Topic Reviews

Swine Flu, What Are The Precautions To Take And What Treatments Are Available

Posted March 1st, 2010 by admin

Today we are (more and more|more} vulnerable from the various strains of the flu virus. First we had scares over the bird flu virus, and recently swine flu has become the latest concern. Swine flu is of more concern than bird flu was. It was feared that bird flu could change into a form that would effect humans, apart from a few cases, this situation did not materialize. Swine flu is a greater concern, it has the ability to pass between humans making swine flu a dangerous threat.

Swine flu (influenza A (H1N1) is a disease that effects pigs, it is caused by a flu virus. Outbreaks of swine flu in pigs is is common and is rarely fatal. In the past, swine flu has not normally infected humans, although it can occasionally happen.

Swine flu is particularly dangerous as it is a new type of virus. This means that no one has been in contact with this particular strain of flu previously, therefore no one has built up any immunity. It is our immunity that stops diseases from becoming life threatening, with no immunity to this strain of the virus we are at the mercy of the virus. Absolutely everyone is vulnerable, including healthy adults as well as young children and the elderly.

The real worry is what occurs when the flu season starts in the winter. It is then when the flu virus may quickly spread causing widespread illness with the potential for over half of the population becoming infected.

Swine flu symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. The symptoms include a sudden,sudden onset of a fever, cough or a shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include headache, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, sneezing, a runny nose, loss of appetite and tiredness.

So what precautions can we take. Anyone with cold or flu symptoms needs to take a few simple, but very important precautions. The virus is spread between humans by the droplets from the mouth and nose when someone coughs or sneezes. This is the way viruses such as swine flu are spread from person to person. Holding your nose and mouth with your hands when you sneeze or cough isn’t enough. The virus simply sit on your hands, then everything you handle afterwards becomes contaminated. Anyone then touching the same place as you will pick up the virus and then risks becoming infected. Always use a handkerchief or a tissue. A tissue is far better, this should then be disposed of safely as soon as you can, and always use a new tissue if you cough or sneeze again.

There are currently no vaccinations to prevent anyone catching the swine flu virus. The swine flu virus is a new strain of virus and is not the same as ordinary flu. The vaccination against the normal seasonal flu is not effective against the swine flu virus. Once the strain of flu causing swine flu is identified, it will take several months to produce. By which time, it may well have mutated into a different strain.

Currently the only effective precaution against swine flu is Tamiflu. Tamiflu isn’t guaranteed to prevent flu, but when a person has been exposed to another person who has the flu virus, it can help prevent the virus making a person ill. If Tamiflu is taken within 2 days of developing flu, it can help stop the virus spreading throughout the body, thereby reducing the symptoms and risk associated. Governments are stocking up on Tamiflu, the supplies will be used to treat important workers and individuals before the general population.

You can buy Tamiflu online, if the situation occurs you can protect yourself and your family. It cannot be emphasized enough, Tamiflu needs to be taken as early as possible if it is to be effective, delays in treating the flu virus will reduce the effectiveness of Tamiflu. If you think you may be at a increased risk because of your situation, such as For example living in a busy city with a large population or for example working in a busy office, then it may be prudent to buy Tamiflu before the flu season begins. If you happen live in the country and do not have close contact with many people then of course there will be less chance of getting the flu virus.

Remember that swine flu is a global problem. It is possible that supplies of Tamiflu may not be great enough to meet a large worldwide demand.

Until a vaccine is found and produced in the large quantities needed, Tamiflu is the most effective treatment for the swine flu virus.

Disclaimer: This post is based on information that is freely available in the popular media and medical articles concerned with swine flu. Nothing in this post is intended to be or should be taken to be medical advice. For medical advice you are encouraged to consult with your physician.