Per World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, there were 12,270 U.S. deaths confirmed from swine flu through April 2009. WHO declared swine flu as a global pandemic and raised a worldwide alert in June 2009. Worldwide, the U.S. topped the list for having the most swine flu cases. Those affected by swine flu, also known as the H1N1 flu, showed many symptoms which included fever, cough, stuffy nose, fatigue and vomiting.
What is Swine Flu?
Swine flu falls under the category of an influenza disease. It is called "swine flu" because of its origination from swine or pigs. The virus H1N1, which causes swine flu, possesses a mixture of unusual gene segments. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus exhibits characteristics of four different viruses that do not infect humans generally. With direct exposure to pigs, however, it is possible that the virus may have mutated. The virus transmits itself from person to person through activities such as sneezing, coughing and direct contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus.
Symptoms
Patients affected by the swine flu show various symptoms that assist with diagnosis. A body temperature of that is higher than 100.4 Fahrenheit is often present. Other symptoms can include a headache, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
Risks and Complications
Swine flu can severely affect people with prior medical conditions. These include chronic problems related to the lung, heart, kidney or liver. Also, elderly people and children who are younger than age 5 are at greater risk, as are diabetics and pregnant women. In these cases, swine flu can lead to other complications such as chest infection, septic shock, meningitis and tonsillitis.
Treatment
Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza are used to treat swine flu. These drugs fall under two categories: adamantanes and neuraminidase inhibitors. Both can treat or inhibit influenza. These drugs need to be taken under medical supervision, however, as they carry a risk of side effects including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and headache among others. According to WHO, these drugs are showing resistance to some strains of influenza.
Prevention
Currently, no vaccines are available for protection against swine flu. You need to adhere to a strong personal hygiene practices and take several actions to prevent the spread of this disease. Things like covering your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing, thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water particularly after sneezing or coughing is recommended. Avoid contact with sick people. Also, having limited contact with others in order to keep them free from any infection you are carrying is mindful and the advice put out.
