SWINE FLU

Now a day, we all are afraid of SWINE FLU and BIRD FLU. Not only in India, but also around the world these types of diseases spreading too fast and many people died for these diseases. The main reason of many diseases is that we are not aware of those diseases. So, let us know what is “Swine flu” and how to suspect the symptoms and how to take precaution to protect us primarily.

What is swine flu?
H1N1 (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have reported people sick with this new virus. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

What epidemiological investigations are taking place in response to the recent outbreak?
CDC works very closely with state and local officials in areas where human cases of new H1N1 flu infections have been identified. CDC has deployed staff to several states to assist with the investigation of the impact of the novel H1N1 influenza, including the assessment of the severity of illness, how easily the virus spreads, and the amount of time people may be infectious. In states where EpiAid teams have been deployed, many epidemiological activities are taking place or planned including:

• Active surveillance in the counties where infections in humans have been identified
• Studies of health care workers who were exposed to patients infected with the virus to see if they became infected
• Studies of households and other contacts of people who were confirmed to have been infected to see if they became infected and
• Study to see how long a person with the virus infection sheds the virus.

How serious is H1N1 (swine) flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 (swine) flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Symptoms:
In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

You have to follow the following prevention procedure:

• Cover your cough
• Wash your hands frequently
• If you have a fever, stay home for at least 24 hrs after that fever has ended
• Consult doctors as soon as possible
• Rush to your nearest health care unit or hospital or nursing home if any of the symptoms suspected
• Get a vaccine when it becomes available

So do not get panic. Be safe and let us fight against these diseases.
Wish you all a happy and healthy life.
[source: www.flu.gov, www.ncbi.com, www.google.com]

Contributed by: Pampa