Swine Flu And Bird Flu, What Precautions To Take And Which Treatments Are Available
We are today (more and more|more} vulnerable from the various mutations of the flu virus. First we had alarms 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 a worry that bird flu could change into a strain that would effect humans, but for a handful of cases, this did not materialize. Swine flu is a bigger concern, the swine flu virus has the ability to pass from human to human making swine flu a dangerous threat.
Swine flu (influenza A (H1N1) is a respiratory disease that effects pigs, it is caused by a flu virus. Outbreaks of swine flu in pigs is is common and is only rarely fatal. Swine flu doesn’t normally infect humans, although it can occasionally happen.
Swine flu is particularly dangerous because it is a new strain of virus. This means that no one has been in contact with this particular type of flu previously, and therefore no one has built up any immunity to this type of flu. It is our immunity that prevents diseases from becoming life threatening, with no immunity to the swine flu virus we are in serious danger from the virus. Absolutely everyone is vulnerable, this includes healthy adults and teenagers as well as children and the elderly.
The real concern is what occurs when the winter flu season arrives. This is the period when the flu virus may quickly spread causing widespread illness with the potential for over half the population being affected.
The symptoms of swine flu are 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 headaches, a sore throat, muscle aches, chills, sneezing, a runny nose, appetite loss and tiredness.
Precautions First, anyone with cold or flu symptoms should to take a few simple, but most important precautions. The flu virus is spread between humans from 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 face with your hands when you sneeze or cough isn’t enough. The germs simply sit on your hands, and everything you handle afterwards becomes contaminated. Anyone then touching the same place as you will pick up the germs and will then risk becoming infected. Always use a handkerchief or a tissue. A tissue is far better, this should be disposed of safely as soon as you can, and always use a fresh tissue if you sneeze or cough again.
At the moment there are no vaccinations that stop anyone catching the swine flu virus. Swine flu is a new type of virus and is not the same as ordinary flu. Therefore the annual vaccination against the usual ordinary flu isn’t effective against the swine flu virus. Once the type of flu virus causing swine flu is identified, it will take many months to produce. By this time, it may well have changed into a different strain.
The only effective precaution against swine flu is Tamiflu. Tamiflu is not guaranteed to prevent flu, but when a person has been exposed to another individual who has the flu virus, it can help to stop the virus making a person sick. If Tamiflu is taken within 2 days of developing flu, it can help to stop the virus spreading throughout the body, reducing the symptoms and risk associated. Governments worldwide are stockpiling Tamiflu, but the supplies will naturally be used to treat important workers and individuals before the general population.
You can however buy Tamiflu online, if the situation arises you can treat yourself and your family as much as possible. Although it can’t be emphasized strongly enough, Tamiflu needs to be taken as early as possible to be effective, any delays in treatment 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 city with a large population or for example working in a busy office, then it may be wise to buy Tamiflu before the flu season begins. If you live in the country and do not have close contact with many people then you will be at a lower risk.
Also, remember that swine flu is a worldwide problem. It is possible that supplies of Tamiflu may not be 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 article is based on information freely available in the press and medical journals concerned with swine flu. Nothing in this post is intended to be or should be construed to be any sort of medical advice. For medical advice you should consult your physician.
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