Safeguard Yourself Against Swine Flu
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Not all swine influenza viruses (SIVs) lead to diseases in people.
The pandemic which erupted a few years ago due to a virus, was believed to have belonged to swines and this served as an example that such an infection can easily spread in human beings and lead to a disease. Therefore, these are variant viruses which can easily travel both ways, that is, from pigs to people and vice versa.
The spread of the disease to humans, happens in the same way a seasonal virus spreads in people, but here it happens through infected pigs when they sneeze or cough. The influenza viruses have not been shown to be transmissible to people by eating pork. Reports suggest that approximately only one human is infected with the influenza viruses that are usually found in swines every one to two years. But, over the last few years, these cases have been detected more frequently. Swine flu affects approximately 5-10 per cent of adults and 20-30 per cent of children, globally and causes significant levels of illness, hospitalization and even death.
The vaccine can be administered to adults and children and reduces the risk of influenza by 60 per cent
Diagnostics
There are multiple opinions and the current tests would require the sample to be given in the first tour or five days of the infection.
- The PCR test is expensive and not available across all labs in India.
- The Swine Influenza Test Kit’ is not FDA approved.
Preventive Measures
- Vaccination is the most convenient and safe way to protect oneself from swine flu
- The vaccine is available at 1i3rd the cost of the PCR test.
The vaccine can be administered to adults and children and reduces the risk of influenza by 60 per cent. Also, the influenza vaccines otters approximately 70-90 per cent protection against clinical diseases in healthy adults.
- Drugs like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu/ Fluvir) and Zanamivir (Relenza) are recommended.
Precautions
- Refrain from going out when not well.
- Visit a doctor if you are unwell for some time.
- Protect your mouth and nose while using public transport.
- Keep away from people who are sick.
- Make sure you wash your hands regularly throughout the day.
- Keep a hand sanitizer with you and apply it regularly.
- Don’t go to places that are crowded.
- While sneezing cover your mouth.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.