With the latest scare of a swine flu pandemic, lots of attention around the world has been focused on how to avert and otherwise avoid the swine flu. Most of the information is common sense and follows along the lines of prevention and treatment of the ordinary flu.
So how did swine flu start?
The transmission and start of swine flu use to be transmitted from pig to pig and only in rare cases transmit to humans. The origins of swine flu might have been that humans first passed the influenza bug to pigs before they developed their own form. The influenza season brings a assortment of influenza viruses resulting in the increased risk of spread and infection from pigs to humans, causing cross-species spread. Recognized swine flu viruses are of the H1N1 subtype as well as less popular subtypes like H1N2, H3N1 or H3N2.Therefore, a pig might be infected by more than one type of virus.
Infection Threat
Human to human infection was once limited to a close group of inhabitants, before the Mexico incidents on April 2009. Prior to that swine influenza was passed from contaminated pigs that had direct contact to human, mostly their owners.
Safety - Ingestion of Pork?
It is still safe eating pork. So far, no documentation is available indicating a link between safely prepared pork and human swine flu infection. The swine flu virus is destroyed by cooking temperatures of in the order of 160 Degrees Fahrenheit.
Vaccine Protection Against The Swine Flu Virus?
Up to now (End of April 2009) there are no vaccines known immunizing persons from this influenza virus disease. Each year there is usually an influenza vaccine being released, however it is ambiguous if this influenza protection works on the swine flu virus. Please, do not take chances and make an appointment with your health care professional at any signs of influenza infection.
effectively] been cured without any additional [treatment
The influenza virus is widespread and follows a pattern of seasonal occurrence. In some cases it has developed resistance towards antiviral drugs and therefore reducing the effectiveness of treatment.
So far in Mexico or the United States, health officials have recommended the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for care. Make an informed choice by visiting your local health centre or doctor in case of observed symptoms of the virus.
What Are Typical Symptoms of Swine Flu Virus?
Serious respiratory tract infections of any sort throughout the influenza season could be an indication for swine flu infection. Even mild symptoms should be taken seriously, especially by kids, elderly people, pregnant or any physically compromised persons like patients or people on some sort of drug program. Please seek out your next nearest health information, be it from your doctor or any qualified health practitioner.
How To Decrease The Threat Of Infection?
Avoid people who seem to have the flu, especially those with symptoms of fever or coughing.
Eat healthy foods and drink 100 % fruit liquids or filtered water. Avoid raw meat, especially pig, cooked as stated above should be acceptable. Practice recommended health habits such as physical fitness as much as possible.
Should someone in your household be infected make sure you take that person to the hospital or doctor for advice and treatment. If it’s not possible keep that person at least 1 meter away from others.
Improve the circulation of air in the room where the sick person is staying. Use doors and windows, if possible, for the ventilation.
Keep the area clean from dust or any open cans, dustbins etc. Do not forget to cleanse your hands appropriately each time after contact with the infected person. COVER MOUTH AND NOSE with masks from your local authority or drugstore. They must be clean and unused.
Prevention of swine flu is easier than you think. First and foremost, do not live in fear. This alone will undermine your immune system. Living a healthy daily life is the best preventitive measure. The stronger your immune system, the less likely you will catch the flu.
Good luck and good health!