What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease found in pigs. It is caused by one of the swine influenza A viruses. Swine flu results in high morbidity and low mortality of about 1-4%. Amongst the pigs themselves, the virus spreads through aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and through asymptomatic carrier pigs. Although the pigs are prone to regular infections, incidences increase in the fall and winter months in the temperate zones. Therefore, pigs are routinely vaccinated against swine influenza in many countries.

Swine influenza viruses though commonly belong to the H1N1 subtype, other subtypes like H1N2, H3N1, H3N2 are also known to be circulating in pigs. Pigs, on the other hand, are more susceptible to being infected with avian influenza viruses, human seasonal influenza viruses and swine influenza viruses, allowing the genes from the viruses to mix and result in an influenza virus containing genes from a number of sources; this is called a “reassortant” virus. Although swine influenza viruses are species specific, they can in extreme conditions make a crossover to cause disease in humans.

How is swine flu diagnosed?

When a person is under the weather, many symptoms may be present. However, symptoms of swine flu are very similar to normal cold and flu symptoms, and may include:

Headache Fever Cough Appetite loss Fatigue Sore throat Runny nose Chills Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea

Fatigue, appetite loss and diarrhea can be dangerous. If the symptoms are persistent, it becomes imperative that you see a doctor. In order to diagnose your illness, the doctor may order:

Chest x-rays Respiratory specimen Blood work

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen must be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of the onset of the illness as this is the time when the infected person is most likely to be shedding virus; however, children especially, may be shedding the virus for 7 days or longer. In order to identify the swine influenza A virus, the specimen must be sent to the CDC for laboratory testing. Only RT-PCR or viral culture has the potential to confirm infection with swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus. The test performance of rapid antigen tests and immunofluorescence tests for detection of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus is unknown. Persons who are suspected of having swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus and who test positive for the same using one of these tests should then have confirmatory RT-PCR or viral culture testing to confirm the presence of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus. A negative rapid antigen or immunofluorescence test cannot be used to rule out swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. The results of this test from nasopharyngeal or nasal swab, along with other information, will in all probability help your doctor take better care of you. Knowing the test results will help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

The Swine Influenza Test Kit is a sensitive test to detect the swine flu virus; however, the FDA has not cleared or approved this test. But it has been agreed by the FDA has agreed that this test can be used under an Emergency Use Authorization.

How is swine flu different from bird flu?

The swine flu and the bird flu viruses do not have a twin-like similarity but are however quite similar. The virus that causes bird flu in humans first mutated from a virus that birds had so that it could then be passed on to humans; once established, it now passes from human to human contact. Same is the case with swine flu. It started among pigs as a virus but then soon mutated to spread to humans. Viruses have the ability to replicate rapidly; these viruses are able to mutate very quickly thereby creating new strains that then move on to multiply in other areas and susceptible hosts. Avian flu so far has found it difficult to infect humans unless they were exposed to birds intensely. This is because the virus has not mutated in a way that makes it transmissible by one human to another. However, the swine flu virus has genetic origins from both pigs and birds. The biggest difference here is that the swine flu virus has mutated to an extent where it can readily be transmitted on human to human contact.

What drugs are available to treat swine flu and bird flu?

Antiviral treatment is normally the first line of treatment for the confirmed, probable or suspected cases of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, prioritizing treatment of hospitalized patients and patients with high risk for complications. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with actively works against influenza viruses, including the swine influenza virus. Antiviral drugs are generally used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses. These medications are prescribed by a health care professional.

As of today, four influenza antiviral drugs are approved for use in the United States. They are:

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Zanamivir (Relenza) Amantadine Rimantadine (Flumadine)

Laboratory testing conducted on the swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses so far has indicated that the viruses are susceptible (sensitive) to oseltamivir and zanamivir. Antiviral drugs can make the illness milder as well prevent serious influenza complications. However, these antiviral drugs work best when they are started within two days of the onset of the illness. Antiviral drugs can also be used as a preventive measure to protect a person who has been or may be near a person with swine flu. Antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective in preventing the flu.

Antiviral doses recommended for treatment of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in adults or children 1 year of age or older are the same as those recommended for seasonal influenza. Oseltamivir use in children less than 1 year of age was recently approved by the U.S. FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

Moreover, there are vaccines available that can be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza from spreading. Nonetheless, there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu yet. It is believed that the seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.

http://www.google.com

Swine flu does not occur due to eating pork. But, certainly the flu is highly contagious and is spreading throughout the globe. It is believed that swine flu is different from other types of influenza and was not exposed to humans earlier. Because of this there is no drug that can prevent causing H1N1. This is the main reason why elderly people, young children and people who suffer compromised immune systems are advised to be very careful so that they can avert from getting the flu, as the transmission of this disease is from human to human.

Swine flu was renamed as H1N1 to avoid having any direct connection to pigs, however it is identical to some flu and is proving sometimes to be fatal. The outbreak is serious and might become a global concern as many people do not have full immunity to this influenza.

Swine flu virus gets easily spread by touching contaminated surfaces, coughing or sneezing. This can result in fever, headache, cough, sore throat, sneeze, joint or muscle pains. It is strictly suggested that people experiencing any such symptoms should immediately consult their doctors. The symptoms are identical to the standard flu bugs. Swine flu affected people experience initially high fever and extreme fatigue in association with muscle aches. People also at times experience diarrhea and vomiting. Seeking medical attention is a must so that the treatment towards recovery may take place.

Swine flu is recognized after sending the swab sample of nose and throat for testing. It represents a respiratory ailment caused by influenza A. At present time, there is no availability of vaccine, but doctors have confidence on the anti-viral drugs Relenza and Tamiflu to be considered an appropriate treatment. Mostly, people get over swine flu in a few days and those who have suffered this virus will certainly have immunity even in the future to this particular strain. Tamiflu is a popular drug prescribed and helps in preventing and treating influenza type A.

Tamiflu cannot be taken directly without a doctor prescription. Conversely, people suffering with swine flu have to initially go to a doctor and undergo the lab tests. Only with the approval of a doctor and valid prescription, people can buy Tamiflu from licensed drugstores. This medicine can also be purchased over the internet conveniently. The recommendation of the doctor is best followed as the doses for treating and preventing flu varies. Generally, adults are advised to take one capsule two times a day for five days as treatment. On the other hand, the same medicine Tamiflu is taken one capsule everyday for a period of ten days as preventive measure.

Tamiflu is a drug that may cause side effects to patients suffering with swine flu. The side effects caused are vomiting, rash, nausea, lack of sleep and abdominal pain. The patients are advised to take this medication with food so that the intensity of causing side effects is lower. However, besides taking anti-viral medication, it is best to avoid contacts and to use mask. The wise measure is to maintain good personal hygiene as it protects from spreading harmful germs. Also avoiding touching nose, eyes and mouth prevents the risk of spreading germs.

http://www.google.com

Swine flu also known as pig flu or Type A influenza is caused by a mutated form of virus H1N1. There is no vaccine for this disease and till a vaccine is discovered all dependency is on anti viral drugs.

It has been noted virus does not respond to older anti viral drugs and quickly turns resistant to newer ones. Doctors’ advice that patients should not be administered anti viral drugs for mild symptoms of the flu for fear that the virus may develop resistance to the drugs in the event of an actual swine flu infection. On the other hand, there is a strong view that the anti viral drug must be administered within 48 hours of the infection for it to have any effect on the disease.  Unfortunately, it is impossible to identify the onset of the disease, for up to four days from the date of incubation of the virus.

Currently the drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir seem to have some effect on the virus.  Oseltamivir, sold under the brand name Tamiflu and Zanmivir sold as Relenza act on the “N” or neuraminidase part of the H1N1 virus, inhibiting the virus from proliferating. It should be administered to patients who have been confirmed to be suffering from swine flu.

These drugs can reduce the symptoms of the disease, shorten the duration of suffering and reduce the risk of complications in patients who have been administered the drug beyond 48 hours and have been hospitalized.  The medication regimen however, will have to be limited to ten days.  The patients may experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat and cough.

Doctors recommend that high risk patients who have been in close contact with a person confirmed to be suffering from swine flu, should be treated immediately for swine flu. High risk patients are those who have cancer, HIV/AIDS and serious heart disease. Health care workers who have handled patients with swine flu should also be categorized as first responders and should be treated for the condition. Persons traveling to Mexico and parts of the world affected by swine flu should also be treated as first responders and treated accordingly.

The world stock of Tamiflu and Relenza is currently sufficient to meet the demand from countries affected by the disease. However, the sufficiency to meet world demand will depend on how fast the disease spreads across the continents and the number of persons who will be affected by the disease.

http://www.google.com

It is important that as swine flu spreads, you are alert to the symptoms of the disease so you can recognise it in yourself and others early.

Please read this page and consider your symptoms carefully before using the National Pandemic Flu Service mentioned below.

So far, the vast majority of swine flu cases have been mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. Only in a small number of cases have people had more serious symptoms.

If you or a member of your family has any of the following symptoms and a temperature of 38°C and above or feels hot, you may have swine flu.

The typical symptoms are:

sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or above), and sudden cough.

Other symptoms may include:

headache, tiredness, chills, aching muscles, limb or joint pain, diarrhoea or stomach upset, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and loss of appetite. Checking symptoms

It is worth making sure you have a working thermometer at home

If you are still concerned you may have swine flu:

Stay at home and check your symptoms using the National Pandemic Flu Service. Call your GP directly if:

- you have a serious underlying illness,

- you are pregnant,

- you have a sick child under one year of

age,

- your condition suddenly gets much

worse, or

- your condition is still getting worse

after seven days (five for a child).

Note: the National Pandemic Flu Service is a new online service that will assess your symptoms and, if required, provide an authorisation number that can be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point. For those who do not have internet access, the same service can be accessed by telephone on:

Telephone: 0800 1 513 100 Minicom: 0800 1 513 200

For more information on the National Pandemic Flu Service go to Flu Service – Q&A.

High-risk groups

For the vast majority of people, swine flu is a mild illness. Some people find that they get better by staying in bed, drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter flu medication.

However, some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu, and will need to start taking antiviral medication as soon as they are confirmed with the illness.

Scientists are still learning more about the risk profile of the virus, but it is already known that the following people are particularly susceptible:

people with:

- chronic lung disease,

- chronic heart disease,

- chronic kidney disease,

- chronic liver disease,

- chronic neurological disease

(neurological disorders include motor

neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and

Parkinson’s disease),

- immunosuppression (whether caused

by disease or treatment) and

- diabetes mellitus, patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years, pregnant women, people aged 65 years and older, and young children under five years old.

It is vital that people in these higher-risk groups who catch swine flu get antivirals and start taking them as soon as possible.

Chat at Lesas lucky chat page about swine flu or simply visit the all new games and casinos or book a place at the poker rooms. Lesasluckylotto has its own shop with womens clothing. There is something for evryone. Thinking of giving UP SMOKING THE VISIT http:// lesasluckylotto.synthasite.com

http://www.google.com

With the alarming number of people being infected by the recent global outbreak of Swine Flu virus, local health officials and ordinary citizens alike are taking precautionary measures to prevent further spread of the virus. But what is Swine Flu and how does it spread? Can it be prevented?

Influenza or Flu is a virus that infects people as well as animals like birds, cows, and pigs. Porcine Influenza or Swine Flu is a form of virus that affects pigs. There are many types of flu and some types have evolved the ability to exchange genes with different varieties. The kind of flu that originated in Mexico is a genetic combination of viruses present in birds, and pigs, and humans. It has been labeled Swine Flu because the make-up of the virus is largely similar to the type that affects pigs, while it can affect humans it has been rare until recently.

Swine Flu per-se does not tend to affect humans, unless they have an intense and prolonged exposure to affected swine and that swine carries a strain of Flu that can affect humans. Historically affected people have been incapable of passing Swine Flu to other humans. Also there is no reported link to eating pork as a spreading factor of the virus. For these reasons the recent Swine Flu outbreak is believed to be the result of a virus that has undergone mutation.

The symptoms of Swine Flu

It can take one to four days for a healthy person to feel the symptoms of Swine Flu, from the time of infection. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US, the symptoms of Swine Flu in humans are similar to that of other influenza and influenza-like illnesses. They tend to include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, head aches, chills, and fatigue. The recent Swine Flu outbreak reporting also highlights an increased number of sufferers experiencing diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration and resulting in further strains on the body to repair itself.

Prevention is better than Cure

Vaccination in the past has had positive results dealing with some strains of the influenza virus, and scientists expect to deliver a response to the latest outbreak in early May. Apparently only a couple of months are needed before shots and oral meds will be available for testing.

While there is no cure for Mexican Swine Flu, medical practitioners are recommending the use of Antiviral drugs like Oseltamivir and Zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention from infection by Swine Flu viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines in pill and tablet form, liquid solutions, or inhalers which fight flu by preventing the virus from reproducing on your body.

Tamiflu is a great example of Oseltamivir. It’s a specialist medication created for treating influenza in its most virulent forms. The active ingredient in Tamiflu is presently the best-known defense against a flu virus attack. The flu virus replicates and spreads in the human body through a protein called Neuraminidase and Oseltamivir blocks the action of this protein. This is why Tamiflu is an extremely effective medicine for influenza.

So, if you are in an area affected by Swine Flu, or you are planning to protect yourself and your loved ones against it, consider why you might buy Tamiflu.