Swine Flu Alert

Swine Flu is caused by influenza type A virus. Recently there are outbreaks of Swine Flu. It tends to spread mostly in autumn and winter. Swine Flu does not normally infect humans, but this kind of cases occur to people who have close contacts with pigs. It has been seen that there have been rare cases of human to human passing of this mutated virus which has DNA from pigs, birds, and humans. The human to human passing of the infection occurs in the same way as the seasonal flu either through coughing or sneezing.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF SWINE FLU
Initially respiratory sample will be collected within the first five days of the illness and will be sent to your local lab. A nasal swab must be taken and sent to the lab for review. This must happen before administering treatment. Right now the CDC is recommending the use of Tamflu (Oseltamivir) or Relenza (Zanamivir) for the prevention as well as treatment of A/1H1N Swine Flu strain.

HOW DOES SWINE FLU SPREAD
Swine Flu is just a type of Influenza so it spreads in the same way as seasonal Influenza does. Swine Flu Spreads as follows:

• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Kissing
• Coming in direct contact with infected objects

SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU
The following are the symptoms of Swine Flu:

• Muscle aches
• Lethargy
• Coughing
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite

PREVENTION OF SWINE FLU

• Cover the nose and mouth upon sneezing and coughing with surgical masks and tissues
• Avoid contact with ill persons
• Avoid touching nose, mouth and eyes of infected person as well as of your own
• Use alcohol based hand cleaners and assure proper cleaning of hands
• Maintain a distance from coughing patient
• Have a proper disposal of infected tissues after sneezing and coughing