How Swine Flu Is Spread, Symptoms,Treatments,and Prevention!Protect Yourself and Others!

The World Health Organization raised the influenza epidemic level from 4 to 5 on Wednesday, signalling that a pandemic is imminent, and urged countries to implement their pandemic plans.

The annoucement came as the number of people infected with swine flu increased rapidly across the world Wednesday, and health officials scrambled to get more information about the virus -- which has no vaccine.

"It's a virus that we've never seen before," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Swine Flu

Swine flu,or influenza is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by a certain strain of type A influenza virus.Outbreaks of Swine flu are not common among humans.Most people who get Swine flu are infected through contact with pigs.The severity of Swine flu in humans can vary from mild to severe.

How it spreads

Although people typically get Swine flu from contact with pigs,there have been many cases of person-to-person transmission.Experts think coughing,sneezing,and contaminated surfaces can spread the infection among people,but it's unknown how easily that happens.

Symptoms

The symptoms are similiar to those of the common flu;fever,cough,sore throat,body aches,headache,chills,and fatigue.Also,like the common flu,Swine flu may cuse a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.Symptoms of Diarrhea and vomiting have also been reported.Infection from the virus can lead to severe illness,including Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure which can be fatal.

Treatment

Antiviral drugs such as Oseltamivir,or Zanamivir are recommended for treatment and prevention of Swine flu.Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that keep flu viruses from reproducing in the body.Antiviral drugs work best if treatment is started within two days of the onset of symptoms.

Protecting yourself from the flu

While there are treatments for Swine flu,the best medicine is prevention.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick-you will prevent others from getting sick as well.

Always remember to cover your mouth and nose when you are coughing or sneezing.

Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.

Avoid touching your eyes,nose,and mouth to avoid germs or infection.

Practice other good health habits like getting plenty of sleep,being physically active,and eating well.

Swine Flu Questions

• What is swine flu?
• Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?
• How many swine flu viruses are there?
• Is this swine flu virus contagious?
• What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
• How serious is swine flu infection?
• How do you catch swine flu?
• Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
• How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
• What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
• How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
• What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
• What is the best way to keep from spreading the virus through coughing or sneezing?
• What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?
• What should I do if I get sick?
• Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?