Swine Flu

Transmission : 
It spreads like any other flu, through coughing and sneezing. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs could spread when a person touches something / or some surface that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. It can also spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from infected people on any surface and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands. Infected people are able to infect others 1 day before their own symptoms develop, and up to 7 or more days after they are infected. Young children may be infectious for longer periods. Unlike common belief swine influenza does not spread from eating pork or pork products. Once infected, people should confine themselves to their home and limit contact with others, generally for just over 7 days, to avoid further transmission to others. 

Prevention : 
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on any surface which people use commonly. So washing with soap and warm water frequently and thoroughly for a few seconds, or cleaning with alcohol-based hand cleaner will go a long way in preventing contamination. Keeping away from the immediate area of an outbreak is a must in prevention. Wearing surgical masks while traveling to infected areas, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue especially when you cough or sneeze, avoiding unnecessary touching of nose, mouth and eyes; avoiding close contact with sick people are some of the precautions you could take. Once infected, people should confine themselves to their home and limit contact with others, generally for just over 7 days, to avoid further transmission to others. Try to be in good general health by having nutritious food, enough rest and drinking plenty of water, cause weak people are likely to catch infections quickly.  

Treatment : 
Scientists are working on a 'seed' stock that could be made into a vaccine if necessary. But mass production of a vaccine would take months to develop. So for now there is no vaccine available for protection against swine flu. Meanwhile taking antiviral drugs will help to contain the flu as well as prevent it from leading to serious complications. It is best to take the drugs in the early stages of infection say within 2 days of infection. Drugs such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza) appears to be effective against this virus. However taking them as a precautionary measure before actually getting the infection is not good, as some forms of flu viruses have a tendency to develop resistance to the drugs. Antiviral medications also have side effects; Tami flu can cause headaches and gastrointestinal symptoms. Relenza which comes as an inhaling powder can be irritating to people with asthma.