frequently using any germicidal soap with water can help us prevent with the spreading virus especially if we suspected someone. If you don’t have available germicidal soap in the area, you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Either if you are using soap or hand sanitizer, you must follow this steps: connects your two palms facing each other, rub them horizontally, vertically then squeeze each other throughout your fingers. Do it for five to six times a day. Secondly, you must cover your nose with a tissue paper before you deliver a cough and sneeze especially if you are talking to somebody else. Throw your tissue in the trash can after you use it, so that transfer of the virus coming from your respiratory will be avoided. Third, if you are not feeling well avoid going out to your friends, playground, schools and offices, much better you have to stay in your house and quarantine yourself for three to four days. Fourth, avoid hugging or kissing at any public occasions instead gesture your hands and smile at each other until the Swine Flu Outbreak diminish. Fifth, if you suspected yourself of a possible flu-like virus, you better report to your nearest Health Officer in the community for proper diagnostic. (Note: if you suffered fever, sore throat and cough for more than two days, don’t hesitate to go to your Health Officer). Sixth, there are a number of things that you can do in preparing yourself and those around you for a flu pandemic. It is important to think of it the challenges that you might face, particularly if a pandemic is severe. Seventh, for assurance in planning for the impact of a Swine Flu virus on you, your family and your business, go to your Health Officer for more information about swine flu careers from individuals, families, and your workplace, and for information directed from schools, health care providers, community organizations and governments Aside from your own Swine Flu prevention, there are some government agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Education and the Department of National Defense to help us strengthen our immune system and detect a possible Swine Flu in our community. Planning and preparation can be lessened the effects of a pandemic if do it ahead of time.
If you are already feeling sick, your condition may last for more than a week. You should remain at home and refrain from making social contact. As much as possible, you should not communicate with other people to avoid the spread of the virus. At the moment, the CDC believes that H1N1 has similar properties on the aspect of transmission with seasonal flu virus. If you go out of the house to consult your doctor, wear a mask or use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. According to recent studies, people suffering from seasonal flu are at risk to transmit the disease a day prior to development of symptoms for up to seven days after getting sick. Children are more likely to be at risk for a longer period of time so it is best to consult a healthcare provider.
Emergency Warning Signs
In the case of children becoming ill due to H1N1infection, the following warning signs may require immediate medical attention: * Fast or difficulty in breathing Among adults, the following emergency warning signs demand immediate medical attention: * Trouble with breathing or shortness of breath Prevention Is The Best Treatment You can do your part in preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus. Here are some tips on how you can take part in efforts for preventing the spread of infection. * Be aware. Obtain information about H1N1 by visiting the website of the CDC. * Use a tissue in covering your mouth and nose when sneezing. Afterwards, throw the tissue in the trash. * With soap and water, wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. If possible, use alcohol-based sanitizers. * Refrain from touching your nose or mouth as this could lead to easy transmission of germs. Diet change strategies: Other measures should also be taken, like, drinking fluids, which help in dehydration which, in a viral attack, is likely to take place. Sports drinks can also be beneficial. Proper diet with supplements such as vitamin C, hydration and proper rest help boost the immune system and are also necessary. Another precaution according to the medical experts is that Aspirin is to be avoided by the infected people under the age of 18 due to the risk of Reyes Syndrome.
Vitamin & Nutrient Associations Even when we try to eat well, we're disadvantaged. The nutritional content of most food has been compromised over the years, not only by deficient soils and modern production, transportation, storage and processing methods, but also by the enormous amounts of chemical and artificial substances added to promote growth, storage life, taste and appearance. It's for this reason that more and more medical authorities are advocating the use of vitamin and mineral supplements. However, finding them in the right combination can be both confusing and costly.
You may find benefit from our information on detoxification as well as a bit about detoxing because of change of diet
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In human beings, the symptoms of the disease include mild to high fever, headache, irritability, body aches, cough, runny nose, fatigue or tiredness, diarrhoea and/or vomiting. 
If you suddenly become sick and experience any of the following warning signs, this is your cue to seek emergency medical assistance.
