Swine Flu News

The Swine Flu is a type of influenza virus previously only associated with pigs. Like people, pigs can get "the flu", but Swine Flu is different than human influenza. Swine Flu viruses don't normally infect humans, other than rare cases that have occurred among people who had direct contact with infected pigs. However, the recent Swine Flu outbreak is different, in that it has mutated, or changed, in such a way as to allow it to spread from person to person - even people who have not been in direct contact with pigs.

Symptoms of Swine Flu are very similar to those of regular flu, as well as many other conditions for that matter. This means that there is no way you or your doctor can know for sure whether you've got Swine Flu or some other condition without a lab test to verify it. So if you have reason to believe you are especially at risk, you should consult with a health care professional.

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Courtesy of CBS News, 9/15/09...

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Swine Flu Symptoms, Prevention Measures To Take

Swine flu symptoms appear similar to regular human flu symptoms including cough, fever, body ache, fatigue, sore throat, chills and headache. Antiviral medicines are available to prevent and treat swine flu and its symptoms, and recently appropriate vaccines are available to protect from swine flu. Spreading of these germs can be prevented from causing respiratory illnesses such as influenza by:

* Avoiding contact with sick patients, avoiding touching your mouth, eyes or nose as the germs spread faster in this way.

* Covering mouth and nose using a tissue while coughing or sneezing and immediately throwing the tissue in the trash after one use.

* Washing hands using soap and water, particularly after sneezing or coughing is essential and also using anti-bacterial hand cleaners that are alcohol-based is preferred.

* Staying at home when you are sick without attending school or your work place is suggested to prevent spreading of this swine flu infection.

Immediate care is recommended on the initial symptoms of swine flu. Swine flu symptoms vary from person to person as there are patients having high fever, body ache and sore throat, while some complain about running nose, vomiting and diarrhea. However, these symptoms alone do not declare a person being infected by swine flu. It is confirmed after the respiratory specimen lab test.

Precautions taken can help in minimizing the risk, and the simplest way is covering the nose and mouth by wearing a mask. Mask covering assists in avoiding spreading the swine flu infection, especially when an infected person comes in contact. Precautions also include maintenance of high levels of hygiene, by washing hands frequently using soap and water. Subsequently, as influenza spreads through contact and air, surface sanitizing is also one of the best ways to prevent infections. Effective sanitizer is alcohol and even bleach can be employed to sanitize rooms and equipment used by patients having influenza symptoms.

Prevention of swine flu is considered in the aim of limiting the risks and this can be done by:

* Building and balancing the immune system, as it is believed that this infection affects people having compromised immune systems easily. Hence, balancing and improving the overall immune system is the best solution to beat swine flu.

* Improving overall health is highlighted as mostly people having underlying medical conditions are easily prone to this risk. Getting into better shape is essential so that your body can become a warrior to attack the swine flu and its symptoms. This can be achieved by adhering to a physical fitness program.

* Washing hands before and after meals is mandatory, and also wash after shaking hands with outsiders. This is simple but very protective to keep you at a safe distance from getting infected.

* Avoiding crowded areas is advised where there are more chances of acquiring this virus, mainly because it is difficult to identify swine flu inflected people, even if they stand right next to you.

* Avoid visiting patients infected with swine flu is highly recommended as this enhances all the chances of spreading swine flu.

* Checking your body temperature regularly is advised, as fever is one of the main swine flu symptoms.

Swine Flu Treatment

Treatment plays a significant role in preventing spreading of this deadly infection and also in curing the ailment. People with swine flu are suggested to get plenty of rest, avoid using tobacco and alcohol and to drink plenty of liquids such as diluted fresh fruit juices and water. Taking medications to get relief from high fever and muscle aches is recommended, but definitely relying on self-medication is not advisable, and hence getting in touch with the doctor will ensure the right treatment. Panicking on observing the symptoms will lead to seriousness, while maintaining coolness and getting tested will ascertain the proper treatments.