WHAT IS SWINE FLU?

Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3. Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. The meat of an infected animal poses no risk of infection when properly cooked.

SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU :
The symptoms of HIN1 flu virus (human swine flu) are very similar to those of seasonal human influenza. People with swine influenza may experience: • Body aches • Chills • Cough • Fatigue • Fever • Headache • Loss of appetite • Sore throat Some people with H1N1 flu virus have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.
HOW SWINE FLU IS DIAGNOSED? We have a specialized test for Swine flu. This test is recommended by NICD (National Institute Of Communicable Diseases) SAMPLE: Respiratory specimens including throat swab, and nasopharyngeal /nasal swabs are taken from ambulatory patients. From incubated patients admitted in the ICU the sample is bronchoalveolar lavage or tracheal aspirates. Samples are transported in special viral transport medium which is packed in such a way that there is no chance of contaminating the environment or it being a risk to those handling the box.

HOW SWINE FLU IS TREATED?

After testing positive for swine flu , patient should immediately quarantined in an isolated room or in hospital . National institute of communicable disease(NICD) information says that the swine flu can be treated if caught very early with two of the anti‐viral medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu/Fluvir) and zanamivir (Relenza). Tamiflu is for treatment in adults and children aged 1 year and older, and must be taken within 48 hours of the first symptom

PRECAUTION:
As the flu is now spreading via person ‐to‐person contact; the infection primarily spreads when a person comes in close contact with an infected person. The simple way to minimize the risk is by covering the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing and wearing a mask while going close to the infected person. Maintaining high level of hygiene is also important and one should always wash hands frequently with soap and water. Since influenza spreads through both air and contact with contaminated surfaces, surface sanitizing may help prevent some infections. For that alcohol is an effective sanitizer, bleach can also be used to sanitize rooms or equipment that have been occupied by patients with influenza symptoms.