Swine flu: steps for prevention and detection. Review on Knowing More About Diseases / Illness

As the sustained spread of H1N1 flu, or the Swine flu continues worldwide, there are some simple things that we as individuals can do to prevent contracting this illness.

First, a little bit about Swine flu

Swine flu is an acute respiratory disease of pigs caused by a virus that belongs to the Influenza A virus group. Usually swine flu does not infect people. In the past few human cases that have occurred have been with people who have had direct contact with pigs.

The current swine flu outbreak is different. It has been caused by a new swine flu virus that has spread from person to person, which allows the virus to be transmitted among people who have not had any contact with pigs.

*Who is at risk for the Swine flu?

*Most people who have Swine flu are better in a couple of days. People with good healthy immune systems should be able to fight off the infection. Swine flu may become more of a problem for those who have compromised immune systems, the elderly, children and women who are pregnant.

4 ways to prevent the spread of the Swine flu:

Influenza spreads mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. To prevent its spread follow these simple steps:

1. Wash you hands often with soap water

   
   




2. Avoid close contact with sick people.

   
   

3.Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, and throw the tissue away.

1. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

*What to do when someone gets the flu?

*Symptoms of mild swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza. The symptoms may include:

1. Fever(greater than 100°F or 37.8°C)

   
   




2. Sore throat or cough

   
   




3. Stuffy nose

   
   




4. Chills

   
   




5. Headache and body aches

   
   




6. Possible diarrhea or vomiting

   
   

If a person shows the above, s/he should be provided with symptomatic relief and given plenty of water and food as tolerated.

Symptoms of severe flu are:

1. Fast breathing or trouble breathing

   
   




2. Bluish skin color

   
   

3.Not drinking enough fluids

4.Not waking up or not interacting

5.Sudden dizziness

6.Fever with a rash

7.Severe or persistent vomiting

Anyone showing these symptoms should promptly seek medical attention.

*Don’t Panic

*The level of concern about the Swine flu is 6 based on sustained spread and not severity of the illness. While there is no need to panic, one needs to take extra precautions to maintain hygiene and be vigilant around patients with acute respiratory problems.

*For more information visit:

*1. CDC - Centers for Disease Control andPrevention

1. PandemicFlu.gov

   
   




2. WHO - World Health Organization