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H1N1 Swine Flu Special Report: Tips That Can Help Prevent Influenza Infection
Novel influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as "swine flu," is a new virus of swine origin. H1N1 is one of three known A subtypes of influenza viruses that spread widely among humans. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, "This virus was originally referred to as 'swine flu' because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs (swine) in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and bird (avian) genes and human genes. Scientists call this a ‘quadruple reassortant’ virus."
The swine flu virus caused its first cases of human illness in Mexico and the United States in March and April of this year. The World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed a phase 6 global pandemic of novel influenza A on June 11, 2009, to announce that widespread human infection had occurred.
Whether to vaccinate against this and other influenza strains is a matter of personal choice and one that should be discussed with your doctor. The CDC does recommend vaccinations for certain groups, such as the elderly, the very young and those with impaired immunological systems. There are many other ways to protect oneself from infection with the swine flu virus. Maintaining adequate and restful sleep, ensuring that one's diet provides optimal nutrition and avoiding unnecessary stress will help promote healthy immune function. While we can't always know who is infected with influenza, bypassing crowds, minimizing air travel, frequent hand washing, avoiding handshakes, social hugs and kisses; and avoiding touching one's mouth, nose and eyes after possible exposure can help prevent infection.
Swine flu symptoms include fever, chills, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache, body ache, lack of appetite and fatigue, and may also include vomiting and diarrhea. It is recommended that you consult your physician if you believe that you have been infected with swine flu. Antiviral drug treatment needs to be initiated within 48 hours of experiencing swine flu symptoms to be effective. While the majority of individuals infected with the swine flu virus recover, the illness has the potential to be fatal, as do all forms of influenza. The majority of swine flu deaths have occurred in individuals with other, pre-existing conditions, such as immune suppression and chronic lung disease. However, H1N1 can lead to bacterial pneumonia, which can be severe in otherwise healthy people.
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Featured Videos
| Symptoms of H1N1 (Swine Flu) |
The H1N1 Swine Flu: A Look Inside |
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In this video, Dr. Joe Bresee, with CDC's Influenza Division, describes the symptoms of swine flu and warning signs to look for that indicate the need for urgent medical attention.
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The H1N1 swine flu virus has become a pandemic. James Williams takes a look at where the swine flu originated and what happens to the virus once it gets inside our bodies.
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Influenza
Influenza (commonly known as the flu) is one of the most feared and deadly infectious diseases (Dolin R 2004; Hilleman MR 2002; Nicholson KG et al 2003). In the 20th century alone, there were seven influenza epidemics or pandemics. The most devastating (1918 to 1919) was the Spanish flu, which killed 40 to 50 million people (Nicholson KG et al 2003). From 2005 to 2006, newspapers were full of headlines about the avian flu, or H5N1. This particularly deadly strain has been found in Asia and Eastern Europe, where it is noted for its lethality. Although H5N1 has jumped from its host species (birds) to humans, it has not yet been found to be transmitted person to person. Total deaths caused by the virus have been very low (around 200 people as of this writing), although the mortality rate of people who have been infected is extremely high, around 80 percent (Wong SS et al 2006).
The Common Cold
The common cold is caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. People afflicted with a cold often cough and sneeze, are fatigued, and have runny noses, sore throats, congestion, and a low-grade fever.
Although there is no specific drug that treats the common cold, there are steps that can be taken at the very first signs of symptoms that may help ward off infection. The key is to be aggressive: treat a potential infection as a full-blown illness, taking every precaution possible, including nutrients, hormones, and sometimes drugs, along with getting as much sleep as possible.
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