Swine Flu Outbreak
Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 is an epidemic of a new strain of influenza virus identified in April 2009, commonly referred to as “swine flu.” Cases were first discovered in the U.S. and soon after in Mexico, which had a surge of cases, many of them fatal.
Known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenzavirus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans, including the strain(s) responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic which killed 50–100 million people worldwide.
As of May 24, the virus had spread to more than 40 countries; however, nearly 90% of reported deaths have taken place in Mexico. This has led to speculation that Mexico may have been in the midst of an unrecognized epidemic for many months prior to the current outbreak.
Symptoms and expected severity
People at higher risk of serious complications include people age 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and people who are immunosuppressed.
Photo Courtesy: Symptoms_of_swine_flu.svg
In children, certain symptoms may require emergency medical attention, including blue lips and skin, dehydration, rapid breathing, excessive sleeping and significant irritability that includes a lack of desire to be held.
In adults, shortness of breath, pain in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion may indicate the need for emergency care.
In both children and adults, persistent vomiting or the return of flu-like symptoms that include a fever and cough may require medical attention.
How it is Transmitted?
1. Sneezes or coughs
2. Touching- touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth or nose.Handling door knobs, glasses, kitchen utensils, or touching the skin of an infected person and then touching your own mouth.
Prevention
1.Personal hygiene-
- frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- not touching the mouth, nose or eyes, as these are primary modes of transmission.
- coughing into a tissue and disposing of the tissue, then immediately washing the hands.
- disinfecting household surfaces with a diluted chlorine bleach solution.
2. Home treatment remedies
- adequate hydration and rest
- soup to ease congestion
- over-the-counter drugs to relieve pain.
Treatment
1. Antiviral drugs- two influenza antiviral medications that are recommended for use against H1N1 flu.
- oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
- zanamivir (Relenza)
2. Vaccines- “Influenza vaccination is the most effective method for preventing influenza virus infection and its potentially severe complications.” Flu vaccines are available both as:
- an injection of killed virus (or flu shot)
- and as nasal spray of live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) (sold as FluMist in the United States)
3. Containment -Closing borders or restricting travel, really has very little effects in stopping the movement of this virus.
- inbound international passengers will be screened.
- typical airport health screening involves asking passengers which countries they have visited
- and checking whether they feel or appear particularly unwell.
Latest News on Swine Flu Outbreak
Swine Flu Outbreak Claims 11th Life in US – Palluxo! – Mac Dose of All Things Apple
Monday, 25 May, 2009 08:33 AM
New Zealand Herald
Swine Flu Outbreak Claims 11th Life in US
Palluxo! – Mac Dose of All Things Apple, Canada
Currently, there are at least 280 confirmed cases of swine flu in New York, and 12000 swine flu cases worldwide. As of Friday, the World Health Organization counted at least 86 deaths. The source of the outbreak in humans is still unknown, …
2d Death in New York City Linked to Swine Flu New York Times
Department of Health confirms 2nd flu case Philippine Star
School bans on kids to slow swine flu NEWS.com.au
Indianapolis Star – Xinhua
Reference: Swine Flu Outbreak
