Swine Flu : Causes, Symptoms and Prevention of Swine Flu

Swine Flu

Swine flu is a respiratory disease, caused by a strain of the influenza type A virus known as H1N1.

H1N1 is the same strain which causes seasonal outbreaks of flu in humans on a regular basis. But this latest version of H1N1 contains genetic material that is typically found in strains of the virus that affect humans, birds and swine.

Although the strain may have originated in pigs, it is now a wholly human disease. It can be spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing.


Symptoms

- fever,tiredness
- cough
- sore throat
- chills
- body aches
- aching limbs and joint pain
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- headache
- runny nose and sneezing

Anyone with flu-like symptoms who suspects they might have the swine flu virus are being advised to stay at home. If swine flu is suspected, your doctor should be contacted.


How to prevent Swine Flu

-Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
-Stay home if you get sick and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
-Avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.