Swine Flu

Swine Flu

• 1.
  SWINE FLUPrecaution Prevention Fight against swine flu
• 2.
  ContentWhat is H1N1(swine) flu?Symptoms of H1N1 swine fluEmergency warning signs in childrenEmergency warning signs in adultsHow do you catch H1N1 (swine) flu?How can someone with the flu infect someone else?H1N1 PrecautionsHow long can influenza virus remain viable on objectsWhat should I do if I get sick?What about using a mask?How do I know if I have influenza A (H1N1)?
• 3.
  What is H1N1(swine) flu?H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009Other countries, including Mexico and Canada, have also reported people sick with this new virusThis virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.
• 4.
  What is H1N1(swine) flu?Swine influenza (also called H1N1 flu, 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.
• 5.
  What is H1N1(swine) flu?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.
• 6.
  Symptoms of H1N1swine flu Similar to the symptoms of regular human fluFever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomitingSevere illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and even deaths have been reported with H1N1 swine flu infection H1N1 swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic diseases.
• 7.
  Emergency warning signsin childrenFast breathing or difficulty in breathing Bluish or gray skin colourNot drinking enough fluids Severe or persistent vomiting Not waking up or not interacting Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• 8.
  Emergency warning signsin adultsDifficulty in breathing or shortness of breath Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen Sudden dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• 9.
  How do youcatch H1N1 (swine) flu?Spread of H1N1 (swine) flu can occur in two ways:Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenzaSometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose
• 10.
  How can someonewith the flu infect someone else?Infected people can infect others right from day one even before they themselves develop any symptoms up to seven or more days after becoming sick. That means that one can pass on the infection to someone else before he/she even knows that he/she is sick, as well as while one is sick.
• 11.
  H1N1 Precautions:Cover yournose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use itWash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can spread this wayTry to avoid close contact with sick people.
• 12.
  H1N1 Precautions:If youget sick with influenza, you should stay at home and not go for work or school and limit contact with others to prevent them from getting infecting by you. Reduce the time spent in the crowded settings. Improve airflow in the living space by opening the windows and proper ventilation. Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
• 13.
  How long caninfluenza virus remain viable on objectsStudies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for up to 2-8 hours after being deposited on the surface. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air.
• 14.
  How long caninfluenza virus remain viable on objectsGerms can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches his own eyes, mouth or nose before washing hands.
• 15.
  What should Ido if I get sick?You live in areas where people have been identified with new H1N1 flu and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea’ You should stay home and avoid contact with other people, except to seek medical careIf you have severe illness or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care
• 16.
  What about usinga mask?If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and clean your hands thoroughly afterwards. If you are sick and have to travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose. Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.
• 17.
  How do Iknow if I have influenza A (H1N1)?You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A (H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A (H1N1).
• 18.
  How do Iknow if I have influenza A (H1N1)?If they suspect any symptoms they will send your blood sample, throat swab and nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) for testing to laboratories. Presently this facility is available only at certain specified government laboratories.
• 19.
  End of slideByKritiSingh