Swine fluSwine flu, also known as swine influenza or influenza A (H1N1) virus, is a contagious respiratory disease. Symptoms of swine flu include a fever (temperature over 38° C), cough, sore throat, aches and tiredness.
Swine flu is usually found in pigs. Humans are not usually infected by the swine flu virus but it does happen. A new strain of the swine flu virus which affects humans, also called H1N1 influenza, was recently identified. It is thought to have started in Mexico.
It is not known how easily this new strain of swine flu spreads from person to person. If swine flu is highly contagious, a widespread influenza pandemic is possible.
A new strain of influenza A
Swine flu appears to be a new strain of influenza A. Various flu viruses can infect pigs. Those of the H1N1 subtype are most common, but there are also other types. Occasionally, a pig is infected with two different viruses at once. This can increase the chance of the two viruses combining to create a new type of infectious virus. This is known as a ‘mutation’, and the new virus which is the result of this mutation is known as a ‘reassortment’ virus.
Usually, viruses are species-specific, that is animal viruses generally don’t affect people, but a reassortment virus may spread to other species, including humans.
SymptomsSwine flu, when it affects humans, sometimes doesn’t cause any symptoms. It usually causes a short-term illness similar to seasonal flu. Symptoms of swine flu may include:
* High temperature
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Body aches
* Running nose
* Headache
* Chills
* Fatigue
* Sometimes, diarrhoea and vomiting
Stay home if you have flu like symptoms
If you have flu-like symptoms you should stay at home, and not attend work or school. Drink plenty of fluids and rest.
Severe pneumonia is a dangerous complication
Swine flu, like human or seasonal flu, can make underlying medical conditions worse. A potentially life-threatening complication of swine flu is pneumonia (a type of lung infection). Some of the symptoms of pneumonia may include:
* Fever
* General malaise (feeling tired and unwell)
* Rapid breathing
* Breathing difficulties
* Cough
* Chest pain
* Loss of appetite
* Abdominal pain
* Headache
* Blue coloured skin around the mouth (cyanosis) caused by lack of oxygen.
How the swine flu virus is spreadThe ways in which swine flu can spread include:
* Pig farmers can be infected directly from infected pigs, for example, by handling sick pigs and not washing their hands.
* A person infected with swine flu is contagious from the day before they develop symptoms to at least seven days after they develop symptoms. It is thought that young children may be infectious for longer.
* A person caring for someone sick with the swine flu can become infected from inhaling infected sneeze or cough droplets. This is known as direct contact.
* The swine flu virus can live for about two hours outside of the body. Infection can occur when a person touches a contaminated object (such as a dirty tissue) and then touches his or her own nose, eyes or mouth. This is known as indirect contact.
* In some cases, swine flu is asymptomatic, which means the infected person feels fine and has no symptoms. However, they can still infect other people.
Swine flu is not spread by eating pork
The swine flu virus is not spread via food products. It is safe to eat pork, bacon and ham. The World Health Organization advises that swine influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating pork and pork meat products. Even in those countries where there has been an outbreak of swine flu.
Eating properly handled and cooked pork and other pork products is safe. Cooking pork to temperatures of 70°C (160°F) kills the influenza virus.
DiagnosisIf your doctor suspects you may have swine flu, the medical staff will wear gloves and masks and will isolate you from other patients to reduce the risk of passing the virus on to other people. Diagnosis methods may include:
* Medical history
* Travel history
* Physical examination
* Nose and throat swabs (for laboratory analysis).
TreatmentThere are no drugs or vaccines specific to swine flu. It is not known if current flu vaccines offer any protection against the swine flu; most doctors believe they don’t. Treatment options may include:
* Various antiviral medications such as Tamiflu and Relenza. These may help to reduce the symptoms and speed recovery.
* Resting and drinking plenty of fluids.
* Avoiding public places to reduce the risk of transmission. Staying home from school or work until you are completely recovered.
* Taking steps to reduce the risk of transmission to others in your household. For example, disposing of your own dirty tissues, and washing your hands regularly, particularly after coughing or sneezing. In particular, avoid contact with children or the elderly, who tend to be more vulnerable to infectious diseases.
Reduce your risk of infectionGood hygiene is very important and can reduce your risk of getting swine flu or passing it onto other people. Remember to:
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the garbage bin after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Avoid public places and close contact with others if you have the flu.
* Look after yourself and don’t get run down, for example, get plenty of sleep and eat a healthy diet.
* Consider having the Australian seasonal influenza vaccine if you are over 65 years. While this probably won’t provide any protection against swine flu, it will reduce your chances of getting seasonal flu.
* Avoid travelling to areas where outbreaks have occurred.
* Avoid sick pigs or sick people if possible.
* Be very careful to wash your hands if you are caring for a sick person or a sick pig.
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