Swine flu refers to influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus that usually infect pigs and are called swine influenza virus (SIV). Swine influenza is common in pigs in the M?d-West of the United States and some other states, Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe, Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.

Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common and properly-cooked pork poses no risk of infection. When transmitted, it does not always cause human influenza and often the only sign of infection is the presence of antibodies in the blood which are only detectable by laboratory tests. When transmission results in influenza in a human, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of catching swine flu. However, only about fifty such transmissions have been recorded since the mid-20th Century, when identification of influenza subtypes became possible. Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.

The 2009 flu outbreak in humans, known as “swine flu”, is due to an apparently virulent new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that contained many genetic elements normally found in swine influenza. The origin of this new strain is unknown, and the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that this strain has not been isolated in pigs. It can be transmitted from human to human, an ability attributed to an as-yet unidentified mutation. This 2009 H1N1 strain causes the normal symptoms of influenza, such as fever, coughing and headache.

The 2009 flu outbreak is due to a new strain of influenza, an apparent reassortment of at least four strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, including one strain endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in swine. Although initial reports identified the new strain as swine influenza (ie, a zoonosis), its origin is unknown. Several countries took precautionary measures to reduce the chances for a global pandemic of the disease.

This new strain had not previously been reported in pigs. On May 2, 2009, H1N1 was reported in pigs at a farm in Alberta, Canada, with a link to the 2009 swine flu outbreak in Mexico. The pigs are suspected to have caught this new strain of virus from a farm worker who recently travelled to Mexico, then showed symptoms of an influenza-like illness. These are probable cases, pending confirmation by laboratory testing.

The time and location of the outbreak is still unknown, but it was first detected in two cases in Southern California in late March. When this novel virus was publicized, officials in Mexico suspected a link to an outbreak of late-season flu cases they were finding. Mexican news media report that the outbreak may have started in February near a Smithfield Foods pig plant amid complaints about its intensive farming practices. Within days, hundreds more suspected cases were discovered in Mexico, with more cases also showing up in the U.S. and several other countries. By late April, officials from the U.N.’s World Health Organization (WHO), based in Switzerland, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S., were expressing serious concern about the flu outbreak, worried that it might become a worldwide flu pandemic.

The new strain has spread widely beyond Mexico and the U.S., with confirmed cases in eighteen countries and suspected cases in forty-two. Many countries have advised their inhabitants not to travel to infected areas. Countries including Australia, China, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand are monitoring visitors returning from flu-affected areas to identify people with fever and respiratory symptoms. Many countries have also issued warnings to visitors of flu-affected areas to contact a doctor immediately if they had flu-like symptoms.

Mexico’s schools, universities, and all public events will be closed from April 24, 2009 to May 6, 2009. By May 3, 2009, more than 400 schools in the U.S. closed due to confirmed or probable cases in students or staff, affecting 250,000 students

By April 28, the new strain was confirmed to have spread to Spain, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Israel, and the virus was suspected in many other nations. As a result, WHO raised its alert level to “Phase 5″ out of 6 possible, which it defines as a “signal that a pandemic is imminent” By the end of April, 300 schools had closed across the United States and the Mexican government ordered a multi-day shutdown of all non-essential activities in the government and private sector, amounting to a shutdown of most of the country’s economy. At the same time, however, many scientists were reaching a consensus that the epidemic was so far “relatively mild,” and believed that it could be less fatal than previous pandemics.

The new strain is an apparent reassortment of four strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1. Analysis by the CDC identified the four component strains as one endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in pigs (swine). However, other scientists have stated that analyses of the 2009 swine flu (A/H1N1) viral genome “suggests that all segments are of swine origin”, “we are puzzled about sources of information that affirm that the virus is a reassortment of avian, human and swine viruses,” and “this preliminary analysis suggests at least two swine ancestors to the current H1N1, one of them related to the triple resorting viruses isolated in North America in 1998.” One swine strain was widespread in the United States, the other in Eurasia. Worldwide the common human H1N1 influenza virus affects millions of people every year, according to WHO officials, and “these annual epidemics result in about three to five million cases of severe illness, and about 250,000 to 500,000 deaths” annually. In industrialized countries most of these annual deaths occur in people aged 65 or older. By May 2, some pigs in Canada were diagnosed with H1N1. Although some influenza strains can spread between species, the influenza virus is killed by normal cooking procedures, so there is no risk of infection from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products.

Recommendations to prevent infection by the virus consist of the standard personal precautions against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public. The CDC advises not touching the mouth, nose or eyes, as these are primary modes of transmission. When coughing, they recommend coughing into a tissue and disposing of the tissue, then immediately washing the hands.

Of the available antiviral treatments for influenza, the WHO stated that the viruses obtained from the human cases with swine influenza in the United States were sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) but resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. Tamiflu and Relenza also have a preventative effect against Influenzavirus A. On April 27, the CDC recommended the use of Tamiflu and Relenza for both treatment and prevention of the new strain. Roche and the U.S. government had already extended the shelf life of federally stockpiled Tamiflu from the original five years to seven years because studies indicated that the medication continues to maintain its effectiveness.

 

 

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Zoonosis refers to a kind of infectious disease that plagues between animals and human beings. Some plagues, though discovered, spread widely all over the world. Others are newly found, such as the swine flu.

 

It may be more difficult to deal with those newly-discovered diseases which often result in big disaster for people know little about it. Zoonosis is usually caused by such close contacts between animals and human beings as husbandry, hunting and eating.

 

The swine flu has been discovered gradually in Mexico and USA since Mar, 2009 and it represents a trend of outbreak. It is A-type flu virus which contains the DNA gene of bird flu, swine flu and human flu virus.

 

Man is infected by the swine flu virus in the way that the swine flu virus causes a respiratory disease. After man caught this virus, similar symptoms will appear. At the early stage of this disease, Oseltamivir will be useful but man will show a resistance to Amantadine and Rimantadine.

 

It is reported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that there is no specific medicine at present. Perhaps the capsule “Tamiflu” produced by Roche and the spray medicine “Relenza” by GlaxoSmithKline will be useful for people to fight against swine flu.

 

Bird flu refers to an infectious disease among birds which is caused by influenza A virus. Injecting the bird flu vaccine into animals’ bodies may effectively prevent the spread of the virus.

 

According to records, the first person who was infected by the bird flu virus was discovered in Hong Kong in 1997, when the virus H5N1 made 18 people catch respiratory disease and even caused 6 deaths. Meanwhile, the death rate kept high all over the world, counted by WHO.

 

As a significant way of medical treatment, vaccines, if provided sufficiently and quickly, will reduce the number of injuries and deaths.

 

It is forecast that the market size of China’s bird flu vaccine for both animals and human beings will maintain a 10% to 20% annual growth from 2009 to 2012, for the spread of swine flu has caused a panic throughout the world.

 

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Tamiflu, the scientific name is Oseltamivir Phosphate and it is neuraminidase inhibitor which is basically designed to attack the neuraminidase protein, one of the two major surface structures of the influenza virus. It is available as a capsule containing 75 mg oseltamivir for oral use, in the form of oseltamivir phosphate, and as a powder for oral suspension, which when constituted with water as directed contains 12 mg/ml oseltamivir base.

It is white crystalline solid with the chemical name (3R,4R,5S)-4-aetylamino-5-amino-3(1-ethylpropoxy)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid, ethyl ester, phosphate (1:1). The chemical formula is C16C28N2O4 (free false).

Tamiflu, the first neuraminidase inhibitor in pill form, is effective in preventing the spread of both the A and B strains of the virus within the body. This is contrary to earlier drugs which were effective in treating only one strain.

Influenza A virus isolates with reduced susceptibility to oseltamivir carboxylate has recovered in vitro by passage of virus in the presence of increasing concentrations of oseltamivir carboxylate.

Tamiflu is indicated for the treatment of uncomplicated acute illness due to influenza infection in adults who have been symptomatic for no more than two days. Tamiflu may contribute to prevention of the virus; it is strictly advised that this drug is not a substitute of any influenza vaccine, but rather a supplement to it. Tamiflu may be a viable alternative for those people who cannot be a vaccinated for medical reasons.

Tamiflu is approved in Europe, Japan and the United States as a prescription treatment for seasonal flu.

Roche says children are three times more likely to get sick with the flu – on average, one in 10 adults and one in three children are affected by influenza annually.

Tamiflu is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for stockpiling by governments seeking to protect their population in the event of an avian flu outbreak.

This article is the property of http://www.medical-store.info and this article is written only for educational and information purpose so that our reader can get more knowledge about flu and influenza. Tamiflu is FDA approved prescribed medication which is taken in the case of influenza. For more information about Tamiflu, please go through this page; http://www.medical-store.info/tamiflu-onilne.html. If you find any mistake and error in the article, we suggest you to feel free and send us your feedback at barbaracamie@gmail.com

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                                                    BY: Dr. GHAZAL SABREEN

                                                                            PHARM: D

SWINE FLUE/ SWINE INFLUENZA

What is swine influenza?

It is the type of influenza that is caused by those strains of influenza virus,(swine influenza virus) that usually infect pigs.

SYNONYMS:

It is also called as: swine flu, hog flu and pig flu.

CAUSATIVE AGENT:

As of 2009 these strains are all found in Influenza C virus and the subtypes of Influenza A virus known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3. Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.[2]

Of the three genera of influenza viruses that cause human flu, two also cause influenza in pigs, with Influenza virus A being common in pigs and Influenza virus C being rare.[7] Influenza virus B has not been reported in pigs. Within Influenza virus A and Influenza virus C, the strains found in pigs and humans are largely distinct, although due to reassortment there have been transfers of genes among strains crossing swine, avian, and human species boundaries.

 

History

Swine influenza was first proposed to be a disease related to human influenza during the 1918 flu pandemic, when pigs became sick at the same time as humans.The first identification of an influenza virus as a cause of disease in pigs occurred in 1930. For the following 60 years, swine influenza strains were almost exclusively H1N1. Then, between 1997 and 2002, new strains of three different subtypes and five different genotypes emerged as causes of influenza among pigs in North America. In 1997-1998, H3N2 strains emerged. These strains, which include genes derived by reassortment from human, swine and avian viruses, have become a major cause of swine influenza in North America. Reassortment between H1N1 and H3N2 produced H1N2. In 1999 in Canada, a strain of H4N6 crossed the species barrier from birds to pigs, but was contained on a single farm.The H1N1 form of swine flu is one of the descendants of the strain that caused the 1918 flu pandemic.As well as persisting in pigs, the descendants of the 1918 virus have also circulated in humans through the 20th century, contributing to the normal seasonal epidemics of influenza.However, direct transmission from pigs to humans is rare, with only 12 cases in the U.S. since 2005.Nevertheless, the retention of influenza strains in pigs after these strains have disappeared from the human population might make pigs a reservoir where influenza viruses could persist, later emerging to reinfect humans once human immunity to these strains has waned.

Swine flu has been reported numerous times as a zoonosis (The simplest definition of a zoonosis is a disease that can be transmitted from other vertebrate animals to humans. A slightly more technical definition is a disease that normally infects other animals, but can also infect humans). in humans, usually with limited distribution, rarely with a widespread distribution. Outbreaks in swine are common and cause significant economic losses in industry, primarily by causing stunting and extended time to market. For example, this disease costs the British meat industry about £65 million every year.

1918 pandemic in humans

The 1918 flu pandemic in humans was associated with H1N1 and influenza appearing in pigs

After 1918 several outbreaks of swine flue in different years occur but the most current is of 2009

2009 outbreak in humans

The 2009 flu outbreak is due to a new strain of subtype H1N1 not previously reported in pigs.In late April, Margaret Chan, the World Health Organization’s director-general, declared a “public health emergency of international concern” under the rules of the WHO’s new International Health Regulations when the first cases of the H1N1 virus were reported in the United States. The outbreak, on May 2, 2009, it was reported in pigs at a farm in Alberta, Canada, with a link to the outbreak in Mexico. The pigs are suspected to have caught this new strain of virus from a farm worker who recently returned from Mexico, then showed symptoms of an influenza-like illness.These are probable cases, pending confirmation by laboratory testing.

The new strain was initially described as apparent reassortment of at least four strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, inluding one strain endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in swine. Subsequent analysis suggested it was a reassortment of just two strains, both found in swine.Although initial reports identified the new strain as swine influenza (ie, a zoonosis originating in swine), its origin is unknown. Several countries took precautionary measures to reduce the chances for a global pandemic of the disease

 

 

HOW IT IS TRANSMITTED:

TRANSMISSION IN HUMAN?

Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always cause human influenza, often only resulting in the production of antibodies in the blood. The meat of the animal poses no risk of transmitting the virus when properly cooked. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of catching swine flu. In the mid-20th century, identification of influenza subtypes became possible, this allows accurate diagnosis of transmission to humans. Since then, fifty confirmed transmissions have been recorded, Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human.

HOW IT IS TRANSMITTED? (CONTINUE)

TRANSMISSION IN PIGS:

Transmission between pigs

Influenza is quite common in pigs, with about half of breeding pigs having been exposed to the virus in the US  Antibodies to the virus are also common in pigs in other countries. The main route of transmission is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals. These close contacts are particularly common during animal transport. Intensive farming may also increase the risk of transmission, as the pigs are raised in very close proximity to each other.The direct transfer of the virus probably occurs either by pigs touching noses, or through dried mucus. Airborne transmission through the aerosols produced by pigs coughing or sneezing are also an important means of infection .The virus usually spreads quickly through a herd, infecting all the pigs within just a few days. Transmission may also occur through wild animals, such as wild boar, which can spread the disease between farms.

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLUE?

SYMPTOMS IN HUMANS:

In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever- Sudden fever above 38 degrees (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), aching joints, nasal congestion, general fatiguesore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort

The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting.[65] The 2009 H1N1 virus is not zoonotic swine flu, as it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, but from person to person.

 

 

SYMPTOMS IN SWINE:

In pigs influenza infection produces fever, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and decreased appetite.In some cases the infection can cause abortion. Although mortality is usually low (around 1-4%),the virus can produce weight loss and poor growth, causing economic loss to farmers. Infected pigs can lose up to 12 pounds of body weight over a 3 to 4 week period

 

IS THERE ANY VACCINES AVALABLE FOR SWINE INFLUENZA????

There are no any vaccine uptil now avalable which contain swine influenza virus causing disease in humans. It is not known too that current seasonal influenza vaccines provide the protection. Influenza viruses change very quikly . It is important to develop vaccine for current circulating virus strain, to provide the people maximum protection.

 

HOW THE SWINE INFLUENZA CAN BE TREATED?

If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Beside antiviral, palliative care, at home or in hospital, focuses on controlling fevers and maintaining fluid balance. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses, however, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs.The virus isolates in the 2009 outbreak have been found resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.

TREATMENT In confirmed cases: Mexican authorities have provided patients with flu drugs Seltamivir or Zanamivir under strict medical supervision, and warn against side effects in misuse.

The Mexican government said that the antiviral drugs would only be administered if infection is confirmed.

 

HOW THE HUMAN CAN BE PREVENTED FROM SWINE INFLUENZA?

Prevention of pig to human transmission

 

 

Swine can be infected by both avian and human influenza strains of influenza, and therefore are hosts where the antigenic shifts can occur that create new influenza strains.

The transmission from swine to human is believed to occur mainly in swine farms where farmers are in close contact with live pigs. Although strains of swine influenza are usually not able to infect humans this may occasionally happen, so farmers and veterinarians are encouraged to use a face mask when dealing with infected animals. The use of vaccines on swine to prevent their infection is a major method of limiting swine to human transmission. Risk factors that may contribute to swine-to-human transmission include smoking and not wearing gloves when working with sick animals.

Prevention of human to human transmission

Influenza spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth. Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food. The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days. Diagnosis can be made by sending a specimen, collected during the first five days for analysis.

Recommendations to prevent spread of the virus among humans include using standard infection control against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public. Chance of transmission is also reduced by disinfecting household surfaces, which can be done effectively with a diluted chlorine bleach solution

 

HOW THE SWINE INFLUENZA BE DIAGNOSED?

 

DIAGNOSIS: Clinical examination of secretions from the nose and mouth in the first 24-72 hours after presenting symptoms, and a study of blood samples to detect existence of influenza virus.

HOW LONG THE INFECTED PERSON BE THE SOURCE OF INFECTION TO OTHERS?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

FIVE TIPS TO KEEP YPURSELF AWAY FROM SWINE INFLUENZA?

1.Stay home if you’re sick.

2.Avoid close contact with people who are sick

3.Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

4.Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing

5.Keep up with health information in your own community

TOPICS COVERED:

1       Definition

2       Synonyms

3       Causative agent

4       History

5       Mode of transmission

6       Sign and symtoms

7       Treatment

8       Vaccines

9       How long the person be source of infection

10 Diagnosis

11 Prevention

12 Health Tips

  “Try to cover every thing in the simple language even the non medical student / person can easily understand”

REFERENCE: FROM INTERNET SITESTop of Form

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Bird flu is creating a wide spread pandemic in the South East Asian countries. More so, the possibility of it being spread to other parts of the world cannot be neglected. The virus responsible for more than hundreds of deaths has been detected as the H5N1 virus, a subtype of Influenza-A virus. This has been the most deadly bird flu virus till date, since the bird flu generally doesn’t attack human beings.

The reports of the symptoms of the avian flu have been submitted to WHO (World Health Organization) and CDC (Center Disease Control). They are similar to SARS but not completely similar. And the interesting fact is that the symptoms sometimes vary from person to person and its totally different in birds. The onset of the virus attack is mostly ignored. So You need to be extra cautious with it. For it never alarms before an outbreak. It’s possible to reach any corner of the world since the migratory birds are main carriers of the pathogen.

Before the virus infests the humans, there is the possibility of it raging the poultry. If you observe any of the following symptoms among the poultry folks, there might be the possibility of the H5N1 virus being in action.

If the attack of the virus is less pathogenic then there will be no visible signs and the attack is not fatal enough. The high pathogenic attack has clear symptoms and is quite destructive:

1. Depression in some of the birds.

2. Cessation in laying eggs.

3. Loss of appetite and nervousness.

4. The combs and wattles turn blue in color due to altercation of blood circulation.

5. Coughing and frequent nasal discharge and diarrhea.

6. Sudden death of a number of them without any signs may also be the symptom of bird flu.

The reports based on the observations of the human beings attacked by bird flu have established that the human symptoms are somewhat similar to normal human flu but the impact is more rigorous. The symptoms of bird flu reported in humans are:

1) Sudden attack of suspicious coughing. Generally, we can trace why we catch a cold and cough when the reasons are like exposure to too much cold or taking lot of ice cream and alike. But, here it won’t have such particular reason.

2) Mild fever prolonging for hours.

3) Having soreness of throat.

4) Gradual shift to pneumonia.

5) Feeling moderate or severe malaise and fatigue.

6) Muscle pain.

7) Sometimes, conjunctivitis may also occur.

Respiratory problems like difficulty in breathing.

9) Very frequent sneezing with lot of mucous coming out.

If you find some of these symptoms in you, don’t waste time and visit a doctor, the sooner you start with the treatment, the faster you relieve! Don’t break down if you have positive results. It’s easy to treat. Thats why, be extra cautious of these symptoms.