Its not only been around the news, its around the globe. Swine flu is a disease of the pulmonary system that has resulted in the mutation of the virus known to cause influenza in pigs. It is a known Type A influenza virus similar to the virus that causes the regular flu in humans. The swine flu virus has mutated, as most flu viruses do, and is able to affect humans now.
Normally, swine flu does not infect humans; however, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred in many countries. The infections occur mostly in persons who have had direct exposure to pigs infected with swine flu. Ready candidates for this are personnel in the pig husbandry and the abattoirs.
The symptoms for swine flu and human flu are very similar. These include: fever, body aches, loss in appetite and coughing and sneezing. Swine flu patients also report suffering from a runny nose, a sore throat and even diarrhoea.
Pork products like bacon,ham, and fresh pork meat are the reasons why pigs are raised. When the outbreak of swine flu hit the news, there was a general concern whether it was still safe to consume pork products. In fact, it is still safe despite the reports of illnesses and deaths around the world. So long as the meat is cooked properly, there is no danger that one can get sick of swine flu by eating properly cooked pork.
The transmission of swine flu is done person-to-person, or from first instance pig-to-person. Humans who had direct exposure to pigs who have swine flu contracted the disease. From the first pig-to-human infection, the disease can continue to spread by human-to-human transmission. The first people suspected to have contracted the disease were people who helped out in pig sties and pigpens, also, people who visit livestock exhibits and trade fairs were also thought to have carried the virus.
Infection can also occur by touching an object or a surface laced with the flu virus. If the same hand that touched any part of the face, it can be enough reason to contract the disease. Just like the regular flu virus of humans, swine flu can also be transmitted by human-to-human. Sneezing and coughing can send the virus airborne and be transmitted to individuals. The first four to five days of getting the virus into the body, the patient can spread the disease in any way possible.
The symptoms of swine flu and human flu are very much alike. When faced with symptoms of flu, only a lab test by getting a respiratory sample, a sputum exam, will determine which virus strain is causing the disease.
Vitamin Supplements and other dietary supplements are a great way to provide a natural immune system boost and aid prevention.
categories: flu,swin flu,flu symptoms,flu advice,prevent flu,flu remedies,flu prevention,illness,disease,viruses,colds,sickness,health,well being
Mail this post
Sat, Oct 17, 2009
Spyware