SWINE FLU
Now, the whole world is fearing due to the “Swine Flu”. This flu is spread over in USA, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Israel, and many other countries. Many people are dead due to this dangerous flu. Many suspected cases are reported from many countries. Generally “Swine flu “is a relevant disease of pigs caused by Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. Generally, SIV is not transmitted from pigs to human and there is no possibility to spread from properly-cooked pork. Swine flu viruses may change, so that they are easily transmissible among humans. The symptoms of swine flu are chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.
2009 SWINE FLUE OUTBREAK
The 2009 swine flu outbreak is the spread of a new strain of H1N1 influenza virus. The origin of this new virus was unknown. First, it was discovered in two cases in Southern California in late March and hundreds more suspected cases were in Mexico and also more cases were discovered in the U.S. and several other countries. Due to this many countries took precautionary measures to reduce the chances for a global pandemic of the disease. In April 28, the new strain was confirmed to have spread to Spain, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Israel, and the virus was suspected in many other nations. The new strain was identified as a combination of several different strains of Influenza virus A, subtype H1N1, including separate strains of this subtype circulating in humans and in pigs. The strain transmits between humans and The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) feared that the new strain has the potential to become an influenza pandemic. Now this new strain has spread widely in many countries. As a precaution, many American schools are closed and and the Mexican government ordered a multi-day shutdown of all non-essential activities in the government and private sector. Many countries have advised their people not to travel to infected areas and should take medical check up if they visited flu-affected areas. Also they feared that this widespread outbreak could destroy their tourism, hospitality, travel, food, transportation and other sectors. Although there is no evidence that the virus is transmitted by food. But many countries banned import and sale of pork products as a precaution against swine flu. This new strain is mainly affected in people between the ages of 25 and 50. 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. To prevent this flu, always wash hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers especially after being out in public. Also symptomatic people should stay at home, avoid crowds, and take off from work or school until the disease improves or medical help is sought. Sneezing, coughing, and nasal secretions need to be kept away from other people. Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when we cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. There is no vaccine currently available against swine flu. Two antiviral agents, zanamivir (Relenza) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are helped to prevent or reduce the effects of swine flu if taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.