Swine Flu Alert - General Awareness, Symptoms and Precautions

Swine Flu death toll rises to 14 in India (dated 12th August '09). As an Indian, Its more important to spread the general awareness about the swine flu. What is Swine flu?, How it is spread?, What are the symptoms?, How to prevent getting it?, Can it be treated?. I hope this post would be very useful to all of us and Guide us against Swine Flu.


Swine Flu virus also called H1N1 started in Humans from Mexico in April 2009. In such a short duration flu has affected people at global level and has triggered World Health Organization (WHO) to declare public health emergency. To Know More about Swine Flue - Read here.

Why it is called Swine Flu ?



Laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new H1N1 Virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America and It can spread from one people to another people and causing illness in people.

How it is Spread ?



Influenza is mainly passed from person to person through droplet transmission. This occurs when a sick person coughs or sneezes contaminated droplets into the air, and a healthy person either inhales them or gets them on their hands and then later transfers them to their mouth, nose or eyes.

What are the Symptoms ?



1) Fever, cough, sore throat, muscle and joint pain, headache, runny nose, chills and fatigue.
2) Has difficulty breathing or chest pain.
3) Has purple or blue discoloration of the lips.
4) Is vomiting and unable to keep liquids down.
5) Has signs of dehydration such as dizziness when standing, absence of urination, or
6) In infants, a lack of tears when they cry.
7) Has seizures (for example, uncontrolled convulsions)
8) In children other warning signs include irritability, failing to wake up and interact and Not drinking enough fluids.
9) If you become ill and experience any of the following symptoms, consult your Physician immediately

Who is at the higher risk of Swine flu H1N1?
Pregnant women, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and people 65 and older

How to Prevent Getting it ?



1) Stay at home, Drink a lot of liquids and Get plenty of rest.
2) Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.



3) Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
4) Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
5) Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
6) Avoid close contact with people who are sick/
7) Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated.

Can it be Treated ?
The US authorities say that 2 drugs commonly used to treat flu, Tamiflu and Relenza, seem to be effective at treating cases that have occurred there so far. However, the drug must be administered at an early stage to be effective. Use of these drugs may also make it less likely that effected people will pass the virus onto others. The US scientists are already developing a bespoke new vaccine, but it may take some time to perfect it, and manufacture enough supplies to meet what could be huge demand. Furthermore, these vaccines might have hazardous side effects.

Can I still eat and prepare pork?



Yes, you can eat pork and pork products which is properly handled and cooked. When anything is cooked at high temp, virus / bacteria die.

How can I prevent the spread of influenza virus at my home?
You can prevent the spread of influenza virus by keeping surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with disinfectant.

6 Ways to Increase Your Immunity From Swine Flu :-
1) Taking good care of your health can reduce or eliminate your risk of contracting the flu. The key is to keep your immune system strong by following these simple guidelines.
2) Lose Weight: New data has suggested that obesity, especially extreme obesity (BMI over 40), raises swine flu victims' chance of dying. The study, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, looked at the cases of swine flu patients at a Michigan hospital, all of whom had to be placed on ventilators due to the severity of their illness. Being overweight reduces your immunity and therefore chances of contraction increases while recovery too becomes difficult.
3) Exercise: Blood circulation is required for your immune system to perform at its best for you. Spend 20-30 minutes daily by raising your heart beat to 130 beats per minute. Any form of exercise - running, weight training, playing sports like squash, tennis help.
4) Eliminate Sugar From your Diet: Apart from a number of health problems like cancer, sugar is also responsible for faster aging and reducing your immunity against diseases. Avoid all forms of white sugar starting today.
5) Stop Junk Food: Similar to Sugar, junk food has an immediate, weakening effect on your immune system.
6) Get Plenty of Sleep: Too little sleep may reduce levels of leptin, possibly causing people to gain weight, develop diabetes, and weaken your immune system. Getting around 7 hours of qood quality sleep is sufficient. Note that excessive sleeping too is dangerous to your health.

Relax: If you feel overwhelmed by stress, your body will not have the reserves it needs to fight infection. Long-term stress causes excessive wear on the body and activates a deterioration of the immune system.

Important Fact
Consult Gov hospital only, none of the private hospital got the medecine.

Q. Is it curable ?
Ans. Yes, ofcourse but only in gov hospitals.

Swine Flu Pandemic kit -
To protect yourself use this kit - Link

Test Cost -
Its done free in 19 laboratories across the country.

For Latest and Updated News regarding Swine Flu - In.com provides you - Go Here.

For Detailed Information on How to Protect yourself from Swineflu - Here is one small Powerpoint Presentation on Swine flu - Please download and Read it - Link (file size - 850 KB)

This could guide you to the right hospital - Information about Hospitals and Laboratories (with address and Phone numbers) to cure Swine flu - Govt. Authorized Hospitals to Cure Swine Flu - Download it - Link (Wordpad file - 60 KB)

Please Link back this article and spread the Awareness :-)

Sources are taken from Google - OUG - Health Forums.

Leave your comments and Subscribe to RSS (-: