Swine flu was discovered in Mexico and is
really new influensa or influenza
A/H1N1. The reason for the initial term swine flu is that the virus
likely is a
mixture of influenza viruses from pigs, humans and birds. The virus has
not
previously found in humans and is highly contagious and can spread
efficiently
between people. The swine flu virus is of
new type A/H1N1 which people has no immunity for. There
are no reports
of swine flu infecting people from pigs or other animals. The WHO has
now
classified swine influenza as a full-scale pandemic, implying spread of
the
virus across the globe.
Swine flu is spread in the same way as ordinary influenza i.e. through
direct
contact with sick people and through virus containing droplets in the
air, resulting
from sneezing and coughing. The disease usually lasts about 5-7 days
and is generally
not more dangerous than an ordinary flu, although some suffer more
complications.
Risk groups for swine influenza are pregnant women, small children and
people
with underlying illnesses. Swine flu generally also seems to affect
younger
people more severely, especially in comparison with an ordinary flu,
where the
elderly are more vulnerable. Severe complications of swine flu that
have been
reported are pneumonia, respiratory failure among others.
Symptoms of swine flu
Swine
flu symptoms are generelly un-complicated and similar to ordinary
influenza symtom. Some common symptoms are:
-
Fever
-
Cough and sore throat
-
Headache and muscle and joint pain
-
Diarrhea and vomiting
-
Fatigue
- Nasal
congestion and runny nose
How to avoid swine flu?
Swine flu is highly contagious and especially
indoors, where many people
reside, the risk is greater. Outdoors the risk of infection with swine
flu is lower.
Consequently it may be wise to avoid crowds and department stores for
example
when the swine flu is peaking.
To prevent infection of swine flu you should avoid seeing infected
persons or
those just recently recovered from swine flu. It is also important to
maintain
a good hygiene. It is particularly important to maintain good hand
hygiene. Wash
your hands often and carefully. Also avoid poking you in the face or
nose with
your hands or fingers. You can also use disinfectants on your hands to
eliminate the virus. Also avoid close contact with others especially
those who
have been sick or appear sick. You should also avoid hand shaking,
cheek kisses and other
close contact event, especially with those who appear
symptomatic of
swine flu. Of course vaccination will be an important
measure to prevent you from getting infected.
Hur smittar svininfluensa?
The swine flu is airborne, which means that it
is transmitted through
droplets formed when people talk or sneeze. It infects mainly at close
quarters. You can also become infected through direct contact with
objects where
water droplets with the virus resides, such as droplets attached to a
handle or
someones hand. Virus can then enter the body by e.g. food or when you
poke in
the eye.
A sick person is contagious for up to five days and children may be up
to seven
days. The incubation time for swine flu is up to three days. If you
suspect
infection you should avoid contact with others and maintain a good
hygiene such
as not coughing and sneezing without using handkerschiefs etc, wash
your hands
often etc.
Behandling av svininfluensa?
Since swine influenza is due to a virus, it can
not be treated with
antibiotics which only attacks bacteria. There are antivirals that can
be used against
swine flu e.g. Tamiflu and Relenza. These can be used both for
prevention and in
cases where with severe symptoms who need treatment. These antivirals
stop the
progression and spreading of the viruses.
There is yet no vaccine against swine influenza but vaccine production
is
underway and will be ready during the autumn: Many countries have
ordered
vaccine for their population to prevent a massive epidemic.
If you are otherwise healthy and do not experience severe symptom, it
is likely
enough to relieve symptoms of swine flu. Some recommendations are :
- Stay home and rest
- Drink a lot
- Take pain reliever