SWINE FLU...............
Swine
Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A
influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine
influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks
occur during the late fall and winter months, similar to outbreaks of flu in humans.
The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first
isolated from a pig in 1930.
People
usually do not get swine flu, though there have been a few cases reported in
persons working in close proximity with pigs. Since the virus from the pigs has
to mutate so it can infect humans, and because people do not usually contract
the virus, they have no immunity against it.
So
when they do contract it, it can become hazardous.
The
current 2009 swine flu outbreak is due to a new strain of the virus, which is a
reassortment of different strains endemic in humans, birds and swine. This new
strain was not reported in pigs previously, and is sub typed as H1N1, though
other subtypes exist. It is contagious, and spreads from human-to-human
contact.
Difference in symptoms of swine flu and other types of flu?
Not
much. The basic symptoms for swine flu are similar to the seasonal flu, which
may include, fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body
aches, and fatigue, and sometimes, vomiting and diarrhoea.
How does it spread?
The
virus is actually transmitted by airborne droplets from an infected person’s
sneeze or cough; or from germs on hands.
Medication / vaccine for swine flu?
The
vaccine is being developed and will not be available for the next several
months. Medications are available not only to treat the infection but also to
prevent the disease. But these medications need to be used under a physician’s
guidance.
Diagnosis of human infections with swine influenza?
To
diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would need to be
collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is
most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children,
may shed virus for 7 days or longer.
Prevention of infection?
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and
water
• Try to stay in good health and be physically
active
• Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough
• Stay at home if you are ill.
•
If you develop symptoms suggesting the flu, stay away from work or public
transportation, call and see a doctor immediately
Is there confirmation of transmission between pigs and humans?
No
Is it safe to eat pork and pork products?
Yes.
The virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160 F/ 70C
Are some people more at risk?
More
data is needed regarding this, but in general, younger people, older people,
people who are
immunocompromised
and pregnant women are more vulnerable.
Is it safe to travel?
As
of now there are no travel restrictions. Limiting travel would have little
effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to
the global community. The focus now is on minimizing the impact of the virus.
So what exactly is swine flu?
Swine
flu is a form of influenza that is caused by strains of virus that usually
infects pigs. It’s a common infection among pigs in Midwestern US, Mexico, Canada,
South America, Europe,
Kenya,
Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of Asia.
Transmission
of the swine flu virus from pigs to humans is not common, though there have
been some reported cases earlier among people who work in close proximity with
pigs. Since the mid-twentieth century, only about fifty such transmissions have
been reported, the spread and disappearance being more localized.
But
the current strain of the microbe is resilient and fast-moving, and what’s even
more worrying is that it spreads from human-to-human contact, unlike the
earlier reported cases. This means that none of us are immune to the
possibility of infection.
Reports
indicate that the current strain is a new one of influenza A virus subtype
H1N1. The origin of this strain is unknown. World Organization of animal health
reports that this strain is not isolated in pigs, and other initial reports
describe it as an apparent re- assortment of at least four strains from humans,
birds and swine.
Besides
antivirals, palliative care focused on controlling fevers and maintaining fluid
balance goes a long way to ensure recovery. In fact, the majority of people
infected with swine flu make a full recovery without requiring medical
intervention or antiviral drugs.
Diagnosis
Since
symptoms mimic those for common flu, for a layperson, it is hard to tell them
apart. Medically, the virus is diagnosed by: (1) Throat/ nasopharyngeal swab,
and (2) blood samples for the antibodies.
Treatment
If
diagnosed early, swine flu is easy to treat, so there is no need for panic. The
US Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the WHO recommend the use of
Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for treating swine flu. Besides
antivirals, palliative care focused on controlling fevers and maintaining fluid
balance goes a long way to ensure recovery. In fact, the majority of people
infected with swine flu make a full recovery without requiring medical
intervention or antiviral drugs.
Prevention
A
new virus being developed is slated to be available only mid-2009. Till then,
adequate precautions against infection is absolutely essential in order to
prevent a global pandemic. Prevention has three components: (1) Prevention in
swine, (2) Prevention of transmission to humans, and (3) Prevention of it
spreading among humans.
Prevention in swine
•
Facility management
•
Herd management
•
Vaccination
Prevention of transmission to humans
•
Farmers working with pigs and veterinarians must use a face mask when dealing with
infected animals.
•
Wearing gloves when working with sick animals
Prevention of human to human transmission
•
Frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol- based hand
sensitizers, especially after being out in the public.
•
Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as sudden fever, cough or muscle aches
should stay away from work or public transportation, and contact a doctor to be
tested.
