Swine Flu Virus Infections Alert: Novel Influenza A H1N1, Mexican Flu

With the swine flu spreading quickly and soon to be a world wide pandemic I figured that it was important for me to take a timeout from my electronics posts and write a short bit about the swin flue. I just felt that with my blog reaching so many people each day I could do my part in getting the word out about the swine flu.

All of the information below is considered to be purely informational and a starting point for your research about swine flu. We also wanted to note that all information was take the the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) websites.

What Is The Swine Flu?

The swine flu is a brand new influenza that has begun to infect individuals around the world. This virus first appeared in Mexico in April of 2009 and has quickly spread to over 25 different countries worldwide and includes over 1500 confirmed cases within the United States and in 43 different states. Early on it was referred to as the swine flu but the name has been changed to the H1N1 novel influenza A virus because of the negative impact that it was having on the pork industry. This virus did originate in pigs but that does not mean that there is any danger in eating pork. In fact recent tests have shown that this virus carries influenza genes from pigs in Europe and Asia, along with human influenza and avian influenza genes. Scientists are calling this a quadruple reassortant. This virus spreads as a person-to-person virus and contact with pork or pigs is of little to no concern. The swine flu is very similar to the normal human flu.

What Are the Symptoms Of The Swine Flu?

The symptoms of the swine flu virus are very similar to those of the common human influenza. The symptoms that indicate that you have may have the swine flu include a fever, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, stuff or runny nose, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious symptoms that may indicate an emergency include sudden dizziness, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, confusion, persistent or constant vomiting, pneumonia, or respiratory failure. If you have several or more of these symptoms it is recommended that you take a visit to your general doctor to determine whether a swine flu test is necessary. It is important to note that while the swine flu can be a serious illness it is nothing to panic about and in most cases infected individuals are experience minor symptoms and quick recovery.

How Serious Are Most Swine Flu Illnesses?

With a lack of time for studies or data to be collected the CDC is somewhat unsure about the seriousness of the swine flu among the general public. The CDC however is issuing guidance that suggests that people that are more susceptible to complications with the normal human flu are also probably more susceptible to the H1N1 flu virus. This includes young children, the elderly, and anyone that already has underlying health issues.

How Does The H1N1 Virus Spread?

The novel influenza A virus is believed to be spreading in the same way as the regular flu. This is generally being around someone that has it and is coughing or sneezing. It can also be spread if someone coughs on their hand and then touches a door handle just before you do. It is important than any people who are infected be sure to cover their mouths when they cough.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have The Swine Flu?

If you are showing symptoms of the swine flu it would be best for you to visit your doctor so that he/she as a licensed professional can make a determination as to whether or not further testing for the swine flu is needed.

How Can I Minimize My Risk Of Contracting The Swine Flu Novel Influenza A H1N1 Virus?

The best way to limit your chances of getting the swine flu is by doing the same things you would do to avoid being sick at any other time. The CDC recommends that you be sure to wash your hands often, avoid crowded places where other infected individual might be, keep your stress levels low, get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet, avoid touching your eyes, noses, and mouth, use hand sanitizers often, and avoid anyone that you think may be sick.

For more information about the swine flu novel influenza A H1N1 Mexican flu virus visit the CDC website. There you can find tons of information provided by the government about the swine flu outbreak.