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The recent flu crisis associated with the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus has prompted many people to take extra precautions to protect themselves from infection, particularly in areas where cases of the virus have been confirmed. The influenza A (H1N1) virus is being carefully monitored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which continues to publish up to date information to help educate the public and minimize the spread of the virus.

Preventing transmission from person to person to the degree possible is an overreaching goal in controlling the spread of the H1N1 virus as well as other illnesses. The influenza virus is believed to be spread through respiratory drops from an infected person, which are often released through coughing and sneezing. Another person can contract the virus when these droplets enter his or her nose or mouth, or by touching a surface that has been contaminated and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. While we cannot prevent the virus with 100% certainty, here are a few of the recommendations the CDC has published on its website for helping reduce the chance that you will contract the virus:

• Wash your hands with soap for 15-20 seconds often.
• Practice a healthy lifestyle including getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, being physically active and avoiding stress.
• Do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with those who are ill.
• Consider wearing an FDA approved facemask when entering crowded situations in areas where the virus has been confirmed.
• Consider using an N95 or higher respirator when close contact with an infected person is necessary.

Many of the precautions that are recommended to reduce the chance of contracting influenza viruses are the same as the recommendations for preventing any contagious illness. The disposable medical supplies such as facemasks and respirators recommended by the CDC are widely available to consumers. Surgical masks are designed to help reduce the chance of spreading an infection, while N95 respirators are designed to help prevent the wearer from contracting the virus. When it is necessary to be around or take care of a person who is infected with the influenza virus, the CDC recommends considering wearing an N95 respirator to reduce your chance of contracting the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control has provided a plethora of information to help the public take appropriate actions regarding the flu crisis. Please visit the CDC website for the most up to date information.

The Swine Flu outbreak these days alarm the public because of its rapid spread, first in Mexico, then in the US and some other nearby countries. Now it continues to spread even to Middle East and Asia-Pacific countries. Swine flue has been affecting human beings before but it has never been so disturbing as the present outbreak.

In the midst of this epidemic, people should be aware of some basic details to prevent acquiring the said fast-killing flu.

What is Swine Flu?

From its name, swine influenza is a viral disease trasmitted among pigs. This is a respiratory disease that circulates within pig populations, but certain outbreaks occur on cold season, on winter and fall, just like how ordinary flu affects human beings.

How is it transmitted to people?

Swine flu infects human beings and over two thousand cases of affected individuals confirm that swine flu is indeed something to be taken seriously. Normally, swine flu is not transmitted to humans. But within the bodies of swines, a process called the antigenic shift make swine flu a very contagious disease not only among pigs but also among us, people.

Pigs are not only  carriers of ordinary swine flu viruses, they are also carriers of other animals’ viruses- such as of birds and of human beings. This ordinary human flu can turn into a human-infecting swine flu once combined with other flu viruses. As different types of viruses are being carried by pigs, viruses may reassort and swap genes with each other to develop a new strain of flu virus. This evolved virus is now being responsible for the present swine flu epidemic.

What are the symptoms and effects of swine flu?

Swine flue affects people people like the ordinary flu such as sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, fever, headache, chills body aches, and fatigue. Some patients also reported diarrhea and vomiting as symptoms.

Although swine flu is curable with some drugs, about 150 deaths that were caused by swine flu have been reported.

What should we do?

To prevent swine flu, peolple should take personal health precautions such as cleaning one’s hands and other hygenic practices. Since swine flu appears to be just like an ordinary flu, it would be wise for people, whether they think they have swine flu or not, to cough and sneeze on tissue papers and properly dispose them on trash cans. People should also refrain from touching their lips, eyes and nose unless their hands are really clean.

Swine flu is not transmitted by eating pork since swine flue viruses are killed in meat-cooking tempearture. However, one should still be careful when eating or drinking. It would be safe to make sure that one’s food are safe from germs.

There are antiviral drugs against swine flu such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir). These can be taken for both prevention and cure of swine flu.

With a proper way of facing this present health threat, people will prevent being infected by this epidemic.

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The human cases of swine flu, which is spread by influenza virus A (H1N1), have been reported from Mexico and the US, where many people have fallen ill and even died from it. The health agencies are working closely and the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that some of the human cases are a never seen before version of this virus.

There are several methods of preventing flu, although in the case of swine flu, people should resort to effective anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza for preventative reasons.

What is Swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease, which is caused by influenza type A virus (H1N1) that infects pigs. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to that of seasonal flu, although there have been several reported human deaths that are linked to swine flu. It is considered as new version of H1N1 strain, which caused the 1918 flu pandemic.

How to treat Swine flu?
There is no specific vaccine for controlling this type of flu, but some current drugs can prove helpful. Apart from anti-viral drugs, people can do a bit on their part. They should maintain a good personal hygiene such as washing hands, and covering their nose while sneezing.

Doctors have recommended some anti-viral treatments like Tamiflu or Relenza, depending upon the suitability of a patient. These two drugs are commonly used for the treatment of influenza type A, and considering swine flu is a strain of influenza type A, it has been reported to treat it.. The US health authorities have discovered that not only can these drugs help in swine flu treatment, but can also help in preventing it spreading. These drugs ensure that the flu virus is not transmitted easily among people.

Tamiflu is an oral prescription drug that is used for the treatment as well as prevention of flu. The main ingredient in it is oseltamivir phosphate, which can prevent the spread of flu virus in the body. It also helps to ease off the flu symptoms. Tamiflu is available in the strength of a 75 mg capsule.

Similar to Tamiflu is another flu treatment known as Relenza, which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It can help treat type A or B influenza, including swine flu. It comes in the form of a powder, which is inhaled at least two times in a day or as directed by the doctor.

Both these anti-viral drugs can prove helpful in the treatment of swine flu. You can get them from any local pharmacy by showing a prescription from a doctor, or you can buy them over the internet from any authentic online source.

What to do in order to stay safe during Swine flu?
It is advisable for those people who come into contact with the swine virus and have flu like symptoms to seek proper medical advice. Most affected cases have been reported from Mexico, so it has been advised to cancel any travel trips in and out of that country for the time being.

You should avoid contact with people who have a fever or a cough, or seem to be unwell due to the flu. If you have no choice but to be close to those already infected, it is advised that you use a mask to cover your nose and mouth to limit the risk of infection.