Swine Flu Outbreak: What you need to know?

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Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs, hence the name swine flu. It is caused by type A influenza virus which was first isolated from a pig in 1930. This virus causes high level of illness and low level of mortality in pigs. Over the years different varieties of these influenza virus have emerged and the most recent type is the H1N1 virus. From December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported to CDC.
Just recently (April 2009) cases of human illness caused by H1N1 virus have been reported in Mexico and Canada. The virus is spreading from person-to-person. Scientist refer to this virus as quadruple reassortant because it has two genes from influenza viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and from avian genes and human genes, which makes it different from the common flu virus that normally circulates in North America pigs.

WARNING: The new H1N1 virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people. It’s not known at this time how severe this virus will be in the general population.

Beware of the symptoms!
A person infected with the new H1N1 virus manifests symptoms similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu, i.e. fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headeache, chills , and fatigue. Many of the peope infected also experienced vomitting and diarrhea. Death have been reported as a result of illness associated with H1N1.

Fallacy:One gets infected with this new H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork.

Fact: H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. Properly handled and cooked pork products are safe to eat.

Fallacy: One gets infected with the novel H1N1 virus from drinking water.

Fact: To date, there have been no documented human cases of influenza caused by exposure to influenza-contaminated drinking water.Tap water that has been chlorinated or treated by any conventional disinfection processes does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses.

Fallacy: H1N1 virus can be spread through water in swimming pools, spas, water parks, interactive fountains, and other treated recreational water venues.

Fact: Recreational water that has been treated at recommended disinfectant levels (1–3 ppm Chlorine)does not likely pose a risk for transmission of influenza viruses. There has never been a documented case of influenza virus infection associated with water exposure.[ad]

2 Responses to “Swine Flu Outbreak: What you need to know?”

KattyBlackyard on June 15th, 2009 at 11:27 am

I really like your post. Does it copyright protected?
Detox Diet Recipes on July 10th, 2009 at 11:44 pm

the spread of AH1N1 or Swine Flu is really scary. It is a good thing that this virus is not very deadly. We are advised to take Vitamin-C and to wear face masks.

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