The Swine (H1N1) Flu, just like any other virus infection, it too has its own myths.  Here are the 10 most common ones.  Don’t we already have enough to worry about without imagining things?  Why worry about things that are not even true.  Here are 10 of them.

Myth #1:  If I wear a surgical mask, I will be protected from getting the H1N1 swine flu virus

Fact:  While it is possible that wearing a surgical mask may be slightly helpful in preventing the "spread" of the swine H1N1 flu, it definitely will not guarantee you safe passage.  However, if you are wearing the mask around others who are infected with the virus, it will help protect you from the germs of their sneezes and coughs.  Otherwise, it can’t hurt to wear a surgical mask but just do not let yourself be lulled into a false sense of complete protection against the swine Flu virus.

Myth #2:  You cannot die from the swine flu virus

Fact:  Nothing is further from the truth.  You can die from the swine flu virus.  People across the world are dying from it everyday.  However, so as not to overly alarm you, it must also be pointed out that most people will "not" die from it.  The truth of the matter is that the H1N1 virus can prove fatal in people who have already have a compromised immune system.  Some people get very sick from this virus while other only report mild symptoms.  Please remember that it is vitally important that you take the anti-viral medication that will help reduce the intensity of your swine flu symptoms.  Is is also extremely important to remember that you should avoid contact with other people for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides.  You do not want to give it to anyone else.

Myth #3:  Infection from the swine flu only happens if you have direct contact with a pig.

Fact:  While it has been reported by the CDC that in the past, swine flu has been spread between people and pigs, this most likely occurred with pig farmers who were in constant close contact with their pigs.  It is much more likely that the current swine flu is spread from human to human because of the liquid droplets and vapors that are expelled into the air from a contaminated person when they sneeze or cough.  If you were to come into contact with these droplets, or anything that had these droplets on it, you have a good chance of becoming infected with the virus yourself.

Myth #4:  We have never had an outbreak of the swine flu within the United States

Fact:  This is not true.  Throughout the years there has been several swine flu outbreaks in the United States.  In 1967, five soldiers from Fort Dix, New Jersey were contact in an outbreak of the swine flu.  All five of them became infected and one of them died.  However, according to the experts, some of the conditions that worsened this swine flu outbreak was brought on by the fact that they were living in a very stressed conditions and very close military quarters.  Also, in Wisconsin in 1988, there was a mild outbreak of the swine flu in heath care workers who worked in close proximity with their patients.

Myth #5:  The elderly, young adults and the children are all equally at risk.

Fact:  Apparently, it has come to light that ones immune system strength may not be a significant factor with the H1N1 virus.  But, the jury is still out on this and is not certain. It is believed that, just like the avian flu and the SARS outbreaks, it is more a factor of how your own body reacts to the virus rather than the virus itself.  But, it should also be kept in mind that the majority of cases investigated so far in the U.S. have proven to be rather mild.  It really is uncertain how the young and healthy people in Mexico were dying.  It has been suggested that perhaps the virus had already mutated into a stronger variation.  It is also important to know that the antiviral medication TAMIFLU is proving to be a highly effective treatment for the swine flu, provided you see you doctor  as soon as possible after getting sick.

Myth #6:  Eating pork will increase your chances of getting swine flu.

Fact:  The swine flu was named so because of a flu that pigs were getting in the Northern hemisphere. But, there is no correlation between swine flu and eating pork or pork products.  However, you must remember that eating any not properly prepared or partially cooked meats will certainly increase your risk of bacterial infections and viruses. No, you do not get swine flu (H1N1) from eating pork of any kind.

Myth #7:  The H1N1 virus is much riskier than the 2000-2003 SARS pandemic.

Fact:  This is definitely "not" true.  This pandemic caused 774 deaths before it was stopped.  That’s approximately 10% of those infected with the virus!  The United States had 10 or fewer deaths while the remainder are believed to be in China.

Myth #8:  The seasonal influenza vaccination can help prevent the H1N1 virus infection.

Fact:  The CDC has said that the anti-viral medicines and remedies along with the seasonal influenza vaccination can help decrease the "symptoms" of the H1N1 Swine flu, BUT, it is definitely not a preventive measure or cure.  Only the H1N1 vaccines can do this job efficiently.

Myth #9:   Tamiflu will cure the H1N1 virus.

Fact:  This is definitely a bad myth as Tamiflu will help lessen your symptoms once you get the virus, but, it will not cure the flu.. The Tamilflu antiviral medication has been shown to decrease the length of  your  infection by a few days, but nothing else.

Myth #10:  If I get a fever along with the other flu symptoms, that means I have the H1N1 swine flu and I need to get to the hospital or see a doctor.

Fact:  If you are a normal healthy person it is actually suggested that you  stay home rather than risk infecting others.  However, if you are susceptible to asthma attacks, have a weakened immune system, or lung disease, it is suggested that you do seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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Basically swine flu is an deadly infection caused by a virus. It’s named for a virus that pigs can get. Generally people do not get swine flu, but the human infections can. This virus is communicable and can spread quickly from human to human come into contact. The various symptoms of swine flu in the people are very similar to the symptoms of normal human flu and it includes fever, cough, sore throat, mild body aches, mild headache, and fatigue.

Best ways to prevent swine flu :

The ways to prevent swine flu is similar to the ways used to prevent other common influenza infections, and that is general vaccination. After some time vaccine is developed (scientists are working to develop in a few months), then people should get vaccinated quickly if the disease is still causing the infections. But good way to prevent any flu disease is to avoid exposure to the virus; this is done by frequent hand washing, not touching your hands to your face (especially the nose and mouth), and avoiding any close proximity to or touching any person that may have flu symptoms. Particularly the people at risk should cover their mouth when they go outside and when they cough. One should regularly wash their hands after a regular period of time with an alcohol-based cleaner and also avoid close contact with the infected or any person having similar symptoms. The patients having swine flu must stay at home. But there is no need to avoid eating the pork.

Drugs to treat swine flu :

The medicines like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are the possible and proving effective in treating patients diagnosed early enough. But yet there is no vaccine, although scientists are working hard to develop one within short time. It can take 3-4 months to create a flu vaccine and such vaccine will be effective only against the specific strain, created for. At the moment we have a vaccine the virus may have either died out or it may evolved into a different strain that is resistant to the provided vaccine.

Swine Flu Herbal Medicine

Amrita or Giloy (tinospora) – Herbal medicines like Amrita or Giloy are very useful for swine flu prevention. Giloy or amrita is a Tridoshic Herb. This is herb is recommended for swine flue prevention.

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About Tamiflu

Tamiflu is approved for the treatment of the Influenza virus and also aids from futher spread with in the body, treating flu at its source. Its mechanism of action includes attacking the virus that causes the flu instead of simply masking the symptoms of the flu in adults and children over 1 year of age. It is also indicated as a prophylaxis against the flu.

Tamiflu facts include:

The trade name for Tamiflu is oseltamivir phosphate Unlike other antiviral flu medications, such as Flumadine and Symmetrel, Tamiflu is effective against both type A and B strains of flu The drug helps in the reduction of the duration of the flu symptoms by about 1.3 days This medication is a neuraminidase inhibitor There is no generic version of Tamiflu available on the market and neither is it available through the NHS.

How does Tamiflu work?

Tamiflu, an antiviral drug, is used in the treatment and prophylaxis of both Influenza virus A and B. A neuraminidase inhibitor, Tamiflu acts as a transition-state analogue inhibitor of influenza neuraminidase, which helps in the prevention of new viruses emerging from infected cells. Tamiflu is the only neuraminidase inhibitor that has been proven to fight against Bird Flu.

Tamiflu was the first commercially developed, orally active neuraminidase inhibitor. Considered a pro-drug, Tamiflu is hydrolysed hepatically to active metabolite, the free carboxylate of oseltamivir.

Tamiflu is indicated for treatment and prevention in people at least one year of age and above. Reports are that Tamiflu may have an adverse effect on infants under the age of one.

Tamiflu Dosages

Tamiflu tablets are available as 75mg capsules and as a 12mg/ml tutti-frutti flavored oral suspension for children who are too young to swallow the pills. Tamiflu can be taken either with or without food. But, there are reduced chances of upset stomach if Tamiflu is taken with a light snack, milk, or a meal. In addition, this drug does not treat other flu-like viral infections, such as the stomach flu, colds, or RSV.

Tamiflu treatment should be started with the first appearance of the flu symptoms or soon after exposure to the flu. If one has the flu then Tamiflu must be taken twice a day for five days. But, if you want to take Tamiflu as a preventive medication against the flu, Tamiflu must be taken once a day for ten days. Tamiflu can be taken for up to six weeks. Do not take two doses at a time to make up for a missed dose.

Tamiflu precautions

Safety and effectiveness of Tamiflu have not been determined in people with chronic heart or lung disease, kidney failure, or in people with other underlying medical conditions. In addition:

Efficacy for Tamiflu has not been established in the treatment of flu-like illnesses caused by any virus other than influenza A and B (e.g., stomach flu, common cold, or other respiratory illnesses not caused by influenza). Tamiflu is not known to work in other kinds of infections that appear like influenza or occur along with influenza, and need different types of treatment. Taking Tamiflu should not affect an individual\’s decision to have an annual influenza vaccination. The safety and efficacy of repeated courses of Tamiflu treatment have not been established. Tamiflu is not indicated for treatment or prevention of the flu in patients less than 1 year of age.

Tamiflu side effects

Vomiting, abdominal pain, epistaxis (nosebleeds), ear disorders, conjunctivitis (pinkeye) and nausea are the most common side effects of Tamiflu. Tamiflu side effects are mostly mild to moderate and are generally presented within the first two days of taking the medication. Sometimes, taking the medication on a full stomach may prevent these side effects.

Severe rash is another side effect of Tamiflu and the medication must be stopped in case this happens.

With Tamiflu, some people are at an increased risk of seizures, confusion, delirium, hallucinations, abnormal behavior, convulsions, and encephalitis.

In order to prevent side effects, it is also essential to tell your healthcare professional about receiving nasally administered influenza virus vaccine during the past two weeks.

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Swine flu is a type of virus. It’s named for a virus that infects mainly pigs. It normally does not infect people, but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. The current swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, so the humans don’t have any immunity to it. That makes it more likely to become a pandemic virus (have the ability to cause a global outbreak) if it can easily spread from person-to-person. There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. This particular virus is resistant to the antiviral medications amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine), but is sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.

Symptoms

The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to the common flu that occurs in humans. The symptoms are mostly fever, cold, cough, runny nose, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, headache etc. In swine flu the symptoms might be more severe like breathlessness, very high grade fever, loss of appetite and fluid intake, listlessness etc.

The important fact is to prevent the spread of this infection. Since it spreads through fomites i.e. through air, infected articles like tissue, paper, pen etc, the preventive measures are very important.

Prevent spread

The measures that can be taken to prevent spread of this particular swine flu are –

1 Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

2 Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

3 Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

4 Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

5 Stay home from work or school if you are sick.

6 Consult a doctor immediately when in doubt about your symptoms.

Important thing to remember is that people with swine flu are likely contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they began to get sick with swine flu symptoms. Also, anti-flu medications, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), are available to prevent and treat swine flu.

For more tips on prevention and cure of illnesses, post your queries on http://www.simplyanswer.com

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Avian flu is caused due to the H5N1 virus which is transmitted from the saliva, fecal matter of the birds. The disease is highly contagious and causes death of birds and poultry population. The virus is lethal and assumes the proportion of pandemic, which can wipe out the entire population of birds and poultry. The virus also spreads to the human beings if they are in contact with the sick bird or poultry. Human beings are also afflicted by the virus which can even be life threatening.

Avian influenza is flu infection in birds. The disease is of concern to humans, who have no immunity against it. The virus that causes this infection in birds can mutate (change) to easily infect humans. Such mutation can start a deadly worldwide epidemic.

Avian’ refers to birds and ‘flu’ is the common name for influenza. Some countries (particularly in Asia) have been affected by bird flu infecting their poultry stocks, and a small number of people have caught the bird flu virus from being in close contact with infected chickens. There have only been a small number of incidents of bird flu in the UK where it has been found in poultry and a couple of wild birds. All cases of bird flu in the UK have been well controlled and there have been no cases of human illness associated with any incidents.

Avian influenza (also referred to as avian flu or bird flu) refers to type A strains of the influenza virus that infect birds. Avian flu occurs worldwide and was first identified over 100 years ago. Normally avian flu viruses don’t infect species other than birds and pigs. In 1997, however, the first documented human case of avian flu occurred in Hong Kong. Avian flu causes severe symptoms and can result in death.

Influenza is contagious. Viruses that cause influenza spread from person to person mainly by airborne droplets of respiratory fluids that are sent through the air when someone infected with the virus coughs or sneezes. Other people inhale the airborne virus and can become infected. In some cases, the flu can be spread when someone touches a surface (e.g., doorknobs, countertops, telephones) that has the virus on it and then touches his or her nose, mouth or eyes. The flu is most easily spread in crowded places such as schools and offices.

Transmission of the virus from birds to humans occurs when birds such as turkeys, geese, and domestic chickens come in contact with the virus from food, water, or particles contaminated with the virus. The virus can be shed in the droppings of migratory birds since they are natural carriers and is able to survive for three months in cool temperatures. It can also survive in water at 0°C for more than 30 days and at 22°C for up to 4 days. If a person working closely with these animals inhales dust particles containing the virus or by other means, they could develop the bird flu.

For now, the primary treatment option remains the flu drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which works by preventing the virus from multiplying. It’s not clear how effective Tamiflu will prove against H5N1. Another antiviral flu drug, zanamivir (Relenza), may be an alternative. However, viruses may become resistant to both of these drugs.

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