Today we are (more and more|more} vulnerable from the various strains of the flu virus. initially we had alarms over bird flu, but more recently swine flu has become a latest worry. Swine flu is of more concern than bird flu was. It was a worry that bird flu may change into a form that could infect humans, but for a few cases, this situation has not materialized. Swine flu is a greater worry, the swine flu virus has the ability to spread from human to human making it a very serious threat.
Swine flu (influenza A (H1N1) is a disease that effects pigs and is caused by a flu virus. Swine flu outbreaks in pigs is is common and is only rarely fatal. In the past, swine flu has not normally infected humans, but it can happen occasionally.
Swine flu is particularly dangerous because it is a new type of the flu virus. It is dangerous because no one has been exposed to this particular strain before, and therefore no one has developed any immunity to this type of flu. It is our immunity that prevents diseases from becoming life threatening, with no immunity to this virus we are in serious danger from the virus. Absolutely everyone is vulnerable, including healthy adults and teenagers as well as children and the elderly.
The real concern is what occurs when winter arrives. This is the period when the virus may spread quickly causing a flu pandemic with the possibility of over half the population becoming infected.
Swine flu symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. These include a sudden,sudden onset of fever, cough or a shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include headaches, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, sneezing, runny nose, appetite loss and tiredness.
Precautions First, anyone with the symptoms of a cold or flu should to take a few easy, but most important precautions. The virus is spread between humans by the droplets from the mouth and nose when someone sneezes or coughs. This is how viruses are passed from person to person. Holding your face with your hands when you cough or sneeze is not enough. The germs simply sit on your hands, then everything you touch afterwards becomes contaminated. Anyone touching the same place as you will pick up the germs and then risks becoming infected. Always use a handkerchief or a tissue. A tissue is better, this should then be disposed of safely as soon as possible, and always use a new tissue if you cough or sneeze again.
There are currently no vaccinations to stop anyone catching the swine flu virus. The swine flu virus is a new type of virus and is not the same as seasonal flu. Therefore the vaccination against the usual ordinary flu is not effective against the swine flu virus. Even when the type of flu virus causing swine flu is identified, it will then take several months to produce. By this time, it may well have changed into a different strain.
Currently the only effective treatment against the swine flu virus is Tamiflu. Tamiflu isn’t guaranteed to prevent flu, but when someone has been exposed to another individual who is carrying the swine flu virus, it can help to stop the virus making a person sick. If Tamiflu is taken within two days of contracting the flu virus, Tamiflu can help to stop the virus spreading throughout the body, reducing the symptoms and associated risk. Governments worldwide are stockpiling Tamiflu, these supplies will be used to treat important workers and individuals before treating the general population.
You can buy Tamiflu online, if the situation occurs you can treat yourself and your family. It cannot be emphasized strongly enough, Tamiflu has to be taken as early as possible if it is to be effective, any delays in treating the flu virus will greatly reduce the effectiveness of Tamiflu. If you think you may be at a increased risk because of your situation, such as For example living in a city with a large population or for example working in a busy office, then it may be prudent to buy Tamiflu before the flu season starts. If you happen live in the country and don’t have a close contact with many people then you will be at a lower risk.
Also, remember that swine flu is a worldwide problem. If a pandemic outbreak becomes global it is possible that supplies of Tamiflu may not be great enough to meet a huge global demand.
Until a vaccine is discovered and manufactured in the large quantities required, Tamiflu is the most effective treatment for the swine flu virus.
Disclaimer: This posting is based on information that is freely available in the popular press and medical journals related to swine flu. Nothing herein is meant to be or should be construed to be medical advice. For medical advice you should consult your own physician.