Sale Bedding

Swine Flu

For quite some years it was believed that the swine flu disease which was commonly prevalent in pigs would have the least scope to pass on to humans. But astonishingly, it has taken over like an epidemic of late. Just like any other contagious disease, it has certain symptoms from which one can easily tell that he or she has become a victim to it.

But even before that, if you’re trying to understand what exactly swine flu is, this should help.

What is Swine-flu?

Swine flu is an acute respiratory disease commonly found in pigs. There is more chance of it spreading in a polluted environment. Though swine flu never affects humans, when it does actually work on humans it is with a combination virus influenza A subtype H1N1. It is in fact the H1N1 influenza in human beings that is an offshoot of the swine flu. In the recent times, a great number of people have been suffering from this pandemic. Though not always fatal, a lot of scientific research into the causes of this disease has begun. The anti-swine flu vaccines serve as a  great prevention method, especially when an outbreak of this disease is heard of. Once the virus has set in, it takes almost 2 to 4 weeks for a person to actually start showing symptoms of the flu. Owing to the long incubation period, one can never tell whether he has been affected or not, but can definitely stay away from people having symptoms.

What exactly are these symptoms?

A person who has been hit by this pandemic normally shows symptoms of fever beyond 100 degrees F, body ache, fatigue and sore throat. They are very similar to the regular flu that attacks humans. Vomiting, diarrhea and running nose, headache, chills, limb or joint pain, stomach upset and loss of appetite could also be some symptoms of this disease.

Swine flu spreads very naturally through sneezing and coughing. It is therefore advised that people suffering from it cover the mouth, minimizing the risk of spreading the disease. The condition of the patient is pathetic and good amount of rest is the only thing that can help him recover. Besides, drinking lots of water should be adhered to.

Who is more prone?

People who are more prone to the swine flu are those with an already existing disease like a severe, lung, heart, kidney, liver or neurological diseases. Diabetics, asthmatic patients along with pregnant women must as well guard themselves from this influenza. The sickness very rarely gets complicated but when it does, it effects the lungs causing pneumonia. The pandemic strikes more intensely in seasons like winter and autumn but is also likely to occur anytime throughout the year.

Yes the answer is very clear. The best treatment for swine flu is to stay in bed and take the required medicines prescribed by the doctor. A person from a mild attack of this pandemic is sure to recover within a week. In case it is severe, with the right treatment, it may take about two weeks.

In countries like the UK, the government has established a helpline system for people who would want to go online and make use of the internet service to know more about the symptoms of Swine flu in humans. This is a National Pandemic Flu service which also can be reached at toll free numbers. This self care service can be accessed by a lay man and this indeed is a great way of helping himself on time.

Precautions to see that it doesn’t further spread

1. An infectious person must ensure that he always uses tissues while coughing or sneezing.
2. It needs to be taken care that this tissues are safely disposed without any scope of the disease getting contagious
3. Sanitizing your room everyday.
4. Maintaining basic hygiene like cleaning hands and face with soap and water.
5. Washing soiled clothes separately to avoid spreading to other clothes
6. Alcohol hand rubs can also to kill viruses in case there is no soap or water readily available.
7. Once you confirm it is the swine flu, make sure you don’t set out to get medication, instead ask a healthy or less prone person to get it for you. This way you wouldn’t be consciously spreading the disease.

In any case if you have a prior disease, it is always suggested that you see a doctor who could give you the right medication. Asia and Europe are two major countries that have been severely hit by this disease and all the possible attempts to create a universal vaccine for this influenza are being made. Scientists fear that the virus may mutate with every season and the vaccine made keeping certain conditions in mind may not be effective always. Research and science is progressively fighting this flu which has ignited a panic wave in most countries.

Another vital point that needs to be kept in mind is that the source of this virus is the pig. Thus, people who are used to eating pork, ham or bacon must ensure that it is cooked well. Even if it is left a little uncooked, the risk of catching such a disease becomes higher.

The World Health Organisation has been taking all the required measures to see how this fast spreading swine flu can be totally eradicated for good. Most of it has already been implemented looking forward to a healthier and happier world to live in.