Swine flu, which is also known as the H1N1 virus, is a nearly new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms which are similar to the regular flu.

It generally originated in pigs but can spread primarily from person to person.

We all know about swine flu from 2009 when the virus made headlines of being discovered in humans and became a pandemic.

Pandemics is defined as a contagious disease that mainly affects people throughout the world or on various continents at the same time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the H1N1 virus (swine flu) pandemic over in August 2010. Since then, the H1N1 virus has been acknowledged as a regular human flu virus.

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It continues to spread during flu season such as other strains of the flu. The flu shot developed each year by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) usually involves a vaccination against a type of H1N1 virus.

Like other strains of the flu, H1N1 is highly infectious, allowing it to spread fast from person to person. A simple sneeze can also cause thousands of germs to spread through the air.

The virus can linger on tables and surface areas such as doorknobs, waiting to be picked up.

The best means of dealing with swine flu is its prevention.

Hand sanitization is one of the most important things that can stop the spreading of the virus. Staying away from infected people will also help in stopping person-to-person transmission.

What are the Causes of Swine Flu?

Swine flu is caused by a strain of an influenza virus that usually only infects pigs. Unlike typhus, which can be transmitted usually from person to person, not animal to person.

You can’t get swine flu from eating properly cooked pork products.

Swine flu is very infectious. The disease is spread through mucus and saliva particles. People may spread it by:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Touching a germ-covered surface.

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What are the Symptoms of Swine Flu?

The are several symptoms of swine flu which are very much like another regular influenza. They include:

• Chills
• Coughing
• Fever
• A sore throat
• Body aches
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea

What are the Treatments Available for Swine Flu?

In most cases of the flu, the patient doesn’t require any medication for treatment. The patient doesn’t need to see a doctor unless he/she at risk of developing medical complications from the flu.

The patient should focus on relieving his/her symptoms as well as preventing the spreading of the H1N1 virus to other people.

Usually, doctors recommend two antiviral drugs for treating the flu including the zanamivir (Relenza) and the oral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

Because flu viruses can develop resistance to these drugs, they’re regularly reserved for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu.

People who are generally healthy and get the flu will be able to resist the infection on their own.

Conclusion:

As we all know that the swine flu is common now a day but some prevention can prevent you from the flu such as

• Frequently washing your hands with soap or hand sanitizer.
• Staying home from school or work if you’re ill.
• Avoiding large parties when swine flu is in season.

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