Swine Flu Symptoms: August 2009

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Swine Flu Vaccine - Who Will Get It?

H1N1, formerly referred to as Swine flu, is taking the world by storm. As people worldwide brace for this new virus, many are fearful as to what the fall flu season will hold. The United States normally sees no flu cases during the summer months. The H1N1 virus has shown that this is a virulent strain, causing sickness even in summer. As children head to school and summer comes to a close, many worry if the H1N1 vaccination will be available should a widespread outbreak occur.

The current H1N1 vaccination is still in production, and there is a possibility that it will be ready come this autumn season. If it has passed clinical trials and testing and is deemed safe, there is an order of preference for receiving the vaccine. When the Novel H1N1 vaccine becomes available pregnant women, caregivers and households that care for children 6 months old and younger, healthc are workers and emergency medical services personnel, children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years, and people between the ages of 25 and 64 who have health conditions that would pose a risk of complications associated with the H1N1 virus will receive preferential status for receiving the vaccine.

These recommendations are set in place in case the vaccine is available in limited quantities. There is a chance that there will be enough of the vaccine for everyone; if this is the situation, the preferred status will not be needed. If, however, there is demand for the H1N1 vaccine, the preferred order will be the same as listed above. Pregnant women will receive the vaccine first, followed by those who live with or are caregivers for children younger than 6 months old, health care and emergency medical services personnel that have direct contact with patients, children between the ages of 6 months and 4 years, followed by children between the ages of 5 and 18. It is estimated that those on the preferred list constitutes approximately 159 million people. It's important to realize that the H1N1 vaccine does not negate or replace the need for receiving the seasonal flu vaccine.

Charisse Van Horn is a successful freelance writer. To view more of her work, please visit U.S. Headlines Examiner.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Swine Flu - Worrying Outbreak

Swine flu is an extremely infectious respiratory disease which usually affects pigs but has now spread to humans raising a major health scare across the world.

Swine flu was first detected when a large number of people in Mexico began falling sick showing symptoms of normal flu and the death toll kept rising. More and more confirmed cases are being reported from across the world and this has the WHO extremely worried about the situation which has increased its pandemic alert phase to `phase 5.` It is referring to swine flu as a `public health emergency of international concern`.

Swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease typically affecting pigs and is caused by type A virus or H1N1 virus. If not treated timely, it can be fatal resulting in death. It was rare that this virus would affect humans, though cases were not unheard of in the past but even then, it would not spread beyond two or three people. But, now, the current strain affecting humans is a new variant of the H1N1 virus which is a mix of animal and human viruses. This mutated virus makes the flu spread from person to person making it very difficult to handle because humans do not have any natural immunity against this.

The transmission of this disease from human-to-human is extremely worrying as swine flu spreads like the normal flu when an infected person sneezes or coughs in the company of other people. The infected fluid lands on surfaces or hands or gets dispersed into the air. So, anyone who makes contacts with the infected person`s hands or touches any infected surface and then touches his own nose or mouth or eyes stands at risk of exposure to that virus. Breathing the contaminated air also exposes that person to the virus.

The problem with swine flu is that it exhibits the same symptoms as the normal human flu and can be easily mistaken for the same thus delaying the right treatment and which can prove fatal. The symptoms include cough, cold, headaches, joint pain, muscles pain, sore throat and running nose, vomiting and lack of appetite, lethargy, fever and diarrhea. Recent reports indicate that vomiting and dizziness are more often associated with this particular type of flu strain.

The only way to deal with this situation is to exercise caution and try and minimize your chances of getting affected by this disease. Attempt to avoid close contact with people exhibiting flu-like symptoms like cough or cold or if they are running temperature and generally appear sick. The importance of washing hands frequently with soap and water cannot be over-emphasized in this situation. Avoiding over-crowded public places is another way of attempting to keep this disease at bay.

If you do find yourself with a fever, sore throat or cold and cough, please stay at home and rest. Using disposable tissues for covering mouth or nose every time you cough or sneeze and then disposing of them hygienically is another way of preventing the virus from spreading. It is imperative to avoid contact with people but family and friends should be informed. Any outing to public places or using public transport like buses, trains, cars or airplanes should be strictly avoided. This is part of the personal responsibility of each individual should he show symptoms of swine flu. Anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu which are known to combat swine-flu may be prescribed by your doctor.

Until the swine flu scare passes, the best way to protect yourself and your family is to wash hands often and be alert to any flu-like symptoms and consult a doctor immediately.

Roberto Sedycias works as IT consultant for Polomercantil.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Track the Swine Flu Outbreak

The human cases of swine flu, which is spread by influenza virus A (H1N1), have been reported from Mexico and the US, where many people have fallen ill and even died from it. The health agencies are working closely and the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that some of the human cases are a never seen before version of this virus.

There are several methods of preventing flu, although in the case of swine flu, people should resort to effective anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza for preventative reasons.

What is Swine flu?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease, which is caused by influenza type A virus (H1N1) that infects pigs. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to that of seasonal flu, although there have been several reported human deaths that are linked to this flu infection. It is considered as new version of H1N1 strain, which caused the 1918 flu pandemic.

How to treat Swine flu?

There is no specific vaccine for controlling this type of flu, but some current drugs can prove helpful. Apart from anti-viral drugs, people can do a bit on their part. They should maintain a good personal hygiene such as washing hands, and covering their nose while sneezing.

Doctors have recommended some anti-viral treatments like Tamiflu or Relenza, depending upon the suitability of a patient. These two drugs are commonly used for the treatment of influenza type A, and considering swine flu is a strain of influenza type A, it has been reported to treat it.. The US health authorities have discovered that not only can these drugs help in swine flu treatment, but can also help in preventing it spreading. These drugs ensure that the flu virus is not transmitted easily among people.

Tamiflu is an oral prescription drug that is used for the treatment as well as prevention of flu. The main ingredient in it is oseltamivir phosphate, which can prevent the spread of flu virus in the body. It also helps to ease off the flu symptoms. Tamiflu is available in the strength of a 75 mg capsule.

Similar to Tamiflu is another flu treatment known as Relenza, which is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It can help treat type A or B influenza, including swine flu. It comes in the form of a powder, which is inhaled at least two times in a day or as directed by the doctor.

Both these anti-viral drugs can prove helpful in the treatment of swine flu. You can get them from any local pharmacy by showing a prescription from a doctor, or you can buy them over the internet from any authentic online source.

What to do in order to stay safe during this flu infection?

It is advisable for those people who come into contact with the swine virus and have flu like symptoms to seek proper medical advice. Most affected cases have been reported from Mexico, so it has been advised to cancel any travel trips in and out of that country for the time being.

You should avoid contact with people who have a fever or a cough, or seem to be unwell due to the flu. If you have no choice but to be close to those already infected, it is advised that you use a mask to cover your nose and mouth to limit the risk of infection.

Webmaster associated with online clinic "HealthExpress" this site provides various information on Tamiflu and helps people in curing Influenza, resources are available on site HealthExpress.co.uk.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Swine Flu School Closings

When a widespread outbreak of a contagious disease or virus occurs, sometimes governments, on the advice of their health advisors take action in closing some public institutions -schools are usually top of the list.

The other scenario in not to serious outbreaks is to keep the institutions and schools open as normal, save for the exclusion of the afflicted. This latter action for obvious reasons causes far less disruption but is not without controversy!

There is a 3rd option to, whereby sections or faculties and departments maybe closed whilst the majority of other functions remain.

As far as swine flu is concerned, after initial hygiene and cleansing chores there is only a need to bar the affected persons from having contact with others. This is usually done through a request that the person infected stay at home until all symptoms and swine flu effects have subsided. Of course, those affected are usually happy to comply as not only do they feel poorly but would most probably prefer to be at home being cared for.

Up to now the worst affected area resulting in school closures was in Mexico in addition to a ban on gathering in public places. The government declared national holidays to help solve the issues which seemed to work as the reported cases of swine flu dropped significantly after the measures were adopted. However, remain despite school and other closures and travellers to Mexico, particularly to the Cancun region are advised to check the latest travel information and advice prior to leaving.

To learn more about the symptoms of swine flu and other Swine Flu Facts you really should read the latest guide which tells you The Truth about swine flu, information you won't get from the press or politicians but nevertheless it's info you NEED to know.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Dealing With the Swine Flu Threat During Pregnancy

It's officially a pandemic and honestly, I'm a little scared. River is only 8 months old and in babies and pregnant women, swine flu can be very serious. The pandemic has taken 29 lives in the UK so far, (with the majority of these cases seeing underlying health issues), including a pregnant woman, a baby and children.

A report in US News, "Dealing with the Swine Flu Threat During Pregnancy" brought up some salient points which every pregnant woman needs to know about.

Firstly, pregnant women and children have been advised to get the H1N1 vaccination when it comes out in the next month or so, but the question is should pregnant women and children be one of the first or last to receive this vaccination? The vaccination is so new that this would effectively be a mass drugs trial to which we do not definitely know the outcome. "Just today, public health experts said that there's no way to know if any rare side effects will occur in the new vaccine until millions of people are vaccinated. Those unknowns would make an expectant mom especially nervous." Deborah Kotz, US News

Secondly, flu vaccinations contain thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative that was banished from other childhood vaccines several years ago but is still used in most flu vaccines.

Studies on mercury have shown that this element passes into the brain and remains there. Mercury can have profound effects on a developping fetus, which is why pregnant women are advised not to eat shellfish, tuna, shark, mackerel, king and tilefish. (A good pregnancy diet and exercise should take this into account, so if you are following a specific pregnancy fitness program, you should be safe.)

There are thimerosal-free versions of the vaccine available but you may struggle to find a doctor who stocks this.

"John Iskander, the previous head of immunization safety at the CDC, told me last fall that the reason the agency doesn't recommend thimerosal-free vaccines is because "there's still not enough women receiving the flu vaccine, and we don't want to throw up another barrier in the vaccination process." " Deborah Kotz, US News

Lastly, pregnant women who have been exposed to someone who has the virus should get the antiviral drug Tamiflu. This advice does not apply to non-pregnant women (or men in fact!).

The best thing you can do to make sure you stay healthy and fit during pregnancy is take proper precautions. Always wash your hands after being in a public place and it's worth carrying a bottle of hand sanitizer in your handbag for occasions when you are out and there's no access to a washbasin. Make sure your children have good hand hygeine too.

If you are pregnant and you do have symptoms, contact your GP straight away. Stay hydrated and stock up on nutrient dense foods.

For Pregnancy Health & Fitness Made Simple (ie. no brainpower required on your part!), grab a free copy of Nisha's latest ebook, POWER Pregnancy - The 5 Health Secrets Every Expectant Mother MUST Know! http://www.the9monthclub.com

Saturday, August 1, 2009

12 More Deaths From H1N1 Swine Flu in the UK

The Swine Flu Pandemic in the UK has now killed 29 people, 12 of which have died in the last 4 days. The chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson has warned that over a third of the population could catch the virus and of these more than 65,000 could die during this swine flu pandemic. Cherie Blair who is the wife of the ex prime minister is at present battling the H1N1 strain of the virus.

We cannot emphasise enough that that with this actual strain it is not just hitting senior citizens or infirmed people. In fact, there is a small indication that population born before 1958 may have some resistance as the last bad outbreak of of this virus was in the fifties. A baby and a boy of 6 have died recently . The worrying thing is that the 6 year old is alleged to have had NO underlying health problems which makes scientists wonder if a more serious form of the swine flu is mutating. At present doctors are telling us that the virus and also the death rate are no worse than common flu.

The largest number of infections reported are in the age groups 16 - 64 and the under 5 year olds. Next week a National Pandemic Swine Flu Service will be in operation in the UK. You willbe able to get a good diagnosis over the phone or internet. An ID code will then enable a friend to get the patient a course of Tamiflu. It will not cure the disease but ease the symptoms. At present GP's and hospitals are stretched to their limits.

GP's and hospital doctors are now admitting that the disease is now rife and doctors are stressing that suspected sufferers should NOT go to the surgery but ring NHS Direct instead. For your information their number is 0845 4647. We all have a duty to stop the bug spreading. Symptoms can appear rapidly. Sudden fever (temperature more than 38 degrees C) and a cough are early warnings. You may also have headache, shivering, aching joints or an upset stomach.

For the full story on Swine Flu go over to our website at http://www.Askabouthealth.Com/swine-flu.html

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Swine Flu Symptoms