Swine Flu, Also Known As H1N1 Is A Strain Of The Influenza Virus, That Usually Infects Pigs

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Written by Dr John Taylor

Friday, 26 June 2009 04:31

by DrJohnTaylor

- Influenza...how is it spread? - What is Swine Flu? - What is Pandemic Influenza? - How to protect yourself and family - Recognizing and measuring Influenza (children and fevers) - Taking a temperature (oral, armpit, ear) - Treating Influenza symptoms (children, adults, and seniors) - Family preparation (education, planning, supplies)

Swine flu, also known as H1N1 is a strain of the influenza virus that usually infects pigs. Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common and eating properly cooked pork poses no risk of infection. When transmitted from the pig to a human, the virus does not always cause influenza, often the only sign of infection is the presence of antibodies in the blood, detectable only by laboratory tests.

Due to a new strain of influenza A, there is 2009 swine flu outbreak in humans. H1N1 A that contained genes most closely related to swine influenza. The origin of this new strain is suspected in Mexico and can be transmitted from human to human. People who have contacted swine flu have experienced normal symptoms of influenza for the most part but should still see a doctor.

The symptoms of swine flu virus are most similar to those of influenza in general. Symptoms include high temperature, coughing, body pain, sore throat, headache, etc.. and laziness. There is showing an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting during the 2009 outbreak

Flu or also called influenza is a common respiratory illness which causes outbreaks every year usually between from May to September in the Southern Hemisphere, and November and March in the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike some illnesses which once you have become ill, you are immune, the Influenza virus changes a little every year, so the protection, or immunity, our bodies have built up against previous viruses is without effect.

It is known that approximately 20 per cent of humans infected will not have any symptoms, with others, symptoms can be mild to severe. Many kinds of colds and other viruses may cause similar symptoms, however the influenza weakens a person more than other viruses. However, if infected, very young children, people with some chronic medical illness and the elderly are more likely than healthy older children or adults to get very sick, and may need to be sent to hospital.

Influenza kills hundreds of thousands of people worldwide every year, and millions have perished in years of a pandemic, with older people being at the greatest risk of dying from the flu.

Information:

To get more information about swine flu and additional life saving information go to this site

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