Current Issue Swine Flu
Swine flu (swine influenza) is a disease of pigs. It is a highly contagious
Respiratory disease caused by one of much Influenza viruses. Approximately 1%
To 4% of pigs that get swine flu die from it. In many parts of the world pigs are vaccinated against swine flu. Most commonly, swine flu is of the H1N1 influenza subtype. However, they can sometimes come from the other types, such as H1N2, H3N1, and H3N2. Although swine influenza tends to just infect pigs, they can, and sometimes do, jump the species barrier and infect humans. The current outbreak of swine flu that has infected humans is of the H1N1 type - this type is not as dangerous as some others.
The H3N2 influenza virus subtype, a virulent one, is thought to have come from pigs - it went on to infect humans.
What is the risk for human health?
Outbreaks of human infection from a virus which came from pigs (swine influenza)
Do happen and are sometimes reported. Symptoms will generally be similar to
Seasonal human influenzas - this can range from mild or no symptoms at all, to
Severe and possibly fatal pneumonia
As swine flu symptoms are similar to typical human seasonal flu symptoms, and
Other upper respiratory tract infections, detection of swine flu in humans often
Does not happen, and when it does it is usually purely by chance through
Seasonal influenza surveillance if symptoms are mild it is extremely unlikely
That any connection to swine influenza is found - even if it is there in other
Words, unless the doctors and experts are specifically looking for swine flu, it
Is rarely detected Because of this, we really do not know what the true human
Infection rate is.
In March/April 2009 human cases of influenza a swine fever (H1N1) were first
Reported in California and Texas later other states also reported cases. A
Significant number of human cases during the same period has also been reported
In Mexico - starting just in Mexico City, but now throughout various parts of
The country more cases are being reported in Canada, Europe, and New Zealand -
Mainly from people who have been in Mexico.
How does a human catch swine influenza?
From contact with infected pigs (most common way)
From contact with infected humans (much less common way)
In cases when humans have infected other humans close contact was necessary with
The infected person and they nearly always occurred in closed groups of people.
Can I eat pork meat and pork products? If the pork meat and pork food products have been handled properly transmission
Of swine influenza to humans is not possible. Cooking pork meats to a
Temperature of 70C (160F) kills the virus. So the answer is YES, pork meat and
Pork food products are safe to eat.
Is there a pandemic risk?
People who are not in close contact with pigs generally have no immunity to the swine
Influenza viruses - they are less likely to be able to prevent a virus
Infection If the virus infects enough people in a given area, the risk of an Influenza pandemic is significantly greater. Experts say it is very hard to Predict what impact a flu
infection?
We really don't know. Influenza viruses are adapting and changing all the time.
If a vaccine was made, it would have to be specifically for a current strain
That is circulating for it to be effective. The WHO says it needs access to as
Many viruses as possible so that it can isolate the most appropriate candidate vaccine.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine influenza in humans?
They are similar to those of regular flu, and include:
Body aches, Chills Cough, Sore throat ,Vomiting (less common)
Diarrhea (less common), Headache &Temperature (fever), Tiredness (fatigue)
What medications are there?
There are some drugs around that can effectively treat wine flu infection in Humans
- And many types of flu infections in humans. There are two main types:
Adamantine (amantadine and remantadine) inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase (oseltamivir and zanamivir)
What can I do to protect myself?
Wash your hands regularly with soap, Get plenty of sleep, Do plenty of exercise,Try to manage your stress, Drink plenty of liquids & eat a well balanced diet ,Refrain from touching surfaces which may have the virus, do not get close to people Who is sick, Stay away from crowded areas if there is a swine flu outbreak in your area?
Put your used tissues in a waste basket
Wash your hands and face regularly
Keep all surfaces you have touched clean
Follow your doctor's instructions.
SOURSE: WHO
June1 2009
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Distribution
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Pandemic (world wide),74 countries.
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Number of infected individuals
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27,737 including 140 deaths
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In Africa
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3 cases in Egypt S/Africa, and last week in Ethiopia
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