Swine Flu - No Need To Panic, You Can Build Immunity Against It

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza
viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but
human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person to person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is
spreading from human to human.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What should parents of young children do?
* If your child has fever, throat infection, body ache, consult doctor.
* Must go to a doctor at any government facility meant for swine flu
* Swine flu testing is done only at government hospitals.
* Nose and throat swabs will be taken and tested.
* Child will not be quarantined if there are no symptoms.
* If clinical symptoms exist, child will be hospitalised, and tamiflu will be given only if
the tests are positive.
* Act early to ensure quick recovery.
* Rapid screening advised by private hospitals not legal.
* Do not go for rapid screening as it's not 100 per cent accurate.

In times of crisis the worst thing is to panic so if you or your family member is having flu-like symptoms without wasting time go to the nearest designated hospital or doctor and get tested if he advises.