Swine Flu

The Swine Influenza also known as “Swine flu“, “Pig flu” or “Hog flu” is generally endemic in Pigs. The swine influenza virus (SIV) is a chain of viruses – Influenza A, and C that are endemic in swine. However, this has so far infected two different species viz. Pigs and Humans. The transmission can either  happen between

• Pigs to Pigs
• Pigs to Human
• Human to Human

The swine flu is the most common disease among the Pig species. However, the transmission of this flu from ”Pigs to Human” is an uncommon one. The SIV that has affected the humans is the Swine Influenza A which is further sub divided into H1N1, H1N2, H3N1 and H2N3. The H1N1 swine flu virus also termed as novel H1N1 is a new type of virus sub categorized under Swine influenza A type which has affected the humans recently on April 2009 globally.

People who work closely with pigs are now likely to be affected by this kind of flu. The first affected human groups were from U.S (especially North America) and Mexico.

A zoonotic Flu is referred to as when the transmission happens between Pigs to Humans. But the 2009 Swine influenza cannot be termed as a Zoonotic one as the transmission was between humans to humans. The following are the symptoms one should look for if any individual feels they are likely to be affected by Swine Flu

• Cough
• Common Cold
• Fever
• Sore Throat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Body ache
• Headache etc.

However, a Swine Flu can become fatal if the above symptoms prolongs for a week or so. It can lead to death if constant Vomiting or Diarrhea exists thereby causing Dehydration, a high fever can also become fatal leading to neurological Problems etc.

“PREVENTION” Is Better Than Cure

A swine flu can be prevented from being transmitted from humans to humans in the following ways and methods. Every individual should take extra care in keeping yourself and your loved ones away from this disease. Please follow the below to stay away from the Swine Flu.

• Isolate the affected ones
• Try not to go near the affected people
• Close your mouth when the affected ones are sneezing or coughing as the virus might spread easily
• Wash your hands often
• Washing hands with alcohol based liquid soaps is highly effective as they destroy the bacteria and the germs.
• Do not have close contact with your nose or mouth when you know that your hands might contain the flu

The Swine flu is not transmitted through food. So eating pork is no harm.

BEWARE!!! Individuals with a weak immune system have a better chance of getting affected. Take Care and Stay protected.

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