Swine Flu, What Precautions You Can Take And What Treatments Are Available

We are today (more and more|more} vulnerable from various strains of the flu virus. First we had alarms over bird flu, and more recently swine flu has become the latest worry. Swine flu is more serious than bird flu was. It was a worry that bird flu may change into a form that would effect humans, apart from a few cases, this situation has not materialized. Swine flu is of much more worry, it is able to pass between humans making it a dangerous threat.

Swine flu, or to be more correct influenza A (H1N1), is a disease that effects pigs and is the result of 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 very dangerous as it is a new strain of the flu virus. This means that no one has been in contact with this particular strain of flu previously, and therefore no one has developed any immunity to this flu strain. It is our inbuilt immunity that prevents diseases from becoming life threatening, with no inbuilt immunity to this strain of the virus we are at the mercy of the virus. Everyone is vulnerable, this includes healthy adults as well as children and the elderly.

The real worry is what occurs when the flu season starts in the winter. It is then when the flu virus may quickly spread causing a flu pandemic with the possibility of over half the population being affected.

The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. These can include a sudden,sudden onset of fever, cough or a shortness of breath. Other symptoms that may present themselves include headaches, a sore throat, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, a runny nose, appetite loss and tiredness.

So what precautions can we take. Anyone with cold or flu symptoms needs to take a few easy, but most important precautions. The virus is passed between humans by the small droplets from the nose and mouth when someone sneezes or coughs. This is the way viruses are passed from person to person. Covering your face with your hands when you cough or sneeze isn’t enough. The virus simply sit on your hands, and everything you touch afterwards becomes contaminated. Anyone touching the same place as you will pick up the germs and then risks becoming infected themselves. Always use a handkerchief or a tissue. A tissue is far better, this should be disposed of as soon as possible, and always use a fresh tissue if you sneeze or cough again.

Currently there are no vaccinations that prevent anyone catching swine flu. Swine flu is a new strain of virus and isn’t the same as seasonal flu. Therefore the annual vaccination against the usual ordinary flu isn’t effective against the swine flu virus. Even when the strain of flu virus causing swine flu is identified, it will take several months to produce. By which time, it may well have changed into a different strain again.

Currently the only effective precaution against swine flu is Tamiflu. Tamiflu isn’t guaranteed to stop flu, but when someone has been exposed to another individual who has the flu virus, it can help prevent 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, thereby reducing the symptoms and risk associated. Governments are stockpiling Tamiflu, but the supplies will first be used to treat key workers and individuals before the general population.

You can buy Tamiflu online, if the situation arises you can treat yourself and your family. Although it cannot be emphasized strongly enough, Tamiflu needs to be taken as soon as possible to be effective, any delays in treating the virus will reduce the effectiveness of Tamiflu. If you think you may be at a greater risk because of your situation, such as For example living in a busy city with a large population or for example working in a busy office, then it may be prudent to buy Tamiflu before the winter flu season starts. If you happen live in the country and don’t have 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 found and produced in the large quantities required, Tamiflu is the most effective treatment for the swine flu virus.

Disclaimer: This article is based on information freely available in the popular media and medical articles related to swine flu. Nothing in this article is meant to be or should be taken to be any sort of medical advice. For medical advice you should consult with your own healthcare worker.