Sunday, May 31, 2009

How to Prevent H1N1 virus known as Swine Flu

Fears about the H1N1 virus that we used to call swine flu are somewhat, virologists say we should not let our bodyguard which is The army inside our body down. The virus could experience genetic changes and maybe even return with a retribution in the fall.

Tamiflu (oseltamivir): An antiviral drug medicine that prevents and treats influenza types A (including the swine flu) and B, is a type of drug called a neuraminidase inhibitor. It targets the flu virus and stops it by spreading in our body. Helps make flu symptoms less severe and helps us recover sooner.

Since the spread of resistance, the CDC in December altered its recommendations on antiviral treatment for flu. Because patients suspected by having influenza A, the CDC(Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommended using zanamivir or a combination of oseltamivir and rimantadine (an older flu drug in different class) instead of oseltamivir alone.

The two antiviral drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration as treatment and prophylaxis of the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus are Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) and Relenza (zanamivir). Tamiflu and Relenza, besides their approved labeling, have Emergency apply Authorizations that describe particular authorized uses during this public health emergency.

Mexico: The origin of the swine flu outbreak. Health workers traced the new swine flu virus to a piggery in the southeastern Mexican state. A young boy who lived in a small town near the farm was among the first people to contract the swine flu.

Over the years, a lot of different variations of swine flu viruses have come out. Up to now, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs, these are: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, most of the recently reported influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.

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

Doctor of Public Health reiterated that H1N1 influenza virus isn't transmitted by food, thus it's safe to eat pork meat because one can't get the virus from eating pork meat.

People with H1N1 influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious for adequate to 7 days following illness onset. People who continue to be ill longer than 7 days after illness onset should be considered potentially contagious till symptoms have resolved. Children, especially younger, might be contagious for longer periods.

The H1N1 virus breed currently being monitored in the U.S. is afresh type of virus ne'er seen in people until it was discovered recently.
Wikipedia which is the online free encyclopedia gives a avid overview of swine influenza that is simple and easily to understand. They as well shows an electron microscope image of what the H1N1 Influenza A virus looks like and some picture of Former President Gerald Ford receiving a swine influenza vaccination.

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