What Is Swine flu?
Swine flu is essentially a disease that serves to attack the respiratory tract, ordinarily affecting pigs. The result of a mutation in Influenza type A, it has led to a number of wide scale outbreaks in swine, with a high degree of infection, although far lower levels of fatality. There are in fact a number of different types of Swine flu, and as with seasonal flu, it is constantly mutating. Worldwide, there have been 3 known pandemics to date, throughout the 20th century. All of these have been reported to have resulted from a new strain of the virus, a genuine concern in light of recent reports from the World Health Organisation that a number of these episodes had been the consequence a fresh strain of HIN1.
Precautions Of Swine flu
Ex-UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said: “We have absolutely no doubt there will be more cases. We have the supplies in place and are ready to respond. In favor of further precaution, the government has begun to stock pile protective masks, to combat the spread of Swine flu, with production on going 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a bid to meet the increasing demand.”
In relation, in Mexico, people have asked to remain at home, and to avoid any unnecessary business. This is in hope that threat levels can be stabilized. In addition, the government has begun to collate a stock of anti viral medication in further anticipation of an outbreak.
Health Issues Related To Swine Flu
In humans, the symptoms have appeared similar in nature to that of ordinary flu. These will include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue. In the UK they have eight confirmed cases, although we must note that all symptoms have been mild in nature. However, those undergoing treatment such as chemo-therapy, or very young/elderly patients, may prove vulnerable.
Symptoms Of Swine Flu
In actual fact, the symptoms of Swine flu are not dissimilar to that of the common flu, hence the importance of an accurate diagnosis by a professional, medical health expert. Due to a change in seasons, flu is common preceding autumn. As a result, panic can, and has ensued. Another observation is that the symptoms of the flu itself, actually mirrors the possible adverse affects of the anti viral drugs themselves. Tamiflu is known to cause diarrhea, and a degree of nausea, as does Tamiflu.
A mutation of the H1NI1 (common flu virus), and as previously discussed, Swine flu information has a number of associated symptoms, similar to that of what we know as the common flu. The symptoms include cough, a fever, possibly a sore throat, constant body ache, fatigue, chills, & headache. Others have also reported vomiting & diarrhea. You are advised to consult your doctor for an informed diagnosis.
When Was The First Case Of Swine flu Reported?
On the 24th April 2009, 2 health authorities worldwide began an alert, as the World Health Organisation announced that several hundred cases of Swine flu had been recorded with 15 deaths in Mexico.
What Was The Cause Of The First Case Of Swine flu?
Pandemics amongst pigs is common, however, until now, the virus has not affected humans. Although it hasn’t been 100% confirmed, one popular theory is that people in close contact with pigs, e.g. pig farmers, were the first to contract the virus, which then made the way for human to human contraction.
Were The Same Anti Viral Drugs Available Before The Outbreak?
In actual fact, Tamiflu has been on the market for years. The product was originally developed for the treatment of common flu, and also proved successful in treating some avian flu cases. A similar anti viral; Relenza, consists of the fundamental ingredient, Zanamivir, a component which was established over ten years ago, and branded under the name Relenza.
Government officials had in fact predicted a pandemic some years before its onset, and have reassured the public that we are fully prepared.
Swine flu information – Influenza Swine flu Treatment Information
There has been wide scale coverage of the spread of this virus and a great deal of media attention. Swine influenza, the result of a mutation in the ordinary HN1 virus, is a fresh strain of the influenza virus that affects humans. This is of course a real concern for officials and the population alike, as each of the three pandemics, reported over the past century has resulted from a new strain of virus.
In actual fact, swine influenza may well have already begun to pass between humans, with the first case being recorded in Scotland, and reports that five school children in London have been removed from school, due to a number of suspected symptoms. Although this is yet to be confirmed, this will potentially be the first episode in which a patient has contracted the virus without visiting Mexico. Thus far, the virus has affected 21 countries, with 985 recorded cases in total. In addition, there have been 26 confirmed deaths (25 in Mexico and in 1 in the US). In the UK as a whole, there have been 27 confirmed cases; although symptoms are thought be mild in nature.
What Is Swine Influenza?
In essence, Swine flu information is a disease that serves to attack the respiratory tract, ordinarily affecting pigs. The result of a mutation in Influenza type A, it has led to a number of wide scale outbreaks in swine, with a high degree of infection but far lower levels of fatality. There are in fact a number of different types of Swine flu, and as with seasonal flu, it is constantly mutating.
Worldwide, there have been three known pandemics to date, throughout the 20th century. All of these have been reported to have resulted from a new strain of the virus, a genuine concern in light of recent reports from the World Health organisation that a number of these episodes had been the consequence a fresh strain of HIN1.
Is Swine Influenza And Avian Flu The Same?
Swine influenza and avian flu are both the products of a new strain of H1NI. The disparate strains affect different animals. Although a number of recent reports have argued differently, Bird flu is ordinarily confined to birds, although like Swine flu, it can be contracted by humans and pigs.
Are We Right To Be Cautious About Swine And Avian Flu?
In Mexico (the source of the virus) all non essential businesses have recently been subject to a complete close down. In addition, a nationwide closure of schools is already in effect. However, all essential business like hospitals, supermarkets, hospitals and pharmacies remained open. In the UK to date, five school children have been isolated due to suspected symptoms, whilst nine more cases have come to light over the last 24 hours. However, speaking on the news, and discussion programs, health officials and GPs alike, have come forward to express their firm belief that the virus is under control, and that patients have begun to respond to treatment with anti viral medication. In relation, Mexico has also claimed to have halted the progression of the virus.
We should however take stock of the fact that the virus is spread through germ particles, sent through the air when we sneeze or cough. We ourselves are able to take a number of small precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus. For example, sneezing into your hand will lead to the residue being left on surfaces, for others to touch and become exposed to. An infected person can potentially spread the disease through the air. In direct response, facial masks are being produced 24 hours a day to meet the high demand, and although they are not infallible, they can potentially serve to at least reduce your chance of contracting the virus.
Should You Consult Your Doctor If You Suspect You Have Avian Or Swine Flu?
It is imperative that you consult your doctor if you suspect you have been infected with either strain. Medical experts are equipped to diagnose your condition, and to identify the most suitable course of treatment.
Swine flu Treatment
Swine flu information – Influenza Swine flu Treatment Information
The number of people diagnosed with Swine flu in Britain is on the rise, with nine more people being confirmed as having the disease, bringing the total up to 27. With the world on constant alert, we have seen two confirmed cases in the capital and one in Newcastle, with an additional 230 being tested in England alone.
What Are The Symptoms Of Swine flu?
The symptoms of Swine flu information are not dissimilar to that of ordinary flu, thus a patient will experience fever, cough, sore throat body aches, chills and fatigue. However, all UK symptoms thus far, have been mild in nature, irrespective of fatalities throughout Mexico and the US.
What Treatments Have Been Made Available For Swine flu?
The truth is there is no miracle cure for Swine flu. However, recent reports have shown that two forms of medication (Tamiflu and Relenza); have appeared to work well to control symptoms, and potentially cause them to reside. In addition, the drugs have also shown some success in preventing the transfer of the disease between humans. These anti viral drugs are essentially, medicines, developed to help reduce the duration of symptoms in people who are otherwise healthy.
In actual fact, the government initially began to stock pile around 33 million doses, and have since increased this to 50 million, showing a degree of faith in the drug’s potential. In terms of vaccines that are available, their effectiveness is not yet known, not to mention the fact that they will take a substantial period of time to develop.
Are There Any Side Effects With These Medications?
The main side effects of Tamiflu are nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Relenza is not recommended for individuals who have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung disease. Trust your doctor to understand your health situation and to prescribe the antiviral drug that’s safest for you.
Side effects will of course vary from patient to patient, and will depend upon how well a person takes to treatment. The fundamental side effects of these drugs will often include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In actual fact, Relenza has been deemed unsuitable due to its tendency to cause breathing problems, although many of these patients had previously been diagnosed with asthma or COPD. In addition, facial swelling and hives have been recorded in some patients.
What Medications Are Available For Swine flu?
Swine flu information – Influenza Swine flu Treatment Information
Generally speaking, there is no miracle cure for Swine flu information. However, two forms of medication; (Tamiflu and Relenza), have shown marked success in controlling the symptoms, eventually alleviating all effects.
In relation, the drugs have been known to prevent any human to human contraction. The government has in fact begun to stockpile around 50 million doses, showing real faith in its potential. Although anti-virals are not an adequate substitute for vaccines, they are a good port of call for prevention. Tamiflu is:
A proven anti viral. Tamiflu contains the active ingredient, (Oseltamivir) and has been designed specifically for the treatment of influenza. The drug helps to alleviate symptoms, and can potentially prevent any further cross contamination.
Relenza is:
A proven anti viral, consisting of the fundamental ingredient, Zanamivir. This medication was developed in an effort to target the associated effects of influenza. The medication comes in powder form, and belongs to the neuraminidase inhibitors group.
As mentioned, neither of these anti virals are miracle cures. However, throughout the UK and Europe, fatalities have been avoided with these of these drugs. The death toll is currently at 26, 25 of which is in Mexico, and one of which is in the US. This is of course irrespective of the increased production of these drugs, although the exact reasons as to why these cases could not be treated with anti-virals, is as yet, unknown. On the whole, cases have been kept in check with medication.
Are There Any Known Health Risks With Any Of The Medications?
As with all prescription medications, Tamiflu and Relenza are both subject to a number of possible side effects. Take time to research them before starting a new course. Equally, although Tamiflu and Relenza can generally be taking alongside other forms of medication, it is important that you inform your doctor in order to confirm whether this is possible.
There are a number of associated side effects with medications such as Tamiflu, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bronchitis, stomach pain, dizziness, and headache. Some might argue that these side effects are very similar to the effects of Swine flu. However, subsuming these, the FDA has reported that Tamiflu has in fact been proven to cause some mental illness (mostly in Japan). However, it has not been proven conclusively.
It is crucial that you consult with your doctor in order to fully identify whether you are going to eligible for this medication.
What Precautions Should Be Taken Before Beginning Any Course Of Anti Viral Treatment?
Before undergoing any course of medication, it is imperative that you consult your doctor to first identify whether you are suited to treatment, and of course to attain an accurate diagnosis of your condition. Only after this, will you be able to obtain a valid prescription. Equally, if you are aware of any allergies with any of the fundamental ingredients of Tamiflu or similar anti viral medications like Relenza, then you are advised to do the same.
Take time to research the effects and ingredients of a medication for yourself, before beginning any course.