The Menace of Swine Flu

 

 Panic and fear is in the air as Swine Flu infected cases are on rise throughout the nation. It can touch anyone of us. Let us not take it lightly, prepare ourselves and escalate the efforts to defeat this threat.

   

(Courtesy: The Indian Express)

Swine influenza also known by the other names like Swine flu, pig flu, hog flu, pig influenza. It is common throughout Pig population worldwide.

It is an Orthomyxovirus that contains the glycoprotein’s haemagglutinin and neuraminidase. For this reason, they are described as H1N1

Transmission & Causes:-

People, who work with the poultry and swine especially under intense exposure, are at the increased risk of getting infected. Other professions at particular risk of infection are veterinarians and meat processing workers, although the risk of infection for both of these groups is lower than that of farm workers.

·         Swine Flu is highly contagious.

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      It’s a Human Respiratory infection (caused by Influenza Virus H1N1 strain).

·         It can quickly pass on from one person to another via saliva, mucus, particles in air.

·         The virus enters your body when you inhale contaminated droplets or transfer live virus from a contaminated surface to your eyes, nose or mouth.

·         When an infected person coughs or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air. Whoever comes in contact with these drops or touch a surface (such as a doorknob or sink) that an infected person has recently touched, you can catch H1N1 swine flu.

Symptoms:-

·         Fever

·         Cough

·         Nasal congestion

·         Chest Congestion

·         Sore Throat

·         Body Aches, Fatigue

·         Rashes

·         Headache

·         Nasal Secretions

·         Diarrhea

·         Nausea & Vomiting

·         Abdominal Pains

·         Dizziness / Confusion

At the slightest hint of above mentioned symptoms one must immediately contact the nearest doctor, to get the earliest diagnosis, as proper lab test is the only way to be sure of the infection.

Complications:-

·         Pneumonia

·         Asthma

·         Chronic Ailments can deteriorate e.g. heart disease, diabetes

·         Certain neurological signs like stupor, seizure.

·         Extreme conditions can even cause respiratory failure

Lifestyle and self care remedies

It is rightly said “That prevention is always better than cure”.

Simple precautions can save us from any health related misery; we just need to be alert and updated.

      Boost up your immunity: Take fruits regularly, especially seasonal fruits. Eat green vegetables often.

      Take plenty of fluids, it flushes out toxins through urine as well as keeps your system hydrated.

      Take care of hygiene, wash hands regularly, avoid going to places of crowd.

      Avoid using public toilets till this outbreak of swine flu lasts.

      Use hand sanitizers habitually.

      Don’t overdo, rest is equally important.

      Do cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing.

      Use face mask (replace it regularly).

      Wear washed & clean clothes.

      Stay at home if you feel sick.

      Take medication only after consulting your health care provider.

Please add up to the above measures to prevent swine flu and spread the message of precaution and prevention to the larger audience, so that our people remain healthful and hearty.