What Is Swine Flu?
With all the media attention, many people may be wondering, what is swine flu? For some, when they first heard this term, it was assumed that the flu came from eating pork products. However, the swine flu is a special strain of infleunza, which is a standard flu virus. Pigs have nothing to do with this airborne virus that can cause serious damage to its victims.
The Swine Flu is a respiratory disease; which means it relates to breathing and affects the way the body takes in and distributes oxygen. While various flu strains have long been present, the swine flu is a different type of flu virus that can cause more potentially serious damage.
The virus was first detected in genes from swine (pigs), but it is also present in birds and humans. It was first discovered in Mexico, where it was ongoing for months before it was recognized as the Swine Flu.
Symptoms of Swine Flu
Swine Flu has caused the death of over 14,000 people worldwide. The numbers may be higher if undiagnosed deaths are also considered. So, what is swine flu? A potentially deadly illness if not caught or treated.
The symptoms of Swine Flu include fever, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle or joint pains, and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Certain groups of people may also have a more serious reaction to the flu. At risk groups include those who:
- Have asthma
- Suffer from diabetes
- Are overweight
- Have heart disease
- Lack an adequate immune response as a result of disease, exposure to radiation, or treatment with immunosuppressive drugs
Children with neurodevelopment conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or developmental delays may also have additional problems related to swine flu because they cannot cough hard enough to clear their airways. Pregnant women may also be at risk.
Symptoms usually last between four and six days, if no complications develop. If you develop these symptoms, stay away from school, work and other crowded areas. For your safety and the safety of others, if you feel you have any symptoms seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Protecting Yourself from Catching Swine Flu
Now that you know what is swine flu, you need to know how to protect yourself. There are several basic tips you can follow:
- Wash your hands immediately after you sneeze or cough. Be sure to wash hands for at least 20 seconds get a good lather going before you rinse your hands. If you cannot use soap and water, use an alcohol-based anti-bacterial hand cleaner or alcohol wipes.
- Never touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands
- If you have a baby or a small child and their diaper needs to be changed, wash your hands after changing their diaper.
- In church, use a hand sanitizer before and after touching someone’s hand
- Try to avoid contact with sick people. If you have to be around someone sick use a face mask, and once again wash your hands before and after.
- Make sure you clean countertops and all areas in your home with a disinfectant or sanitizer. Be sure you check the label of your cleaning products to ensure they are a disinfectant, and that they kill all germs on the surfaces.
- If you buy canned drinks, bottles or canned foods, be sure to wash the tops before use. You never know what kind of germs are on the tops.
- Be sure to wash your hands before cooking and serving meals.
If you are healthy stay healthy. Remember a clean body is a healthy body, and the more you take care of your body, the more your body will take care of you. Drink plenty of water each day. (At least 64 ounces each day keeps your body flushed). Get into a good exercise program and stay in top shape to avoid swine flu and other infections.