Almost overnight, swine flu has become a major health concern. Swine flu is certainly nothing new, but the current strain of the virus is affecting people much more easily. Until now, swine flu received very little attention, so most people don’t know very much about this virus. To provide you with some basic information, here are some frequently asked questions about swine flu:
What is swine flu?
Just like people, pigs can get the flu. Swine flu is a respiratory disease in pigs caused by type A influenza virus that leads to outbreaks of influenza in pigs, and causes high levels of illness and low death rates in pigs. Swine flu usually doesn’t infect people, and the rare cases that have occurred in the past have been in people who had direct contact with pigs. The most recent outbreak is different, because it is spreading easily, and in people who haven’t had any contact with pigs.
How does swine flu spread?
Swine flu spreads just like regular flu. It is transmitted from person to person easily. Infected people can spread the flu germs by sneezing and coughing. Touching your mouth, eyes, or nose after touching something with the flu virus on it is all it takes to become infected.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu resemble those of regular flu, and include runny nose, fever, body aches, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, lack of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Is it safe to eat pork?
Yes. The swine flu isn’t transmitted by eating pork or other pig products.
Is there a swine flu vaccine?
Not yet. But the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are working on one, but developing a new vaccine is a long process.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (sold under the name Tamiflu) are being recommended by the CDC for treating and/or preventing swine flu.
Can I do anything to prevent swine flu?
The best defense against any flu virus is frequent hand washing with soap and water, and avoiding close contact with sick people. Also, you should avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose. Additionally, the CDC has said that Tamiflu is a drug that can prevent swine flu.
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