Swine Flu: Symptoms, Mode of transmission & Prevention

Swine Flu:- One of the recent killer diseases spreading around the world. from this diseases pigs are infected and which are generally different from human viruses. While rarely flu can spread from pig to human and human to pig. n 2012, some of the flu viruses making pigs and people sick are Influenza A Variant Viruses H3N2v and H1N2v. A number of human infections with a variant influenza A H3N2 virus ("H3N2v") have been detected in the United States since August 2011. They  have also detected an H1N2v influenza virus which  is a different variant influenza virus from the H3N2v virus, but has been similar in transmission and symptoms. These variant influenza viruses are viruses that do not usually infect people but that occur in pigs and that are very different from human seasonal H3N2 and H1N2 viruses. The symptoms and severity of H3N2v and H1N2v illness have been similar to seasonal flu.

Mode of transmission :-
1. Most commonly, human infections with variant viruses occur in people with exposure to infected pigs (children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry).
2. While there is no evidence at this time that sustained human-to-human transmission of "2012 Swine Flu" is occurring, all influenza viruses have the capacity to change and it's possible that this virus may become widespread.
3. H3N2v is not transmissible by eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs

Sign & Symptoms :-

1. Some symptoms of Swine flu 2012 are similar to seasonal flu.
2. Influenza symptoms come on quickly in the form of fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, stuffed-up nose, and body aches. These symptoms can be severe and put you in bed for several days.
3. Influenza is caused by a virus that attacks the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.
4. Persons with increased risk for severe infulenza illness include:
Children younger than 5 years, people 65 years or older&Pregnant women.
5. People with certain chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions).


Prevention:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and running water before and after exposure to animals.
2. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
3. Always wash hands thoroughly after contact with farm animals, pets, animal feces, and animal environments.
4. Never eat, drink or put things in your mouth in animal areas.
5. Don’t take food or drink into animal areas.
6. Never take toys, pacifiers, spill-proof cups, baby bottles, strollers or similar items into animal areas.
7. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
8. Persons at high risk for influenza complications should avoid swine exposure:-Persons at high risk include: Children younger than 5 years, people 65 years or older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions (like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or underdevelopment conditions).
9. Avoid close contact with pigs that look or act ill.
10. Watch your pigs for signs of illness and call a veterinarian if you suspect they might be sick.
11. Avoid contact with pigs if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
12. Avoid contact for 7 days after symptoms begin or until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer.
13. Take appropriate protective measures if you must come in contact with pigs if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, or if you must be in the vicinity of pigs known or suspected to be infected with influenza viruses.
14. Protective measures include wearing protective clothing, gloves, masks that cover your mouth and nose, and other personal protective equipment.
15. Always cover coughs and sneezes, and wash your hands often.
16. If you must come in contact with pigs while you are sick, or if you must come in contact with pigs known or suspected to be infected, or their environment, you should use appropriate protective measures (for example, wear protective clothing, gloves, masks that cover your mouth and nose, and other personal protective equipment) and practice good respiratory and hand hygiene.


Treatment:- If you have flu symptoms, follow regular recommendations for seeking treatment for influenza.  

1. If you have symptoms of flu and are very sick or worried about your illness contact your health care provider.
2. If you go to a doctor for flu symptoms following direct or close contact with swine, tell your doctor about this exposure.

3. If you are at greater risk of serious flu-related complications, it’s best to contact your doctor as soon as possible. (The majority of recent H3N2v cases have been in children.)
4. Health care providers will determine whether influenza testing and possible treatment are needed.
5. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs that can treat the flu, including H3N2v or H1N2v. These drugs work better for treatment the sooner they are started.
 6. If you are prescribed antiviral drugs by your doctor, you should finish all of the medication, according to your doctor’s instructions.