CAT | Swine Flu
What is swine flu?
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Swine flu is a respiratory swine disease caused by virus type A, which represents the cause of the disease in pigs. As a rule this disease does not affect people; however cases of people infection have been known. There also have been known cases when the infection spread from men to men, but in the past such a transmission was restricted just to 3 people.
Have there been any cases of swine flu in the USA?
At the end of March- early April 2009 the first cases of swine flu caused by H1N1 virus type A were detected in southern California, State of Texas. Later other states also reported cases of the infection. The Center for Disease Control and local and state healthcare services started investigation of the situation.
Is swine flu a contagion?
The professionals from the Center of Disease Control assert that flu virus type A (H1N1) is a contagion and is transmitted from men to men.
Swine flu symptoms in people
The symptoms of swine flu in people are very much alike the symptoms of a regular flu and include temperature rise, cough, sore throat, headache and fatigue. Sometimes swine flu may cause diarrhea and vomiting. In the past there have been detected acute disease such as pneumonia and respiratory diseases caused by swine flu and which resulted in lethal outcome. Like seasonal flue, swine flu may cause complications of chronic diseases.
How is swine flu transmitted?
The healthcare professionals assert that the swine flu virus (H1N1) is transmitted in the same way as seasonal flue. The virus is transmitted from man to man during sneezing and coughing of the virus carrier. Sometimes contamination may occur after nasal or mouth contact with a subject which has a virus on its surface.
How does an infected man may transmit a virus?
An infected man may start contaminating other people a day before the symptoms of the virus manifest itself in him. It means that you may start transmitting the disease before you know you are infected.
What measure to take to prevent swine flu?
The most important measure is washing hands. Maintain your health condition. Have enough sleep, exercise, avoid stressful situations, eat healthy and drink a lot of water. Do not touch surfaces which may contain the virus. Avoid close contact with infected people.
Are there medicines effective against swine flu?
Yes, there are. The Disease Control Center recommends to use Tamivir and Zanamavir for treating and prevention of swine flu. These are prescription medications and they work by inhibiting the reproduction of the virus in human body. These medicines also prevent serious complications. The antiviral medications work more effectively if they are started after manifestation of the symptoms of the disease.
How long may an infected person transmit the virus?
The carriers of swine flu may transmit the virus up to the seventh day from the start of the disease. Children may be contagious even longer.
How long can the virus exist outside human body?
The virus may survive up to 2 hours outside human body on such surfaces as tables and door knobs. To decrease the chances of getting the virus it is recommended to wash hands frequently.
What to do if you suspect you got swine flu?
If you live in the region where swine flu cases have been detected, contact your doctor immediately. He will tell you to do tests for identification of the exact diagnose and institute a therapy. Avoid contact with other people while you think you may be a virus carrier.
Is it possible to get swine flu while cooking or eating pork?
Nope. You will not get the virus eating or cooking pork. The pork is safe for your health until you keep to rules of preservation and cooking meat products.
What is treatment for swine flu?
Tamiflu best price.