Swine Flu - Should You Be Worried?

By now you've all heard of the swine flu outbreak that has started to spread around the world. To date there have only been a handful of cases in the United States and all have resolved without the use of any medication; however, there have been a few hundred cases in Mexico that unfortunately have been deadly. As seen in previous deadly outbreaks and what makes this swine flu even more ominous is that those killed ranged in ages from 20-50, a typically healthy age group. Also, the World Health Organization (WHO) recently raised its worldwide "alert level," which it has not done since the Hong Kong pandemic in 1968, where nearly one million people died. Is this recent swine flu something that you need to be worried about? How can you protect yourself and your family?

Swine Flu vs. Seasonal Flu

Normally swine flu, as the name implies, only affects pigs. This virus, however, it seems has recently changed from its original form and therefore has "jumped" from pigs to humans. What makes this virus, named H1N1, particularly different and potentially dangerous is that it can spread from human to human.

Seasonal flu occurs every year, usually during the "cold and flu season" that usually lasts from December to March. The 2008-2009 flu season was a mild one, but like each year, it is estimated that between 250,000 to 500,000 people died from seasonal flu. What is different and worries health officials about H1N1 is that it seems to spread from human to human more quickly and easily than typical seasonal flu and because this swine flu mutated so quickly, there is no vaccine for it.

What to Watch Out for

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Also, if you or someone you know have these symptoms and have traveled to San Diego County or Imperial County, California or San Antonio, Texas within 7 days prior to the illness onset, there is reason for concern. If you have any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to get checked by your doctor, where a nasal respiratory swab will help confirm or deny a diagnosis.

Prevention Possible

Current public health officials have recommended healthy hygiene practices to avoid the spread of swine flu. Washing of hands, getting plenty of sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and eating healthy foods are great places to start. Obviously, avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick is a no-brainer. Some research suggests that zinc and selenium might improve your body's natural antibody response to the flu while the use of a Neti pot (nasal irrigation) prevents the virus from "setting up shop" in the nasal passages and sinuses.
Treatment After Infection?

Luckily there are plenty of things we can do to help those who unfortunately become ill. Conventionally, we know that H1N1 can be controlled with Tamiflu and/or Relenza. In addition, high doses of vitamin C, typically given intravenously, along with hydrogen peroxide can help get the virus under control.

It is yet to be determined if this current outbreak of swine flu will be as dangerous as some health officials are predicting. In the mean time, taking the appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family with a healthy dose of prevention is a great place to start.

Would you like to use this article? You may as long as you include the following information along with the article: Phil Wazny, NMD is a naturopathic physician at Integrative Health Care, a "Results Based Natural Medicine" Clinic in Scottsdale, AZ. He created several dynamic programs designed to help patients gain strength while reducing their rate of debilitating conditions like cancer and heart disease. His areas of specialty are permanent weight loss, natural pediatrics, allergy solutions, hormone balancing and pain relief with prolotherapy and PRP therapy. He can be reached at http://www.integrativehealthcare.com and 480-657-0003.

Tags: swine flu, h1n1 virus, swine flu symptoms, tamiflu, swine flu treatment

Swine Flu News: Avoiding the Swine Flu

Although this new strain of swine flu that is currently making rounds in Mexico and around the world is simply another strain of influenza, due to its ability to easily affect anyone it comes in contact with caution should be taken to avoid becoming sick with swine flu. If you have children, are particularly susceptible to colds and flu, or have any kind of immune problems then you should certainly do everything you can to no come down with swine flu.

Here are a few things you can do to keep from getting the swine flu:

1) Avoid public places: schools, churches, and public transportation are places where people are in continuous close contact, making it the perfect place for illnesses like the swine flu to multiply.

2) Wash and disinfect: wash your hands anytime you come into contact with someone else, as well as before and after you eat. Buy some Lysol disinfectant and use it on your doorknobs, counters and anywhere you touch regularly.

3) Avoid sick people: stay away from anyone who is showing flu symptoms such as coughing, sneezing or fever.

4) Stay home: while this may not be an option for most people, the more you avoid contact with others the better chance you have of not picking up the flu. Try heading to public places (like the grocery store) when they are less busy, and take this opportunity to catch up on some housework or home improvement.

5) Be prepared: pick up some Tamiflu and enough food to last a few days, including lots of juice in case you get sick. Locate your nearest emergency center and pay attention to public announcements about the swine flu.

6) Get a mask: wearing an approved filter mask can prevent the transmission of the swine flu from one person to another. Consider getting one to wear if you need to head out to a public area where the flu can spread easily.

For most people who get the swine flu they will simply have a few days of flu like symptoms, however it is important to keep an eye out for more serious symptoms such as a high fever, difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness. With some precautions we can avoid the spread of swine flu.

Learn how to make money working from home as a freelance writer, visit http://workathomemom-angelaheidt.blogspot.com/

Tags: swine flu, swine flu pandemic, swine flu symptoms, swine flu prevention

Swine Flu Pandemic 2009: Immunity Boosting, Prevention, and Homeopathic Remedies

Typically the flu season begins and ends with the winter season. However, as we are all aware, the spring of 2009 has very different ideas! A rare and "baffling" flu virus is rapidly wreaking havoc in Mexico, with over 103 confirmed deaths as of Monday, April 27, 2009. In addition, this flu virus is not only spreading in the United States, but all over the world!

It would behoove each and every individual to take major and immediate precautions to avoid
contracting this virulent strain of flu. Why? Listen to this quote from the Arizona Star published
April 24, 2009: "Health officials are investigating a never-before-seen form of the flu that
combines pig, bird and human viruses." Another anomaly to this virus is it seems to be attacking
victims which are not the typical "at-risk" groups susceptible to a flu virus. Instead of the
elderly, very young, or those with compromised immune systems, victims are often young adults and in good health!

A key feature to a flu virus is its propensity to change and mutate from year to year. This
requires various vaccines to match the particular flu outbreak. In the case of this particular flu
virus, there is a major problem...it is a "never-before-seen" flu virus! Please pay close
attention to this direct quote from Dr. John Carlo, the Dallas County Medical Director: "This
strain of swine influenza that's been cultured in a laboratory is something that's not been
seen anywhere in the United States or in the world, so this is actually a new strain of influenza
that's been identified."

So what immediate and deliberate steps should you and your family take right now? According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), there are steps which can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the flu virus. Here are some recommendations:

1. Keep your distance from and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid public

places.

2. If you are sick, stay home.

3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and turn your head away from people when you cough or

sneeze.

4. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands often.

5. Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.

6. Keep your immune system healthy, get plenty of sleep, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and keep stress levels to a minimum.
In addition to these recommendations, there is another proactive program you must start to employ today!!! According to an article by Michele Carelse found on the Native Remedies website, "Herbalists and Naturopaths have had thousands of years experience in treating people with influenza and boosting immune functioning. There are some excellent herbal alternatives to the pharmaceutical anti-viral drugs which have been recommended by the CDC and World Health Organization." Due to the fact there is probably no adequate vaccine for this new flu virus, an avenue you must consider is a preventative one. Eating well, drinking water, getting required sleep, etc., are all steps you can start immediately. In addition, to help boost your immune system, relieve stress, and detoxify your body if you have not been living a healthy lifestyle, you need a source for herbal alternatives, homeopathic remedies, and natural cures. This truly is a matter of life and death! Please follow the links provided below to discover an excellent source for herbal supplements, natural alternative health methods, and other influenza prevention methods.

About the Author:
C.L. Carr is a certified Health and Wellness Instructor, with a Master's Degree in Health and Physical Education, who advocates alternative health care and prevention. For more information on this and other topics, please visit http://emergencyfoodpreservation.blogspot.com/ or http://survivalcentral.blogspot.com/

Tags: swine flu, swine flu virus, h1n1 virus, swine flu treatments, swine flu symptoms

Swine Flu Outbreak - How to Prepare For a Swine Flu Pandemic

The government has issued several reports and guidelines to help families prepare for a swine flu pandemic, should it happen. They are recommending stocking up on supplies such as hand sanitizers, masks, vaccinations, emergency food reserves, etc.

Coupled with everything that seems to be on the horizon as far as a coming food shortage, and emergency situations, it does make sense to prepare ourselves or at least have an emergency preparedness plan that is in place.

When an outbreak like Swine or Asian flu hits, a whole city can be quarantined for several weeks, and many of us will be quite relieved if we have enough food laid up to last through that.'

During a pandemic, what often happens is that there is a rush for emergency supplies, which quickly vaporizes them. And usually the civilian or government supplies are only for a short term and remaining reserves are distributed quickly.

They HIGHLY recommend stocking up on emergency items NOW before panic buying occurs and the "breakout" announcement is made on the 6 o'clock News.

If there is, in fact, a Swine Flu outbreak, the demand will be huge for things like food reserves, breathing masks, etc...

Symptoms of Swine or Asian Flu include:

• fever
• cough,
• sore throat
• muscle aches
• eye infections
• pneumonia
• severe respiratory diseases

The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which specific virus subtype and strain caused the infection.

As with anything that happens in life, do not panic! Simply prepare for the worst and the worst case scenario is that you will have emergency supplies on hand for come what may, for the next 30 years!

PREPARE NOW while time is still on your side and you can get the preparedness supplies you and your family need, and you will never HAVE the need to panic!

Visit our Survival Skills website for more emergency related articles. And visit our site about Swine Flu to learn how you can prepare for anything, come what may!

Tags: swine flu, swine flu virus, h1n1 virus, swine flu pandemic

Swine Flu Virus in Mexico City is Serious to the United States

As if Mexico City did not have enough problems with the water shortages, riots and the drug cartel wars, now they have to deal with Swine flu (H1N1virus), which has already caused 200 deaths. Mexico City officials closed down the schools, hospitals, and libraries, as well as cancelled some 1000 public events.

If this Swine Flu continues it will close more businesses and government agencies, there is no choice, but to try to prevent it from spreading. If it gets much worse it could cause massive hysteria in the street and perhaps a mass exodus of city. The officials are trying to prevent panic, but many are leaving the city already.

The first week of the swine flu was discovered 20 people had died, and if it spreads it will also wind up in the United States. In fact there have been cases already in Los Angeles, Houston, San Antonio, Kansas, and New York. Luckily, Roche Industries company, told the media that Tamiflu does prevent it, so expect sales to skyrocket and expect them to run out.

Global health officials at the World Health Organization are very concerned so is the United States CDC, which has sent people to Mexico City to help the Mexican government. Mexico City is one of the worst cities to have a breakout because it' has such a dense population.

As you'll recall a few years ago scientists and health officials at the WHO were worried about bird flu, of course this is just as bad because it is amongst the family of influenza flu, and so far 10% of the people that have gotten it have died said one official. This is very serious.

Lance Winslow enjoys community philanthropy - Lance Winslow likes small business. Lance Winslow has also been involved in the Oil Industry; http://www.oilchangeguys.com/aboutus.shtml/.

Tags: swine flu, h1n1 Virus, swine flu mexico

Key Facts About Swine Flu

Swine Flu

What is Swine Influenza?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

How many swine flu viruses are there?
Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

Swine Flu in Humans

Can humans catch swine flu?
Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. For example, an outbreak of apparent swine flu infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections, and, although no community outbreak resulted, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from the patient to health care workers who had close contact with the patient.

How common is swine flu infection in humans?
In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported.

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

How does swine flu spread?
Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What do we know about human-to-human spread of swine flu?
In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalized for pneumonia and died 8 days later. A swine H1N1 flu virus was detected. Four days before getting sick, the patient visited a county fair swine exhibition where there was widespread influenza-like illness among the swine.

In follow-up studies, 76% of swine exhibitors tested had antibody evidence of swine flu infection but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggest that one to three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.

How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed?
To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.

What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans?
There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.

What other examples of swine flu outbreaks are there?
Probably the most well known is an outbreak of swine flu among soldiers in Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1976. The virus caused disease with x-ray evidence of pneumonia in at least 4 soldiers and 1 death; all of these patients had previously been healthy. The virus was transmitted to close contacts in a basic training environment, with limited transmission outside the basic training group. The virus is thought to have circulated for a month and disappeared. The source of the virus, the exact time of its introduction into Fort Dix, and factors limiting its spread and duration are unknown. The Fort Dix outbreak may have been caused by introduction of an animal virus into a stressed human population in close contact in crowded facilities during the winter. The swine influenza A virus collected from a Fort Dix soldier was named A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1).

Is the H1N1 swine flu virus the same as human H1N1 viruses?
No. The H1N1 swine flu viruses are antigenically very different from human H1N1 viruses and, therefore, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.

Swine Flu in Pigs

How does swine flu spread among pigs?
Swine flu viruses are thought to be spread mostly through close contact among pigs and possibly from contaminated objects moving between infected and uninfected pigs. Herds with continuous swine flu infections and herds that are vaccinated against swine flu may have sporadic disease, or may show only mild or no symptoms of infection.

What are signs of swine flu in pigs?
Signs of swine flu in pigs can include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing (barking), discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing difficulties, eye redness or inflammation, and going off feed.

How common is swine flu among pigs?
H1N1 and H3N2 swine flu viruses are endemic among pig populations in the United States and something that the industry deals with routinely. Outbreaks among pigs normally occur in colder weather months (late fall and winter) and sometimes with the introduction of new pigs into susceptible herds. Studies have shown that the swine flu H1N1 is common throughout pig populations worldwide, with 25 percent of animals showing antibody evidence of infection. In the U.S. studies have shown that 30 percent of the pig population has antibody evidence of having had H1N1 infection. More specifically, 51 percent of pigs in the north-central U.S. have been shown to have antibody evidence of infection with swine H1N1. Human infections with swine flu H1N1 viruses are rare. There is currently no way to differentiate antibody produced in response to flu vaccination in pigs from antibody made in response to pig infections with swine H1N1 influenza.

While H1N1 swine viruses have been known to circulate among pig populations since at least 1930, H3N2 influenza viruses did not begin circulating among US pigs until 1998. The H3N2 viruses initially were introduced into the pig population from humans. The current swine flu H3N2 viruses are closely related to human H3N2 viruses.

Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
Vaccines are available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza. There is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.

From the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

Tags: swine flu, swine flu virus, swine influenza, pigs, cdc, virus infection, h1n1, h1n1 flu virus