Ram Gunjal asked:


In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

Symptoms : The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How serious is swine flu infection?



Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:

Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses. Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Medicines to treat swine flu?

CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.



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Daniel Marcus Manson asked:


The swine flu epidemic is real, and it’s spreading like a flame.

The virus is suspected in 159 deaths and 2,498 illnesses in Mexico alone, according to the Associated Press (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090429/ap_on_he_me/med_swine_flu). In the United States, 66 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in 5 states. In New York City alone, 45 cases of swine flu have been reported, and there are signs it is beginning to spread from person to person. At St. Francis Preparatory school in New York, hundreds of students have been found ill with symptoms similar to swine flu, including a teacher in one of the 28 confirmed cases. The outbreak prompted a nearby school to shutdown after 80 students called in sick.

New York Health Commissioner Health Thomas Frieden confirmed, “Swine flu is here, and it is spreading.”

Infections are developing around the world. The swine flu epidemic has spread to at least 7 countries after Israel itself confirmed two cases.

The United States is discouraging its own citizens from unnecessary travel to Mexico, while other countries like Cuba and Argentina have outright banned travel to the country. Mexico is doing its own part by temporarily shutting down the pyramids and requiring restaurants to serve take-out food only.

Yet experts state that the virus is already spreading too fast for such efforts to make much of a difference. The virus has already begun showing up in too many places for it to be contained.

Waiting for a swine flu vaccine will time. Although scientists hope to have a swine flu vaccine developed by early May, it will take many more months before shots are available for the first round of testing.

Simple measures can be taken on a personal level, however, to keep the infection from spreading and minimizing the danger of becoming infected. Standard prevention techniques for other common forms of flu, such as frequent hand washing and the use of alcohol sanitizers, can be very effective at slowing the spread of the virus. Influenza can spread from coughs and sneezes, so the polite rule of covering your mouth still applies.

The one piece of encouraging news is that is appears that people can make a quick recovery if the illness is treated early. Of the nearly 2,500 cases of suspected cases in Mexico, only 1,311 people remain hospitalized, suggesting that the illness is very treatable if medical attention is sought in the early stages.

There’s far more that you can do than just canceling your trip to Cancun this summer. Wash your hands frequently; cover your mouth or use tissues when you sneeze. Seek medical attention for any symptoms, as it’s always better to be safe than risk the onset of the illness.



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Jo asked:


“The H5N1 avian influenza has spread to more than 40 countries in Asia, Europe and Africa, killing over 100 people, and raising concerns tens of millions of people could sicken and die if it mutates to pass easily from person to person.” This is an excerpt from a recent news report. Are we overreacting? Is there a real threat? How does this compare, say to the threat of cancer or heart attacks or car accidents…the list goes on. Is Avian Flu just another health “flavour” of the week or is it a genuine threat? How do we decide what is truly a serious concern to our well being and what steps, if any should we protect ourselves?
Mad Scientist: Excuse me, please read my question carefully. I didn’t say anyone was overreacting, I am asking IF there is overreaction to this health concern.

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kneecap_wow asked:


I’ve been sick recently, and I have reading up on the symptoms of Swine flu. I do have some of the symptoms and I wasn’t worried until I read that a women in San Diego County came down with it. I live near that area and I began to search how u can catch the swine flu.
I was unsuccessful in my search. I already knew that it was safe eating pork, but i still need to know how it is passed on, such as person to person , threw bodily fluids , threw the air.
How is it past form person to person?

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