Health and Wellness

Archive for the ‘Influenza’ Category

What is Swine Flu (Swine Influenza)?

Swine  flu is  a  respiratory disease  affecting pigs that  is caused by  type  A  influenza virus.  Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most  outbreaks  occur  during  the  late  fall  and  winter  months  similar  to  influenza outbreaks in humans. It causes high levels of illness but low death rates in pigs.

How does Swine Flu spread to humans?

Swine flu spreads to humans mainly through contact with infected pigs, which shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces.  Limited human-to-human transmission can also occur in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people.

Can people catch Swine Flu from eating pork?

There  is  currently  no  evidence  to  suggest  that  swine  flu  can  be  transmitted  to humans from eating pork or pork products that have been thoroughly cooked.

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu in humans?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza.  An early symptom is high fever, and this is followed  by  cough,  sore  throat,  runny  nose,  and  sometimes  breathlessness  a  few days later.

Preventive measures

1. Avoid contact with persons with symptoms of influenza
2. Avoid crowded areas and maintain good ventilation.
3. Observe good personal and environmental hygiene.
4. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently and when they are contaminated by respiratory secretions e.g. after sneezing.