The recent outbreak of human infection of Swine Influenza Virus, SIV (also known as Swine Flu) has been the suspected killer of up to 103 people and sickening more than 1000 people in Mexico. The Mexican fatalities are said to be mainly young adults. In the United States, particular Texas and California, at least 8 people have been sicked too. Health authorities across the globe have been taking necessary measures to stem the spread of this human flu virus.

So how much do you know about this Swine Flu virus? What are the symptoms and how to prevent it? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Swine Flu?

Swine Flu is a respiratory disease of pigs that has been around for years and known to cause high level of illness and low death rates in pigs. Since pigs can exchange their form of flu with birds and perhaps other large mammals, it is suspected that they can exchange viruses with humans and cause the recent outbreak.

This new virus in humans has been discovered to contain genetic material from pigs, birds and humans in a way researchers have not ever seen before.

What Are The Symptoms Of Human Swine Flu?

Symptoms of Human Swine Flu are much like seasonal flu, commonly fever, running nose, coughing, lack of appetite and lethargy. Other symptoms reported are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, or even a headache.

How Is Swine Flu Transmitted From Human To Human?

It is believe that the new virus has been transmitted from human to human through sneezing or coughing of infected people. Another way a person can get infected is through touching something with virus on it, and then touching his/her own nose or mouth after which.

It appears that a person infected is considered potentially contagious for up to 7 days following illness onset and as long as they are symptomatic. Some people commonly children, can remain contagious even longer.

Is It Still Safe To Eat Pork Meat And Pork Related Products?

Yes, it is still considered safe to eat pork since this new virus has not been shown to be transmissible through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat). The new virus will be killed once the cooking temperature reaches 70 degrees Celsius.

Is There A Human Vaccine To Protect Against Swine Flu?

No vaccine has been known to protect effectively against the new virus in humans at the moment. It is also not clearly shown whether the current human seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection.

Are There Drugs Available To Treat Swine Flu?

The new virus has been found to be susceptible to four drugs licensed in the United States namely amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. However, for 2009 outbreak, it is recommended it to be treated with oseltamivir and zanamivir.

How Can You Prevent Swine Flu?

Keep your hands clean at all times. Be sure to clean your hands after touching any items such as doorknobs, hand rails and bathroom fixtures. Avoid public areas like bus terminals, airports or train stations of city or town where an outbreak is announced in that region. Wear a breathing mask should a major outbreak should occur. Lastly, improve your immune system with supplements like Selenium.

For more information, you may refer to the CDC website on “Swine Flu and You”.

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