What is Swine Flu?
'Swine flu' as it is called has got its name out of its similarity to influenza viruses that infect pigs. There are various types of swine flu but the one presently causing concern is a mutated form called Influenzavirus A (H1N1) or human swine influenza. It is one of a number of viruses that cause illness among people and animals, causing respiratory problems, fever and fatigue.

How does it spread? 
The ones with a weak immune are the first culprits. There are ways by which Spread of H1N1 (swine) flu can occur, they are:

Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses.

Through contact with a person with H1N1 (swine) flu.

Swine Flu can be spread from pig to human and human to human. It can also be passed on by people who are carrying the virus but show no outward signs of illness Human-to-human spread of H1N1 (swine) flu has been well documented. All from the symptoms to spread goes the same way as for a seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
Potentially major problems can arise when human and animal flu viruses’ mix and lead to the development of new viruses which are resistant to immunity and can spread through the population, creating a pandemic.

What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are almost common for swine flu, regular seasonal flu and other upper respiratory tract infections. The symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting as well. All the affected experiencing severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, should seek health care and treatment. Otherwise, the Health Department recommends at-home care. If symptoms are mild it is extremely unlikely that any connection to swine influenza is found - even if it is there.

What Research is on?
The Health Department will continue to work with medical providers to test flu patients who develop severe illness or are associated with clusters, but does not currently recommend testing for all flu patients. Antiviral medications are believed to be effective if patients begin treatment within 48 hours of becoming ill. Treatment is particularly important for people with severe illness and those at risk of complications from flu, such as young children, the elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions. Health Protection Agency, which monitors infectious diseases, had fully mapped the genetic code of the virus. The vaccine industry will not look forward to produce the required quantities of vaccine as quickly as possible.

What are the Precautions?
There are some things to keep in mind:-

Eating well cooked pork or pork products cannot spread swine flu

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

The most effective way to lower the risk is for people with fever and either cough or sore throat to stay home

Should cover your mouths when you cough.

Increase intake to plenty of liquids.

Experts agree that Influenza can spread in coughs or sneezes, but an increasing body of evidence shows small droplets containing the virus can linger on tabletops, telephones and other surfaces and be transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes. Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers work well to destroy viruses and bacteria. Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation and should contact a doctor for advice.

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