Swine Flu and You

-Swine flu is a variant of Influenza A which is the seasonal flu virus.
Swine flu will typically infect pigs and not humans.
· In late March 2009, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported human cases of swine influenza A and designated the virus H1N1. The reported cases were in southern California and San Antonio Texas.
· The CDC has determined that swine influenza A (H1N1) is contagious and can spread from human to human.
· Swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is similar to the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) designated H5N1.
· Swine influenza A (H1N1) virus likely spreads like other forms of influenza, mainly from person to person through coughing and sneezing of people with the influenza virus.
· People may also become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

• Swine Flu prevention:
· Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners.
· Try to avoid close contact with people infected with the virus.
· Try to avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes.

• Swine Flu symptoms:
· fever
· body aches
· dry cough
· fatigue

· There have been 12 human cases of swine flu from 2005 to January 2009 and no deaths occurred in these cases.
There was one death in 1988 due to swine flu induced pneumonia.
In 1976 there was an outbreak of 200 cases of swine flu and one death.

· The current Swine flu (H1N1) is sensitive to and can be treated with the influenza medications: Relenza or Tamiflu.

· Swine flu in the past has not appeared to be more aggressive than seasonal flu and the current outbreak of Swine flu should be adequately controlled with the quarantine measures in place by the CDC and the Mexican government. Since the infection typically last about seven days, isolating the infected people should stop the current outbreak.

Posted on April 26, 2009

2 Responses to “Swine Flu and You”

  1. Health and Wellness: Medicues The first American death due to Swine Flu says:
    April 30, 2009 at 12:05 am

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  2. Health and Wellness: Medicues Influenza says:
    April 30, 2009 at 12:44 am

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