Swine Flu Outbreak-Symptoms,Prevention and Treatment

Swine Flu is or Swine Influenza to be more specific is a type of influenza that is caused by an influenza virus endemic in animals from the swine family-such as pigs. It is uncommon in humans, however, can spread epidemically on rare occasions from the persons infected from pigs carrying the virus, and then to any community. Like other influenza viruses this influenza virus also possesses a quality of mutating and transforming itself to affect humans, which otherwise is prevented by our immune system. On rare occasions, this virus can surpass the immunity and mutate itself in such a way to infect humans on a large scale. Once one person is infected, the mutated strain can affect any other person coming in contact with the infected person. The recent outbreak that we are experiencing is believed to be resulted from such a mutation.

Modes of Transmission of Swine Flu: Transmission usually occurs by handling the infected pigs, and if that infection is able to bypass our body immunity. The other method is human-to-human spread that occurs with close contacts (hand-shaking, sneezing etc) and via fomites (such as clothes, things used by the infected person that might carry the virus particles). It spreads via the same way as other influenza viruses spread.

Symptoms of Swine Flu: Below is an illustrative diagram to show main symptoms of swine flu (they are the same as due to any other influenza virus infection).

Prevention of Spread of Swine Flu: Following methods can be used for swine flu prevention and limit its spread:
1. Using standard methods of disinfection, such as washing hands with soap and water or any disinfectant when you suspect any close contact with an infected person.
2. Infected person should keep his/her mouth covered to avoid spread by sneezing etc.
3. Any household items that are suspected to come in contact with the infected person should be cleaned with an alcohol-based disinfectant to avoid transmission via fomites.
4. Vaccines for prevention and spread of swine flu are being developed and they are expected to be launched until June 2009.

Treatment of swine flu:
CDC recommends treating the swine flu the same way as other influenza virus infections, i.e. with the drugs Oseltamivir, and Zanamivir as soon as infection is suspected. If you suspect you or your child has contracted swine flu, you should immediately contact your local physician to get the treatment as soon as possible.