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Swine flu or swine influenza is a disease common in swine, with normal flu-like symptoms, but caused by any strain of the swine influenza virus (SIV – virus endemic in pigs). Though rare in humans, individuals with greater exposure to swine could contract swine influenza if the swine are carrying the particular rare strain of the SIV that is capable of affecting humans. Even then, it is a rare occurrence for the strain to be able to pass from human to human. This could occur if the SIV is able to mutate into a form that can be easily transmitted among humans.

The swine flu outbreak of 2009 is believed to be caused by such a mutated strain of the SIV. The current outbreak is called swine flu only because one of the surface proteins of the tested virus is similar to the one which infects pigs. It is still unknown if this is currently infecting pigs though it’s clearly spreading among people, leading the World Health Organization to raise the Phase 4 pandemic alert. This new strain responsible for the outbreak has been found to be a re-assortment of strains of the influenza A virus subtype H1N1. These strains are separately endemic in humans and in swine.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) would help in treatment and prevention. Antiviral drugs, if started within two days of the manifestation of symptoms, succeed in reducing the severity of the symptoms, preventing further complications, and hastening cure. The most effective method of prevention is to wash hands frequently with soap or with a foam or alcohol-based gel hand wash that helps wipe away bacteria and viruses. Vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 strain outbreak are in the development stage and are expected to be ready by June 2009.

Swine Flu Symptoms

H1N1 And Your Baby Can Be A Vulnerable Mix That Can Have Deadly Complications

For some people with certain diseases, there is an increased risk for complications or even death if they are infected with the swine flu. If an outbreak of H1N1 occurs and your baby has a lung condition like asthma, your baby may have a higher risk for dangerous complications or even death. Those who suffer from asthma have a much higher probability of developing severe complications than others.

In fact, almost 41 percent of swine flu hospital patients in New York City suffered from asthma. And recently, seven deaths relating to swine flu were reported in New York. Of those seven deaths, 6 of them involved people who had asthma. If you are worried about H1N1 and your baby with asthma, you should speak with your physician and see if he recommends any special precautions regarding the swine flu even if there is no flu in the area where you live.

The H1N1 swine flu is a virus that brings about influenza in humans. The virus has gone through a recent mutation into its present form. Due to this mutation, humans have no immunity to the illness. This is the reason that governments worldwide are worried about the possibility of a pandemic.

Like the seasonal influenza, serious complications and even death has occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus. In the U. S. alone, about 36,000 folks die each year from flu related complications.

If you are worried about H1N1 and your baby, protecting your family, or know someone that has a special risk factor, do some swine flu preparation. Do what is necessary to protect yourself and your family from the swine influenza. Once a pandemic occurs, it may be too late to do anything.

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Swine Flu Symptoms

Swine influenza – Swine influenza or swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by the type A H1N1 swine influenza virus (SIV). Humans in close proximity to swine could contract swine influenza if the swine are carrying the rare strain of the SIV that is capable of affecting humans.

Symptoms – Swine flu symptoms in humans are generally similar to regular flu (influenza) symptoms and include muscle pain, runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, lack of appetite, fever, chills, and general weakness and discomfort. Other reported symptoms are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Transmission – Swine flu spreads from pigs to humans when humans are close to infected pigs. People working in barns or visiting livestock exhibits housing infected pigs are likely to get affected. Transmission from humans to humans can occur when the infected individual coughs or sneezes when others are close by. Putting one’s hands to the nose or mouth after touching anything with the flu viruses on it could also spread the infection. Consuming well-cooked pork and pork products won’t cause infection as cooking to an internal temperature of 160°F kills bacteria and viruses, including the swine flu virus.

Treatment and medication – While swine flu can generally be cured by the four antiviral drugs approved for curing flu in the US, amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir, the recent 2009 swine flu outbreak viruses have been found to be resistant to the first two drugs. Oseltamivir and zanamivir are now recommended for treatment and prevention of swine influenza.

Prevention – Swine flu can be prevented by taking certain precautionary measures, such as washing hands frequently with soap or an alcohol-based hand wash. Staying away from infected individuals is important as their coughing or sneezing could spread the infection. If instances of infection are reported in your locality, stay indoors as far as possible. Swine flue vaccine could be out by June 2009.

Swine Flu Symptoms