Swine flu

Swine influenza is an infection caused by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus is endemic pigs. Transmission of swine flu from pigs to human is not common and does not always lead to human influenza. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risks of swine flu infection. These strains of swine flu rarely pass from human to human.
The H1N1 swine flu is one of the descendent of the strain. The descendent of these viruses have circulated to human through 20th century. The direct transmission from pigs to human beings is very rare. Outbreaks in swine are common and cause significant economic losses in industry, primarily by causing extended time to market.
According to Centers of disease control and prevention the symptoms of swine flu 2009
is similar to influenza illness in general.
The most common cause of death is respiratory failure. Other causes of death are pneumonia, dehydration, etc.
Experts agree that hand washing can help prevent viral infections, including swine flu virus and other strains. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with hands prevent swine flu. Influenza can spread in coughs or sneezes but an increasing body of evidence shows small droplets containing the virus can be on table tops, telephones and other surfaces. Alcohol based gel or foam hand sanitizers work well to destroy viruses and bacteria. Any one symptom such as sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public and should contact a doctor for advice.
Recommendations are to prevent spread of virus are using standard infection control against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public. Chance of transmission is also reduced by disinfecting household surfaces which can effectively done with chlorine bleach solutions.
Transmission from swine to human is believed to occur mainly in swine farms where farmers are very close to live pigs. So farmers and veterinarians are recommended to wear a face mask while dealing with infected animals. The use of vaccines is a major method to prevent. Risk factors are smoking and not wearing masks when dealing with infected animals.
Infected people should stay away from public and avoid large gatherings. Influenza spreads by touching virus and then touching their own nose or mouth. The swine flu is contagious in s9ome people up to 5 days and up to 10 days in children.
Little treatment and supportive care is required. Veterinary effects are focused in preventing spread of viruses. Vaccination and animal management techniques are main in these efforts. Antibiotic are also used to treat this disease. If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment antiviral drugs works best if started soon (within 2 days of symptoms).
Vaccines are available for different kinds of swine flu and vaccines against the new strains are being developed.