By IOL Health & Science Staff
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is an acute respiratory disease caused by type A Influenza virus which infects pigs. It spreads among pigs through direct and indirect contact. Its incidence increases in winter and fall, although present all year round. Swine flu normally infects pigs. However, the virus can cross the species barrier to infect humans.
What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal Influenza and range from asymptomatic cases to fatal pneumonia.
Symptoms might include, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, as well as diarrhea and vomiting in some cases. It can also worsen chronic diseases already present.
How do people catch swine flu?
People usually catch the infection directly from infected pigs and places contaminated with the virus.
Human to human infection is also documented. In this case, the infection is thought to spread the same way as seasonal flu, through airborne particles.
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others? The person should be considered potentially contagious as long as he/she is still symptomatic for a period of up to seven days. Children might be contagious for a longer duration than this.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
Avoid direct contact with sick people.
Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing.
Always use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and discard the tissue immediately after that.
If you catch the flu, stay at home, and avoid contact with others. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent further spread of infection.
What are emergency signs?
According to the CDC:
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
-Fast breathing or trouble breathing
-Bluish skin color
-Not drinking enough fluids
-Not waking up or not interacting
-Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
-Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
-Fever with a rash
In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
-Sudden dizziness
-Confusion
-Severe or persistent vomiting
Are there available medications to treat swine flu?
Antiviral drugs can be of use by keeping the virus from reproducing in the body. It will make the patient feel better faster, and make the illness milder. It can also prevent serious complications. The sooner the antiviral drug is taken, the better the outcome.
Is there a human vaccine to protect from swine influenza?
Not yet. This is because influenza viruses mutate very quickly, which will not allow adequate matching between the circulating virus and the vaccine virus. Current flu vaccines based on WHO recommendations do not include the swine flu virus.
Sources:
"Q&A: Swine Flu." BBC News. 26 April 2009. Accessed 26 April 2009.
"Swine Influenza and You." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Accessed 26 April 2009.
"Swine Influenza Frequently Asked Questions." World Health Organization. 23 April 2009. Accessed 26 April 2009.
