Swine Flu: Six Tips For the Prevention of Swine Flu

The swine flu news is catching on the spotlight everyday in newspaper. With the current economy situation, this form of influenza spreading is definitely hitting more woes on the already bleak scene.

What is swine flu? According to the Wikipedia, it is a respiratory disease affecting pigs that is caused by type A influenza virus. But the underlying virus strain, H1N1, has mutated and now contains genetic material from swine, avian and human strains. Some scientists say that it is wrong to label it swine flu because of this mix. So just how deadly is it? This is the first time such a strain has surfaced, which means it is unclear how lethal it is. While there have been more than 100 deaths in Mexico, the victims in the United States have recovered. Also, most of those infected had no contact with live pigs, which indicates that people-to-people transmission is taking place rapidly. Like regular flu, swine flu spreads by touching infected objects and then touching the mouth or nose, and through coughing or sneezing. Note that It does not spread like the Sars virus, i.e. when a patient is most infectious four or five days after symptoms show, the swine flu virus can be transmitted by an infected person even before he shows any symptoms. One in three does not have symptoms at all. Because of this, it is possible for an infected person to cross into countries. This means it can spread and become a pandemic. No joke on this as when outbreak occurs, most people will have no immunity to the virus and many people will die. Economic and social disruption will be great.

Currently, health authorities said two drugs commonly used to treat flu - oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamirvir (relenza), seem to be effective at treating cases that have occurred so far. But the drugs must be given at an early stage. An infected person should recover if treated within 48 hours with antiviral drugs. The best way to contain the spread until it dies down is to see a doctor when symptoms show up and to practice good personal hygiene.

As a mother of two, I am really concern if the virus would reach schools which my children attend. I have tried to gather all information on the web and compiling it here to help all especially parents understand this type of influenza strain here. First of all, protect yourself and your loved ones by knowing the symptoms of Swine Flu:

• High fever (above 38°C)
• Chills, body aches, sore throat
• Cough
• Runny Nose
• Headache
• Patients may experience breathlessness a few days later

See a doctor immediately if you have any symptoms above.

Having said all these, what can you do to prevent Swine Flu? I have 6 Tips for you

• Maintain high personal hygiene standards. Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and wash hands immediately after; use a tissue when possible and dispose of it promptly. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the risk of the virus spreading from your hands to your face or to other people. Educate your children to observe all these points.
• Avoid crowded areas and maintain good ventilation to reduce contact with viruses.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth if you are caring for someone with a flu-like illness, or if you are ill yourself. This will reduce the risk of transmission.
• Avoid visiting patients in hospitals. Their immune systems are already weak. Avoid contact with person having symptoms of influenza.
• Monitor temperature regularly and see doctors immediately if you suspect you're suffering from fever or flu. If you leave the house, wear a mask.
• Maintain good body resistance through a balanced diet, regular exercise and sufficient rest; as well as minimizing stress and smoking.

We should exercise social responsibility to prevent the spread of this virus. If you are back from trips to affected countries like Mexico.

• Be responsible. Place yourself on self quarantine. You should stay at home and avoid crowded places for at least seven days, even if you do not have flu symptoms. You should know within this seven days period if you have the virus.
• If you suspect you have swine flu, see a doctor immediately and inform the doctor that you have recently been to areas with cases of swine flu.
• Don't take Tamiflu. You should not take Tamiflu when you are healthly. Taking Tamiflu when you are healthy will hurt your chances of being cured if you are sick, as it causes the virus to be resistant to the medication. Tamiflu is not a vaccine.

This is an article by Lucy Casily.
For more information, and to shop through products for the prevention of Swine Flu check out my shop at http://www.GetSwineFluMask.com.

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