The Swine Flu- Now (H1N1)

Written by Amber Whitman-Currier

We have all heard about the outbreak of the Swine Influenza virus. There have been some deaths and some people infected. In this piece there may be information to help people with more information. Many people really don’t understand the details of the outbreak and what they should do? The Swine Flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type an influenza virus. It causes high levels of illness and low death in pigs. The first flu was isolated from a pig in 1930.

Actually, swine flu viruses don’t normally affect humans. However, obviously it can happen as evidenced by what is happening in the world now. It can be passed from infected people to others. You should never sneeze without covering your mouth. However, the biggest thing is to constantly wash your hands especially after touching communal objects. That is one of the main ways the virus can be passed. The common symptoms of the swine flu include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite and coughing.

You may have a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you do have any symptoms make sure you stay home!  If you are at all concerned you should visit your physician. At this time it is recommended. They will take a specimen and send it off for testing. There are some medications that can be used if you do have the swine flu. It depends on what is available and what your doctor prescribes. There has been talk of giving out the Tami flu, so that could be an option. There is no vaccine against this newest virus but there is one in the works. However, it could take a month to be produced which is not help right now.

There have been scares that eating pork products will cause the swine flu. That is simply not true! The virus is not transmitted by food! You can’t get it from eating pork! Unfortunately, the government has deemed the flu as a public health emergency and really a pandemic in the making. Just remember not to panic and to take the suggested precautions. If you do feel ill visit your doctor or at least stay home! Hopefully, this will run its course and we will all come out of it with renewed vigilance in taking care of our health and fighting these viruses.