| By Lizzy Adie.
Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by a strain of the influenza type A virus known as H1N1, which first appeared in Mexico in 2009. It originated from the pigs and transmitted mainly to hog farmers and veterinarians, but is now a human disease spread by coughing and sneezing.
Symptoms are similar to those produce by standard seasonal flu, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue. It is vulnerable to those under the age of 5, pregnant women, over 65 years of age, adult and children who have chronic lung, heart, liver, blood, or nervous system. Like seasonal flu, swine flu can lead to more serious complications, including pneumonia and respiratory failure. It can also make conditions like diabetes and asthma worse. If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, severe vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness or confusion , please call your doctor.
You can help prevent swine flu by regular washing of hands throughly with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Avoid contact with people who are sick of swine flu. If you notice or experience any of the listed symptoms above, please contact your doctor immediately. There is also a vaccine for swine flu and swine flu can be treated just like any other flu. |
