Swine Flu - Watch out!!

Seems it getting worse and I was able to extract some of the important points and facts sourced from CNN.com as reference for all. Please take note.

Swine Flu
Swine influenza, or swine flu, is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by a certain strain of type A influenza virus. Outbreaks of swine flu are not common among humans. Most people who get swine flu are infected through contact with pigs. the severity of swine flu in humans can vary from mild to severe.

How it Spreads
Although people typically get swine flu from contact with pigs, there have been cases of person-to-person transmission. Experts think coughing, sneezing and contaminated surfaces can spread the infection among people, but it's unknown how easily that happens. The virus cannot be obtained through eating properly cooked pork or any pork product.

Symptoms
The symptoms are similar to those of the common flu, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigues. Also, like the common flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting have also been reported. Infections from the virus can lead to severe illness, including pneumonia and respiratory failure, and can be fatal.

Treatment
Antiviral drugs, such as as oseltamivir or zanamivir, are recommended for treatment and prevention of swine flu. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that keep flu viruses from reproducing in the body. Antiviral drugs work best if treatment is started within two days of tje onset of symptoms.

Preventions - Protecting yourself from the flu
While there are treatments for swine flu, the best medicine is prevention. Here are a few tips to protect yourself against swine flu, as well as seasonal influenza.

a. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
b. Stay at home when you are sick. You will help prevent others from getting sick.
c. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
d. Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of gems.
e. Avoid touching you eyes, nose or mouth to avoid gems or infection.
f. Practice other good health habits like getting plenty of sleep, being physically actively and eating well.


** Source: CNN, CDC, WHO.