Swine Flu Facts

Here are the Latest Facts About Swine Flu

LATEST:   - These are the most up to date Swine Flu Facts 

The 2009 outbreak of swine flu is classed as an epidemic of a brand new Infuenza AH1N1 strain of flu virus It was identified in April of 2009 I and is currently being classed as a Phase 5 outbreak, This is officially only one level below a pandemic.

We are not sure of the exact origin of the outbreak but it was first detected when Mexican officials and US departments suspected that there may be a link between an outbreak of late-season cases of flu in Mexico and cases of influenza in Texas and California. Within just a few days hundreds more suspected cases were reported throughout Mexico. There were also more cases appearing in the U.S. and many other countries.

By 30th April 2009, world governments were starting to take emergency measures to slow the possibility of a possible pandemic.The World Health Organisation (WHO), in conjunction with Centers For Disease Control And Prevention(CDC) in the U.S., were showing serious concern over the flu outbreak, concerned that it might become a worldwide flu pandemic 

Many scientists however were reaching agreement that the so called "epidemic" which until May 6 has had fewer than 31 deaths confirmed worldwide, was so really "extremely mild" . They Felt that it could be far less fatal than previous pandemics.

The most common human H1N1 influenza virus hits millions of people worldwide every year, of these about 3 million are sever cases and these result in between 250,000 and 500,000 deaths." annually. Most in people over 65. The H1N1 virus was found in pigs in Canada also but the virus is killed by normal cooking. So you can safely eat well cooked pork products

The first case of swine flu was diagnosed in California and not Mexico as first reported but the Mexico discovery was not far behind it.

For the scientists among you below is a picture of how the Swine Flu DNA is basically made up

The first swine flu death occurred April 13, when a woman from Oaxaca who was also diabetic died following respiratory complications after catching swine flu.

There is NO vaccine for swine flu although there are antiviral treatments such as Tamiflu and Relenza

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to normal influenza,coughing,fever,runny nose and sore throat,headache and muscle soreness. However in some patients the thing which made it different from normal flu was that they also suffered sickness and diarrhea.  About 40% of known sufferers have shown these symptoms. the incubation period of swine flu ( that is the time between infection and showing symptoms ) is between 2 and 7 days.

The best methods of prevention are as follows. frequently wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol based product, especially after you have been out in public areas.  Try not to touch you nose mouth or eyes as these are the primary areas where the disease can enter the body. When you cough, cough into a tissue, bin the tissue and immediately wash your hands. Swine flu cannot be transmitted by eating properly-cooked pork products. There does not appear to be a great risk at present from airborne transmission and in general face masks are not required. However, many authorities are recommending health care workers working in the vicinity of swine flu patients to use respirators.

The picture on the left by the way is what the virus looks like under a microscope

Finally the question people are asking is can the virus be contained. The World Health organisation say that they believe that it cannot.  On 28th April Dr Keiji Fukoda said that it is too late for containment and is not feasible. They should now be said be concentrating on mitigating the effect of the swine flu pandemic. he said closing borders is not helpful as the virus has already spread but said that people should cancel all unnecessary trips to Mexico or other badly affected areas. Many countries are now screening inbound passengers also.  It is suggested that if infected with swine influenza, you should stay at home, avoid public meeting places and seek medical advice. Anti flu medications such as Tamiflu or Relenza may be suggested by you doctor. To put your mind at rest. In the event of you catching swine flu,there is only a small chance that serious or fatal complications will occur. Do everything in your power to prevent others catching it from you. Likewise try to avoid the possibility of catching the virus by taking sensible precautions as already discussed.

These are the latest swine flu facts

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