Key Facts about the Swine Flu

What is Swine Influenza?

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 flu viruses cause high levels of illness and low death rates 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 in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

How many swine flu viruses are there?

Like all influenza viruses, swine flu viruses change constantly. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influenza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort (i.e. swap genes) and new viruses that are a mix of swine, human and/or avian influenza viruses can emerge. Over the years, different variations of swine flu viruses have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses. Swine Flu in Humans

Can humans catch swine flu?

Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans. However, sporadic human infections with swine flu have occurred. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others. For example, an outbreak of apparent swine flu infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections, and, although no community outbreak resulted, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from the patient to health care workers who had close contact with the patient.

How common is swine flu infection in humans?

In the past, CDC received reports of approximately one human swine influenza virus infection every one to two years in the U.S., but from December 2005 through February 2009, 12 cases of human infection with swine influenza have been reported.

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork and pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.

How does swine flu spread?

Influenza viruses can be directly transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs. Human infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are in close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human-to-human transmission of swine flu can also occur. This is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What do we know about human-to-human spread of swine flu?

In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman was hospitalized for pneumonia and died 8 days later. A swine H1N1 flu virus was detected. Four days before getting sick, the patient visited a county fair swine exhibition where there was widespread influenza-like illness among the swine.

In follow-up studies, 76% of swine exhibitors tested had antibody evidence of swine flu infection but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggest that one to three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.

How can human infections with swine influenza be diagnosed?

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally 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 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus requires sending the specimen to CDC for laboratory testing.

What medications are available to treat swine flu infections in humans? There are four different antiviral drugs that are licensed for use in the US for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans are resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses.

What other examples of swine flu outbreaks are there?

Probably the most well known is an outbreak of swine flu among soldiers in Fort Dix, New Jersey in 1976. The virus caused disease with x-ray evidence of pneumonia in at least 4 soldiers and 1 death; all of these patients had previously been healthy. The virus was transmitted to close contacts in a basic training environment, with limited transmission outside the basic training group. The virus is thought to have circulated for a month and disappeared. The source of the virus, the exact time of its introduction into Fort Dix, and factors limiting its spread and duration are unknown. The Fort Dix outbreak may have been caused by introduction of an animal virus into a stressed human population in close contact in crowded facilities during the winter. The swine influenza A virus collected from a Fort Dix soldier was named A/New Jersey/76 (Hsw1N1).

Guidance to those in affected areas and professionals

Residents of States with Swine Influenza Cases

CDC has identified human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in people in the U.S. CDC is working with local and state health agencies to investigate these cases. We have determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, we have not determined how easily the virus spreads between people. As with any infectious disease, we are recommending precautionary measures for people residing in these areas.

* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
* Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
* Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
* If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

There is no vaccine available at this time, so it is important for people living in these areas to take steps to prevent spreading the virus to others. If people are ill, they should attempt to stay at home and limit contact with others. Healthy residents living in these areas should take everyday preventive actions.

People who live in these areas who develop an illness with fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea, should contact their health care provider. Their health care provider will determine whether influenza testing is needed.

Clinicians

Clinicians should consider the possibility of swine influenza virus infections in patients presenting with febrile respiratory illness who

1. Live in an area where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) has been identified or
2. Have traveled to an area where human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) has been identified or
3. Have been in contact with ill persons from these areas in the 7 days prior to their illness onset.

If swine flu is suspected, clinicians should obtain a respiratory swab for swine influenza testing and place it in a refrigerator (not a freezer). Once collected, the clinician should contact their state or local health department to facilitate transport and timely diagnosis at a state public health laboratory.

State Public Health Laboratories

Laboratories should send all unsubtypable influenza A specimens as soon as possible to the Viral Surveillance and Diagnostic Branch of the CDC’s Influenza Division for further diagnostic testing.

Public Health /Animal Health Officials

Officials should conduct thorough case and contact investigations to determine the source of the swine influenza virus, extent of community illness and the need for timely control measures.

http://newsge.wordpress.com/2009/05/02/key-facts-about-the-swine-flu/

swine flu

انفلونزا الخنازير / swine flue
سؤال و جواب
منقولة عن موقع منظمة الصحة العالمية
الأحد 26 أبريل 2009

س : ما هي إنفلونزا الخنازير؟
ج : هو مرض صدري حاد شديد العدوى يصيب الخنازير ، ينتج عن واحد من الفيروسات العديدة لإنفلونزا الخنازير من النوع أ وتعتبر نسبة انتشار المرض عالية بينما تنخفض نسبة الوفيات (1-4%) ، وتنتشر الفيروسات بين الخنازير عن طريق الرذاذ والاتصال المباشر وغير المباشر ، والخنازير الحاملة للمرض التي لا تظهر عليها الأعراض ، تقوم العديد من الدول بشكل روتيني بتحصين الخنازير ضد إنفلونزا الخنازير .

وفيروسات إنفلونزا الخنازير هي في العادة من النوع الفرعي (هـ1 ن1) لكن أنواعا فرعية أخرى تنتشر بين الخنازير ( على سبيل المثال : هـ1 ن2 ، هـ3 ن1 هـ3 ن 2 ) كما يمكن للخنازير أيضا أن تصاب بفيروسات إنفلونزا الطيور ، والإنفلونزا الموسمية التي تصيب لإنسان إضافة لفيروسات إنفلونزا الخنازير ويعتقد أن الفيروس (هـ3 ن2) قد انتقل إلى الخنازير أولا من الإنسان.
وفي بعض الأحيان تصاب الخنازير بأكثر من نوع من الفيروسات في وقت واحد ، مما يسمح لجينات تلك الفيروسات بأن تختلط مما يؤدي إلى ظهور فيروس للإنفلونزا يحتوي على جينات من أكثر من مصدر ، وعلى الرغم من أن فيروسات إنفلونزا الخنازير ، هي عادة من أنواع متخصصة تصيب الخنازير فقط ، فإنها تتخطى حاجز النوع لتسبب المرض للإنسان

س : ما هي التأثيرات على صحة الإنسان ؟
ج: تم تسجيل بعض حالات الإصابات البشرية الفردية أو الجماعية بعدوى نفلونزا الخنازير ، وتتشابه الأعراض في العموم مع أعراض الإنفلونزا الموسمية لكن الحالات الإكلينيكية المسجلة قد تتراوح في طيف عريض بين الإصابة بدون أعراض ، والالتهاب الرئوي الشديد المؤدي للوفاة . ولأن الحالات الإكلينيكية النمطية للإصابة بإنفلونزا الخنازير تتشابه مع الإصابات الموسمية وحالات لإصابة الحادة الأخرى للجزء العلوي من الجهاز التنفسي فقد تم اكتشاف أغلب الحالات بالمصادفة خلال المسوح الموسمية للإنفلونزا كما يمكن للحالات الخفيفة أو منعدمة الأعراض أن تهرب دون التعرف عليها ومن ثم فإن المدى الحقيقي لانتشار المرض بين البشر غير معروف
س - لماذا انتشار المرض يثير المشاكل؟
ج : يشعر العلماء بالقلق دائماً عند ظهور فيروس جديد يكون بمقدوره الانتقال من الحيوان إلى الإنسان ، ومن ثم من الإنسان إلى آخر . ففي هذه الحالة ، قد تطور طفرة لدى الفيروس ، ما يجعل من الصعوبة بمكان معالجته.
س: هل حدث أن اندلع المرض في وقت سابق؟
ج: وقعت إصابات بالمرض بين عام 2005 ويناير 2009 حيث أصيب 12 شخصاً بالفيروس في الولايات المتحدة غير أنه لم تقع أي حالة وفاة بالمرض وفي عام 2007 ، وردت أنباء عن إصابات بالفيروس في كل من الولايات المتحدة وإسبانيا وفي عام 1988، أصيبت سيدة أمريكية حامل بالفيروس ، وتلقت العلاج لكنها توفيت بعد أسبوع وفي عام 1976، تم الإعلان عن إصابة 200 شخص ، وأعلن عن حالة وفاة واحدة.





س : كيف تحدث الإصابة البشرية؟
ج : يلتقط الناس عادة إنفلونزا الخنازير من الخنازير المصابة ورغم ذلك فإن بعض الحالات البشرية التي أصيبت كانت تفتقد في تاريخها المرضي للاتصال بالخنازير ، أو التواجد في بيئات تتواجد فيها الخنازير ، وقد تم تسجيل الانتقال من إنسان إلى إنسان في بعض الحالات التي حدث فيها اتصال قريب ، أو بين المجموعات المغلقة من البشر.

س : هل هو آمن أن تأكل لحم الخنزير أو منتجات الخنازير؟
ج : نعم ، لم يحدث انتقال لإنفلونزا الخنازير إلى البشرعبر لحم ومنتجات الخنازير التي تم تداولها وإعدادها بالشكل السليم حيث يتم قتل فيروس الإنفلونزا لدى الطهي عند درجات حرارة 160 فهرنهايت / 70 درجة مئوية ناهيك عن التوجيهات العامة في إعداد اكل من لحم الخنزير وسائر اللحوم ( هذا نص دليل منظمة الصحة لكن الشريعة الإسلامية تنص على تحريم أكل لحم الخنزير ).
س : أي دول تأثرت بتفشي المرض بين الخنازير؟
ج : إنفلونزا الخنازير ليس من بين الأمراض التي يتم الإبلاغ عنها لدى السلطات الدولية لصحة الحيوان ومن ثم فإن انتشاره في أوساط البشر ليس معروفا بشكل كاف ، ويعتبر المرض متوطنا في الولايات المتحدة ، كما أنه من المعروف أن المرض قد حدث وتفشى بين الخنازير في كل من أمريكا الشمالية والجنوبية وأوروبا وفي ذلك المملكة المتحدة والسويد وإيطاليا وإفريقيا ( كينيا ) ، وفي أجزاء من شرق آسيا ( الصين واليابان ).

س : ماذا عن خطر الانتشار الوبائي؟
ج : من المحتمل أن أغلب الناس خاصة أولئك الذين ليس لهم اتصال منتظم بالخنازير ، ليست لديهم مناعة ضد فيروسات إنفلونزا الخنازير ، تمنعهم من الإصابة بالفيروس ، فإذا حدث انتقال ذو كفاءة لفيروس الخنازير من الإنسان إلى الإنسان فإن ذلك قد يتسبب في حدوث وباء للإنفلونزا ، ومن الصعب التنبؤ بتأثيرات ذلك الوباء الناتج عن هذا الفيروس إذ يعتمد ذلك على شدة الفيروس والمناعة الموجودة بين البشر ، والحماية المتقاطعة بالأجسام المضادة الناتجة عن الإصابة بالإنفلونزا الموسمية والعوامل الحاضنة لها.
س: ولكن ، ألم تُهلك الانفلونزا العادية الكثير من الناس؟
ج : بالفعل، فإن الانفلونزا العادية تودي بحياة ما بين 250 ألفاً إلى 500 ألف شخص سنوياً، إلا أن ما يثير قلق المسؤولين هو ظهور سلالة جديدة من الفيروس يمكن أن ينتشر بسرعة بين الناس ، فيما لا تتوفر مناعة طبيعية لديهم كما لا يتوافر علاج له ، حيث يستغرق تطوير العلاج شهوراً عديدة.
س : هل هناك لقاح بشري للوقاية من إنفلونزا الخنازير؟
ج : ليست هناك لقاحات تحتوي على فيروس إنفلونزا الخنازير الحالي المتسبب في المرض بين البشر وليس معروفا إذا كانت لقاحات الإنفلونزا الموسمية يمكن أن تعطي أي حماية أم لا من المهم استحداث لقاح ضد نوع الفيروس السائر حاليا حتى يعطي أقصى حماية المحصنين من البشر ، ومن ثم فإن منظمة الصحة العالمية في حاجة إلى الوصول إلى العديد من الفيروسات لاختيار الفيروس الأنسب لاستخدامه في صنع اللقاح.

س : ما هي الأدوية المتاحة للعلاج؟
ج : الأدوية المضادة للفيروسات التي تستخدم في الإنفلونزا الموسمية متاحة في بعض البلدان ، وهي تمنع وتعالج المرض بفعالية ، وهناك صنفان من تلك الأدوية :





1- الأدامانتينات adamantanes ، أمانتادين amantadine ، و ريمانتادين remantadine
2- مثبطات إنزيم الإنفلونزا
أوزيلتاميفير oseltamivir و زاناميفير zanamivir ومعظم الحالات المسجلة سابقا لإنفلونزا الخنازير تعافت تماما من المرض دون أن تتطلب انتباها طبيا أو علاجا دوائيا مضادا للفيروسات
وقد اكتسبت بعض فيروسات الإنفلونزا مناعة ضد الأدوية المضادة للفيروسات مما يتسبب في محدودية تأثير الوقاية الكيميائية والعلاج ، وقد كانت الفيروسات المعزولة من الحالات البشرية الحديثة المصابة بإنفلونزا الخنازير في الولايات المتحدة حساسة لـ أوزيلتاميفير oseltamivir و زاناميفير zanamivir ومقاومة لـ أمانتادين amantadine و ريمانتادين remantadine
لكن المعلومات غير كافية لإعطاء نصائح حول استخدام مضادات الفيروسات في منع ومعالجة الإصابة بفيروس إنفلونزا الخنازير ، فعلى الإكلينيكيين أن يتخذوا قراراتهم بناء على التقييم الإكلينيكي والوبائي ، وتقدير الأضرار والمنافع التي تقع من وقاية/علاج المريض بها.
وفيما يخص التفشي القائم حاليا في كل من الولايات المتحدة والمكسيك فإن السلطات المحلية والقومية توصي باستخدام أوزيلتاميفير oseltamivir و زاناميفير zanamivir للعلاج والوقاية بناء على صورة قابلية الفيروس.

Swine Flu Cases in U.S States updated June 01 2009

U.S States wise Statistics of Swine Flu cases

updated: Jun 01, 2009

States	Confirmed/ Probable Cases	Deaths
Wisconsin	1641
Texas	1403	3
Illinois	1103	3
California	804
New York	605	4
Washington	575	1
Arizona	547	4
Massachusetts	470
Utah	247	1
Michigan	234
Connecticut	196
Florida	166
Oregon	148
Indiana	146
Pennsylvania	123
Louisiana	122
Delaware	121
New Mexico	108
Tennessee	104
Nevada	102
Alabama	84
Oklahoma	82
Kansas	79
Kentucky**	77
New Jersey	74
Hawaii	73
Iowa	71
Colorado	61
Minnesota	60
Maryland	48
South Carolina	46
Nebraska	43
New Hampshire	40
Missouri	36	1
Virginia	31
Georgia	29
Ohio	23
Washington, D.C.	20
Mississippi	16
Montana	14
North Carolina	14
Rhode Island	14
Idaho	13
Maine	11
Arkansas	7
South Dakota	7
North Dakota	6
Vermont	3
West Virginia	3
Wyoming	2
Alaska	1
Total (51)	10053	17

The total 10053 Swine Flu (H1N1) cases have been reported in 51 U.S states including 17 deaths.

Sources by: CDC

Swine (H1N1) Flu Cases in 62 Countries

updated: June 01 2009

Mexico: 119 more new Swine flu cases have been reported in Mexico including 12 deaths, the total of 5029 H1N1 flu laboratory confirmed cases reported with 97 deaths in Mexico.

USA: There are 1048 new confirmed Swine (H1N1) flu cases reported in United States including 4 deaths. The cumulative total reach to 8975 cases with 15 deaths.

Canada: 218 new Swine Flu cases reported in Canada with 0 death. The cumulative total reach to 1336 H1N1 flu cases with 2 deaths.

Australia: 150 newly confirmed cases reported in Australia with 0 deaths. Australia reaches to 297 cases of Swine Flu.

The more new cases of H1N1 flu reported in countries.

China 22, Chile 85, Colombia 3, Costa Rica 4, Cyprus 1, Ecuador 7, El Salvador 16, Estonia 1, France 3, Germany 9, Greece 1, Guatemala 7, Honduras 1, Ireland 1, Israel 8, Italy 3, Jamaica 2, Japan 6, Belgium 4, Bolivia 3, Brazil 8, Paraguay 5, Peru 5, Philippines 10, Russia 1, Singapore 1, Slovakia 1, Spain 35, Switzerland 4, Turkey 2, United Kingdom (UK) 26, Argentina 63, Bahamas 1.

The cumulative total 17398 of Swine (H1N1) flu confirmed cases have been reported in 62 countries including 115 deaths.

Country	Cumulative Cases	Deaths
USA	8975	15
Mexico	5029	97
Canada	1336	2
Japan	370
Australia	297
Chile	250
UK	229
Spain	178
Panama	107
Argentina	100
China	52
Ecuador	39
Costa Rica	37	1
Peru	36
Korea	33
Italy	29
Germany	28
El Salvador	27
France	24
Colombia	20
Israel	19
Brazil	18
Kuwait	18
Philippines	16
Belgium	12
Guatemala	12
Uruguay	11
New Zealand	9
Switzerland	8
Paraguay	5
Singapore	5
Cuba	4
Greece	4
Ireland	4
Norway	4
Poland	4
Sweden	4
Turkey	4
Bolivia	3
Finland	3
Netherlands	3
Romania	3
Russia	3
Dominican Republic	2
Honduras	2
Jamaica	2
Malaysia	2
Slovakia	2
Thailand	2
Venezuela	2
Austria	1
Bahamas	1
Bahrain	1
Cyprus	1
Czech Republic	1
Denmark	1
Estonia	1
Hungary	1
Iceland	1
India	1
Portugal	1
Viet Nam	1
Total (62 countries)	17398	115

Soruces by: WHO

Swine Flu Treatment

In humans
If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Beside antivirals, palliative care, at home or in hospital, focuses on controlling fevers and maintaining fluid balance. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses, however, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs. The virus isolates in the 2009 outbreak have been found resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.

In swine

As swine influenza is rarely fatal to pigs, little treatment beyond rest and supportive care is required. Instead veterinary efforts are focused on preventing the spread of the virus throughout the farm, or to other farms. Vaccination and animal management techniques are most important in these efforts. The modern pork industry also uses antibiotics, which although they have no effect against the influenza virus, do help prevent bacterial pneumonia and other secondary infections in influenza-weakened herds.
source : www.swinefluvirus.wordpress.com

Losing Money in Swine Flu Penny Stocks

Don't be a victim of the coming swine flu drop-off. Many people are going to lose money on recent penny stock investments which they made into companies that combat, prevent, or diagnose the illness. Of ten companies we looked into, only one passed Leeds Analysis, while the other nine are heavily over-valued.
At Peter Leeds Penny Stock we took a look into 10 penny stocks whose revenues may increase due to the rise of Swine Flu.

We had some startling findings, including that we expect 9 out of the 10 to drop pretty significantly in price. The other one is pretty fundamentally and financially strong, with some upside potential, and may be able to avoid the coming "Swine Flu Drop-Off."

The companies were GMED, INSM, VICL, SIGA, PURE, DVAX, NVAX, SVA, HGSI, and HEB.

DVAX should do well with or without the Swine Flu effect, because it's a solid company with strong upside. We can't say the same for the other penny stocks we researched.

Here is their problem with the nine companies we mentioned:

As Swine Flu spread, investors bought into these companies very aggressively. This resulted in share prices increasing dramatically. For example, consider NVAX which went from $0.80 per share to $3.88 in a couple of days.

Unless you get in at the very start, you'll wind up significantly over-paying. Just take a look at the 60% collapse in NVAX immediately following it's big rise.

There is an unfortunate truth about life cycles of buying stampedes, and that is most traders involved with it will end up losing.

I understand the logic of the traders. Swine Flu is running rampant, and people will need the help of the penny stock companies listed above.

Unfortunately, if you buy shares worth $0.50 cents, but you pay $2 per share, you'd better hope for a bigger pandemic than world has ever known. Otherwise, you're investment will come back down to earth. Of course, the fact that millions don't die from Swine Flu should provide you with some consolation.

Our selection, Dynavax (DVAX), was chosen based on their proven management team, improving financial situation, and strong fundamentals. The share price increase that DVAX enjoyed from speculation into infectious disease companies is welcomeScience Articles, but not a reason to invest on it's own.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

Pigs, Relativity, Statistics and What Sells…

I am blown away by the psychosis going on worldwide about this new flu virus that very sadly killed a number of people in Mexico. It is not at all my intention to undermine the danger or the gravity and tragedy for the families who lost their loved ones to this virus. However, I would like a little bit of relativity and perspective in media coverage and allow people to live a normal life, without the phobia of some obscure virus.

Here are some statistics:

In 2007, there were 41,059 road deaths in the US. This, by the way, was the lowest since 1994. It is a pretty high number really if you bring it back to the reality of distraught families, children, parents, husbands and wives. Everybody can somehow relate to that. I lived in the Cayman Islands for 7 years. That number is more or less the population of the island I lived on. So in one year, it would be like almost an entire –albeit small – country destroyed.

Now let’s look at it from another perspective: There are just over 300 million inhabitants in the US. Going back to my 4th or 5th grade class (or was it later or earlier?), let me see if I can come up with a percentage. Please correct me if I am wrong: 41,059 out of 300,000,000 comes to about 0.013% of the population. It doesn’t seem like a lot any more, does it?

Cancer deaths are in the 500,000 yearly. That’s approximately 0.17% of the population. Cardiovascular diseases claim around 900,000 lives on average, i.e. 0.3% of the population. The total death rate in the US in 2008 was 8.27 per 1000 population, in other words 0.8%. The average death rate in Africa is about 13 or 14 per 1000, which is almost double. Some African countries reach the sad record of close to 30 per 1000.

So back to the US: As I am writing this, the airwaves are raving all over the world about 40 cases of a new form of flu that has not killed anyone yet in this country. 40 cases!!!! Out of 300 million people living in the US! Do you want to know what percentage that is of non-dead people? 0.00013%!!! Since when is that an epidemic?

Why have we been hearing about this constantly over the last few days? Airlines are cancelling flights to Mexico, people are cancelling their vacation… We have created a phobia! There are, as I write this, about 1600 alleged cases of the swine flu in Mexico, 149 confirmed deaths. There are almost 110 million inhabitants in Mexico, about 20 million of which are in Mexico City. Do I need to do the math?

Can we focus on the fact that 99.99987% of the American population does not have the swine flu? Can we focus on the fact that, this year, 99.2% of the American population is actually going to live and enjoy life? Can we remember that thousands of people drive their car every day and come back home safe? Can we be aware of all the life around us and enjoy it?

I would like to dare the media, just for one week, to show only positive news, to show the reality of the world and not just the drama, blood and twisted news that they always show. For each car crash that makes the headline, there have been thousands of safe trips in the very same spot. For each case of the swine fluScience Articles, there are thousands healthy and happy kids in schools’ playground. Let’s put things into perspective and carry on living life!

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Sneaked into Hong Kong- Swine Flu

Yes, you must’ve heard it already. Spine Flu is no more a virgin word. It’s caused by spine influenza virus that usually affects pigs. However, the new swine flu having prospective ecumenical affects is a new strain of virus, H1N1 strain, A type, containing genes of the swine influenza.

News is spreading like wild fire with warning that the swine flu can be transmitted via aerial droplets, for example when sneezing, or via saliva or feces. Clinical symptoms generally seen are: fever, widespread pain, fatigue, nose catarrh and cough.

There have been cases in Mexico reported to have human-to-human transmission. Although many countries have been controlling airplanes to stop the virus from turning into an epidemic, there was a 25 year old man tested positive in Hong Kong recently.

Although it was said that the virus might not touch Asia, Hong Kong has gone frantic with its attempts to isolate the person affected and give him appropriate treatment. They have actually tried tracking down every person who possibly had contact with the man while his travel from Mexico via Shanghai.

There were two taxi drivers who assisted the Mexican and if they are infected and they don’t appear, there shall be bad consequences. It’s a critical time in Hong Kong.

The attendants in the hotels where the Mexican was staying were quarantined for seven days. It is however an international joke that the Metropark hotel has been locked up even though most people in the hotel have not even contacted with the infected man and overseas tourist are under vigilance for seven days.

China is soon to suspend all flights from Mexico to avoid further prospective infects. These frenetic preventive steps are because they’ve been through a painful epidemic with painful nostalgia carrying it, the SARS breakout which had taken away many innocent lives in its vicious circle.

Gearing up to fight the disease with facial masks in restaurants and on public transport, the spirit of the city hasn’t dampened as it hasn’t canceled any concerts and shows that are scheduled to happen in Hong Kong. Prevention is surely better than cureHealth Fitness Articles, but there isn’t any harm having fun while prevention. Don’t you think?


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swine flu also affect football

Fact that the purpose of the 'swine flu' pandemic flu to call off the middle of the world, according to the World Animal Health Organization or Oie is mistaken. For this new virus strain is a combination of a bird virus, human and pig.

Be Oie, this pathogen is not a virus but the virus of human classic characteristics that include a component of the virus avian (bird), pigs and humans.

"The virus was not isolated until now in the animals. Therefore, it is not properly designate the disease of swine influenza," the agency statement of animal health bermarkas in Paris, France is reported as AFP, Selasa (28/4/2009).
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Added OIE, science, science will show whether the virus is circulating between the livestock and the results will determine whether countries have acted properly prohibit the import of swine.

Back OIE, human flu epidemic in the past that come from animals have been named according to geographical origin, such as the Spanish flu. "It is logical to call this disease 'influenza North America," Oie origin.

In an interview with AFP, the Director General Bernard Vallat Oie states there is no evidence that swine flu virus is actually derived from animals and pigs.

"Yet there is evidence that this virus, currently circulating among humans, actually comes from animals. There is no element to support this," Vallat firm.

Added Vallat, it is not fair to punish the pig breeder who put out their life's business, discuss the risks that have not been proven at all. Moreover, according to him, so far no one can show how or where the strain of virus was new.

WHY only in Mexico ..? Swine flu had started to spread all over the world. However, outside of Mexico, this new type of virus does not kill. Why only in Mexico this virus to kill people?

"The main questions is why so far only death occurred in Mexico, although not many in number? Why are other countries in the light infection?" so write Reuters, Tuesday (29/4/2009).

Far in Mexico has occurred 26 cases of the disease is caused by the H1N1 virus. Mexican authorities claim the virus has killed 149 people, but except for 7 cases of death, the rest is still investigation.

Overall, the WHO confirmed 79 cases receiving the swine flu ascertained. In them there are 40 in the U.S., 26 Mexico, Canada 6, 2 Spanish, English 2, and 3 New Zealand. With the exception of Mexico, the cases in other places does not result in death.

Currently more than 15 WHO epidemiology expert has to be Mexican government to help overcome the spread of disease. They help collect new data to ensure the virus in the sample test to identify the disease more recently.

Definitive with the outbreak of swine flu, Mexican origin Arsenal striker Carlos Vela was told not to attend the training sessions in which the Premier League club that is concerned with the outbreak of swine flu that has been eating the victim.

Vela, 20 years old, or are not going to Mexico of late. However, he gets visits from his friends last week and after a series of tests as a precaution.

Players who have appear 12 times for The Gunner this season but that could accompany his team against Manchester United, fight in the first leg Champions League semifinal at Old Trafford Stadium, Wednesday (29 / 4).

"He was not released for the exercise. I have to remain at home and not allowed to practice. Meksikonya friends mengunjunginya last weekHealth Fitness Articles," he said.

need more >> http://football-442.blogspot.com

Swine Flu Causes Mexico Cruise Itinerary Changes

During the last 24 hours, cruise lines have made dramatic changes in itineraries and other policies due to the swine flu outbreak. These changes have affected dozens of cruise ships that visit Mexico ports and thousands of passengers. Here is the latest information on cruise itinerary alterations:

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled all current and future Mexico port calls for any sailings through May 4, 2009. This change affects 15 out of 22 of the cruise line's ships. Itineraries have only been announced for 7 of the ships:

* Carnival Ecstacy: Current sailing will remain at sea instead of visiting Mexican ports. A new itinerary is to be announced for future cruises later today.

* Carnival Fantasy: The current sailing will call at Key West today and remain at sea instead of visiting Mexican ports. A new itinerary is to be announced for future cruises later today.

* Carnival Conquest: The ship will remain at sea instead of calling on Cozumel.

* Carnival Legend: The current sailing will remain at sea today instead of visiting Cozumel. A new itinerary is to be announced later today.

* Carnival Valor: The current sailing will visit Key West instead of Cozumel. A new itinerary is to be announced for future cruises later today.

* Carnival Paradise: The current sailing will remain at sea instead of visiting Ensenada. A new itinerary is to be announced for future cruises later today.

* Carnival Imagination: The current sailing will visit Nassau instead of Cozumel. A new itinerary is to be announced for future cruises later today.

* Carnival Splendor: The current sailing will visit San Francisco instead of Cabo San Lucas. A new itinerary is to be announced for future cruises later today.

Carnival is still working on the itinerary changes for its remaining ships scheduled to visit ports in Mexico. Call your travel agent for more information and options. For more information, visit: http://www.carnival.com/cms/fun/cruise_control/itinerary_updates.aspx

DISNEY

The Disney Magic will call at Nassau, Bahamas instead of Cozumel on May 6. No future changes have been announced at this time.

HOLLAND AMERICA

Holland America has cancelled Mexico ports of call for all five spring sailings with Mexico on their itineraries.

* Ryndam will now be calling at San Diego, Los Angeles, Catalina Island and Victoria, BC.

New itineraries for the Statendam, Westerdam, Zuiderdam, and the May 1 Veendam sailing have not been announced at this time. We understand that Holland America is allowing guests on these cruises to cancel or switch to different dates. For more information, however, call your travel agent and visit: http://www.hollandamerica.com/news/Main.action?tabName=Travel+Advisories

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Norwegian has cancelled the Norwegian Pearl's Acapulco and Cabo San Lucas calls. The ship will visit San Diego on May 2 instead. Norwegian's cruise itineraries do not include planned visits to Mexico until late September, 2009.

PRINCESS CRUISES

Princess Cruises has cancelled all remaining Mexico port calls for its spring season cruises. This affects six ships as they reposition to Alaska:

* Sapphire Princess: The current sailing will visit San Diego and Catalina instead of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas. The ship's new itinerary for the May 2 sailing will be Santa Barbara, San Diego and San Francisco instead of its planned Mexico calls. The ship will make a quick call in Ensenada, Mexico in order to qualify as an international cruise under U.S. laws, but passenger will not be allowed to get off the ship. Princess is now offering some compensation to passengers: http://www.princess.com/news/article.jsp?newsArticleId=na1019

* Island Princess, Pacific Princess, Coral Princess and Sea Princess: Rather than calling in Mexico, the ship will stay at sea or call at yet to be named ports as it repositions to Alaska. Additional details on the changes are to be announced later today.

For more information, call your travel agent and visit: http://www.princess.com/news/article.jsp?newsArticleId=na1010

ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND CELEBRITY

All of Royal Caribbean's calls in Mexico ports have been cancelled "for the immediate future." This change affects six Royal Caribbean ships:

* Enchantment of the Seas: On Monday 5-night sailings, the ship will spend more time in Key West and a day at sea instead of visiting Cozumel. On Thursday 4-night sailings, the ship will spend more time in Key West and visit Nassau, Bahamas instead of Cozumel. On Saturday 5-night sailings, the ship will visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica instead of visiting Cozumel.

* Freedom of the Seas: The ship will spend more time in Grand Cayman and an additional day at see instead of visiting Cozumel.

* Liberty of the Seas: The ship will visit Royal Caribbean's private island, Coco Cay, instead of calling on Cozumel.

* Mariner of the Seas: This ship has a major itinerary change on all sailings through June 14. Instead of visiting 3 Mexico ports, the ship will call on San Francisco, Seattle, and Victoria, British Columbia. The May 10 sailing will call on Astoria, Oregon instead of San Francisco. Due to the extensive nature of the itinerary change, passengers are able to call their travel agent or Royal Caribbean at 1-800-327-6700 for compensation and rebooking.

* Serenade of the Seas: The current repositioning cruise will visit San Diego instead of Cabo San Lucas.

* Radiance of the Seas: The ship's current repositioning cruise will do an extended overnight port call in San Diego and an extra day at sea instead of its 3 port calls in Mexico.

* Celebrity Infinity: The ship will skill its 3 port calls in Mexico. More information on the ship's new itinerary is not yet available.

For more information, contact your travel agent and visit http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/itineraryUpdates.do

Bird Flu And You: How Will The Flu Affect You?

Flu is a common disease nowadays, with most people having developed the antibodies to fight against the disease. So the mention of "flu" doesn’t really create any alarm. However, say "bird flu" and there’s likely to be a pandemonium.

Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a highly pathogenic virus of 15 types. The virus spreads to poultry through direct or close contact with nasal secretions, saliva and feces of infected birds. What is alarming about this virus is that it has the ability to rapidly mutate into different forms that can affect human beings. Believed to be worse than the SARS outbreak, the bird flu outbreak brought millions of dead birds worldwide and at least 70 people dead in Asia.

From a not-so-harmful H5N2 virus strain, it can mutate into a killer virus with a low spread rate once the virus is transmitted to a bird. The virus has an incubation period of six to nine months before it becomes a full-blown, deadly pathogen. A bird that has been infected with the virus but has survived the disease continues to carry the virus in its body for more than week. When this happens, the bird passes on the disease to other birds that come in close contact with its secretions, saliva and feces.

Bird flu and ordinary human flu have the almost the same symptoms. These symptoms are fever, muscle pains and cough. This is the reason that a person who is actually infected with bird flu may be mistakenly diagnosed as simply having ordinary flu. However, bird flu symptoms can escalate into several life-threatening conditions. Some of these life-threatening conditions are lung inflammation, eye infections and pneumonia.

Because of the severity of symptoms of bird flu infection, the World Health Organization (WHO) is in the midst of a widespread effort to prevent the virus from infecting humans, particularly those whose who depend on poultry and livestock as their livelihood.

Bird flu virus and its subtypes can easily mutate into other forms. For example, the virus that was transferred from one animal to another is the H5N2 strain. However, the virus mutated into the H5N1 strain, which has been responsible for the death of at least 50 people. It is a very surprising discovery how these viruses can mutate itself from pathogens that can harm humans as it had started with birds.

In Asia, the countries plagued by the avian flu are Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia, South Korea, China, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Russia, Thailand. In Europe, Turkey, Romania and Croatia are the hardest hit by the disease.

WHO has issued a warning to travelers to these countries to avoid going to live poultry markets, getting close contact to any farms and having direct exposure to feathers, feces or droppings, eggs and poultry meat products. Travelers need to know that most contamination occurs during the slaughtering of poultry and being in direct contact with fecal matter.
No travel advisory has been issued restricting anyone from going to countries with the H5N2 strain. Travelers coming from afflicted countries are also not being screened. However, precautionary measures are in place, particularly in the media. Information is being disseminated in order to make people aware of the bird flu, its effects and what to do to avoid getting infected.

To date, no vaccines have been developed or available to fight the illness. However, anti-viral medicines are being used as alternatives in helping alleviate the severity of symptoms on those infected. While M2 inhibitors would be helpful, the body tends to develop resistance to those, diminishing the efficiency and effectivity of inhibitors.

The bird flu problem is both a government and global issue. Governments are in charge of making reliable declarations, initiating studies and putting objective measures in place. There is no reason to panic if the virus has not reached your area yet. The best thing you can do is to take practical steps in taking of your body and helping it build resistance to any kind of illnesses.

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Swine Flu Prevention

There is a lot of anxiety among our society concerning the Swine Flu. It wouldn't be my personal preference to catch the illness because it seems to give a hard swift punishment to the victim. This strain can carry morph into any one of the three strains of influenza. Pigs do carry influenza viruses and can adapt or morph in humans. The swine flu can also change to infect birds, causing the strain to switch genes and create a pandemic.

Like any type of new illness there are precautions people can take to prevent infection and the spread of the Swine Flu. It natural for people to cough directly into their hands. All the germs coming from the reparatory system are transported from the internal body and passed along to places, like car keys, door knobs, drinking fountains, and door handles. This can devastate the main population if one is carrying the actual Swine Flu. Create a habit of coughing into your shoulder or into your arm to minimize the spread of all germs and not just the Swine Flu.

At night it would be favorable to spray Lysol spray on light switches, toilet seats, toilet handles, freezer and fridge handles to kill the Swine flu and other bacteria. Lysol is a powerful deterrent to assist in the spread of germs, and illness. Pump bottles of hand sanitizer will help kill the germs on the surface of the skin and can assist in preventing the spread of the Swine flu. But there is a more advanced and preferred method to preventing the spread of Swine Flu.

We have been taught from an early age to wash our hands. Many take for granted the hand washing philosophy. The truth is that Lysol, hand sanitizer, coughing into the arm are all good ways but a good solid deep hand wash is the number one method for preventing the spread of germs. Hand sanitizer, and Lysol only kill the surface of where these items are applied. A deep hand wash bypasses the surface of the skin and really digs down to the grooves and pits of the hand. Ridges within the hand can be microscopic and hard to get reach for the Lysol, and hand sanitizer. A good hefty dose of liquid soap will grind down to the microscopic ridges and pours in the hand and do real damage to destroy the Swine Flu.

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How Swine Flu Affects Our Economies

Nothing scares people more than the spread of a virus, especially new and deadly viruses like Bird Flu or Swine Flu. This fear factor can adversely hurt economies, already reeling from the economic crash of 2008. And perhaps add to the economic woes, already being felt across the globe.

So how does Swine Flu affect our Economies?

Once "Swine" Flu officially becomes a pandemic, expect the movement of people to become minimal zed, as fear drives people to avoid crowds, and stay at home preferring to avoid the risk of catching swine flu.

This naturally affects Tourism, Entertainment and the Travel Industry, already suffering from problems created by the current economic crisis. Countries mainly affected, should be primary Mexico, at the epicenter of the current spread of swine flu, but also other developing Countries involved in Tourism.

A "trust" factor often affects people's belief that developed Countries are more able to deal with viruses like Swine Flu, than developing or emerging Countries. This may be true, but often people forget that Europe and the United States are more mobile Countries, simply because there are no internal border controls.

Meat producers should see a fall in demand for their products, especially producers of pork products. Already "Mad" Cow disease and Bird flu affected the way many people questioned the food they ate. There should be a higher demand for vegetables, fruit and fish; good news for anyone in these industries.

Pharmaceutical and wellness Companies are always the winners in times of panic, over any new viruses. In reality this is fear driven as Bird flu, compared to the size of populations was less fatal than deaths caused by Donkeys, but it still does not deter people from playing safe by buying anti-flu products.

If the current pandemic becomes an epidemic, then like the Spanish flu virus of 1918, borders may have to close, our movements minimal zed and a scare, could become fatal to many Countries including Mexico, and those adversely affected by the epidemic.

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Swine Flu Precautions

Swine Flu, influenza A(HINI) occurs in pigs as a respiratory disease. It is not the same as the human flu virus HINI genetically. Swine Flu normally does not infect humans.

There commonly has to be a direct exposure of humans to infected pigs. Every 1 to 2 years there is a small outbreak in the United States. Usually it happens when a child touches a sick pig at a petting zoo or a worker comes in contact with a pig that has the Flu. People spread the virus by sneezing and coughing, with unclean hands that touch the nose, eyes or mouth, sharing items such as cups or towels, or going to work or to school when exhibiting symptoms. Usually the infected person sheds virus in the first 4 to 5 days. This period is highly contagious.

Symptoms to look for are fever, lethargy, appetite loss, coughing and at times a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Eating pork is safe when it is cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees. Viruses are almost clever with an intelligence that allows them to adapt and mutate.

Swine Flu can be/is deadly so the World Health Organization has released 25% of its antiviral drugs, personal protection equipment, and respiratory protection devices because of the recent outbreak in the United States. Keeping your immune system at top level is important. Other measures are frequent handwashing especially before touching the mouth and nose, coughing into a disposable tissue, using hand sanitizer, using disinfectant wipes on doorknobs, phones, keyboards, and other shared devices and staying home with symptoms.

The death rate is usually low in pigs but as I write this article the disease has spread internationally and the death rate in humans is rising.

Amy Bauer R.D.H.

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Swine Flu Explained

Swine Flu is a virus that usually affects pigs, but recently has begun to infect humans as well. Understanding this disease can help dispel some of the panic and alarm that many people are raising as this virus spreads across all continents.

There are many different types of flu, and flu viruses are able to mutate into new formations all the time. The swine flu is so named because the genetic structure closely resembles that of a flu virus that normally infects pigs. Like most flu viruses, this virus is likely transmitted through bodily fluids, such as those that are expelled when someone coughs or sneezes. This is why many people choose to wear N95 masks, which filter out the infectious particles.

When a person is infected it can take anywhere from one to four days for symptoms to appear. This strain of flu has symptoms that are similar to regular strains of influenza, which is why it is so hard to tell it apart from other strains.Flu symptoms include coughing, sneezing, aches and pains, fever, chills, vomiting and diarrhea.

Influenza can be dangerous, even deadly, for those with weak immune systems, the young and old. Adults who are in good health will normally recover within a week to ten days without medical intervention. Parents should keep a close eye on their children and watch for signs of difficulty breathing, such as blue skin as well as sluggishness or high fever which may be an indication that professional assistance should be sought.

The swine flu has struck in the United States before, back in 1976. At this time officials thought that a pandemic would occur, so they undertook to vaccinate a large portion of the population. However at the time the flu virus was not virulent enough to cause a pandemic. Since then there have only been about 12 cases of this flu and no deaths.

So why is this particular outbreak considered more serious? It would appear that the current strain of swine flu is much more contagious, and has a wider impact on our immune system than previous strains. It can spread quite rapidly and is more difficult to keep under control. While many different strains of the flu circulate the world at any one time, few of them are very dangerous. This flu appears to be much more serious due to its ability to infect more people and cause death.

Anyone who is in contact with the public should protect themselves from contracting the swine flu by avoiding anyone showing flu symptoms. Frequent hand-washing is also vital. Those who have flu symptoms should stay home to keep from infecting others. Additionally there are some over the counter drugs that appear to help limit the seriousness of the flu virus. Tamiflu and Relenza have previously shown activity against this flu virus, although no one is certain that these drugs will help against the current strain. In the meantime the World Health Organization is attempting to identify the flu gene for this virus so that a vaccine can be created.

Angela Heidt is a freelance writer and stay-at-home-mom. Learn how you can become a freelance writer at http://workathomemom-angelaheidt.blogspot.com/

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Swine Flu Virus

A Swine Flu virus has health officials around the world working to contain the growing outbreak. One out of every five residents of Mexico's most populous city wore masks to protect themselves against the virus as Mexico City seems to be the epicenter of the outbreak. As many as 103 deaths have been attributed to the swine flu so far with many more feared to be on the horizon. The health department of Mexico said an additional 1,614 reported cases have been documented.

So far, however, only 18 of the deaths in Mexico have been confirmed by laboratory tests to be from swine flu virus and reported to the World Health Organization as such.

In the US preparations have been upgraded for a possible swine flu virus outbreak after 20 cases were reported, also the first cases of the virus was reported in Canada on Sunday -- six mild cases.

Swine flu or Swine Influenza is a contagious respiratory sickness that is normally only found in pigs. It is caused by a type-A influenza virus. Outbreaks in pigs occur year-round. The current strain is a new variation of an H1N1 virus, which is a mix of human and animal versions.

Normaly the swine flu virus only spreads from animal to person containing the spread but When the flu spreads person-to-person, it can continue to mutate, making it harder to combat because people have no natural immunity.

The symptoms are similar to the common flu. They include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Learn more about swine flu and how to treat it in the link below.

The swine flu virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes around another person. People can become infected by touching something with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.

Calling it a "public health emergency of international concern" the World Health Organization (WHO) is very concerned. The WHO also says a public health emergency is an occurrence or imminent threat of illness or health conditions caused by bioterrorism, epidemic or pandemic disease, or highly fatal infectious agents or toxins that pose serious risk to a significant number of people.

Swine Flu Virus Protection?

Advice of health experts is to follow common-sense instructions: Wash your hands, stay home if you're sick and listen to your local health authorities. Advice from the CDC about the situation is, "Very frequent hand-washing is something that we talk about time and time again and that is an effective way to reduce transmission of disease,". They also advise, "If you're sick, it's very important that people stay at home. If your children are sick, have a fever and flu-like illness, they shouldn't go to school. And if you're ill, you shouldn't get on an airplane or another public transport to travel. Those things are part of personal responsibility in trying to reduce the impact. "

Swine Flu Symptoms

It is also noted that swine flu symptoms are relatively general and nonspecific. "So many different things can cause these symptoms. it is a dilemma," says one doctor interviewed by CNN. "It is a challenge that we are wrestling with. There is not a perfect test right now to let a doctor know that a person has the Swine Flu." It has been noted that most individuals with Swine Flu had an early on set of fever. Also it was common to see dizziness, body aches and vomiting in addition to the common sneezing, headache and other cold symptoms.

If you become sick and notice early onset of body aches, vomiting and dizziness you should consult with your doctor immediately. Although it is very unlikely that you have the Swine Flu virus, you should get medical confirmation just to be safe.

This Swine Flu virus outbreak could be a very dangerous epidemic or just another bump in the road. Health officials are still trying to figure out where exactly the virus originated, how transmissible it is and why it is mild in some cases and deadlier in others. In the mean time. Wash your hands, use common sense and be on a heightened alert to signs and symptoms of the Swine Flu virus. See you doctor if any unusual flu like symptoms occur.

Check out our blog for more information about the
Swine Flu Virus and how to protect yourself.

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