AWARENESS ON SWINE FLU

What is Swine Flu Swine influenza virus (referred to as SIV) refers to influenza cases that are caused by Orthomyxovirus endemic to pig populations. SIV strains isolated to date have been classified either as Influenza(virus C or one of the various subtypes of the genus Influenza virus A)

Swine Influenza (Flu) Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses has been documented.

Swine Flu- Status Till April 2009, a total of 1600 human infections with swine influenza were reported from USA, Mexico, Canada, Hong Kong, Spain, Britain, Newzeland. Total of 100 cases Death Reported. WHO Declared category 4 out break, that required immediate attention, and prevention strategy.

UAE Initiative UAE is the main corridor for the transient passenger. Currently, NO MAJOR THREAT IN UAE. Ministry of Health has taken the necessary action for the prevention of this out break. Strict medical surveillance initiated in all the Airports. Ensured the availability of the Medicines in all hospitals. Planned to conduct Medical scrutiny for all the travelers visiting from the high risk countries.

Swine Flu and Virus Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs.

How human beings are exposed Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others.

How Swine Flu presents in Humans The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Seek emergency medical care. IF - in Children In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: Fast breathing or trouble breathing. Bluish skin colour. .Not drinking enough fluids. 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 Fever with a rash .

Adults Need attention if symptoms are Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath. Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen. Sudden dizziness. Confusion. Severe or persistent vomiting.

Diagnosis To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). However, some persons, especially children, may shed virus for 10 days or longer. Identification as a swine flu influenza A virus

Drugs which are effective in Swine Flu There are four different antiviral drugs that are effective for the treatment of influenza: Amantidine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to all four drugs. UAE has the maximum stock for the medicines

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others? People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

How long can viruses live outside the body? We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.

No Vaccines to Humans There is no available vaccine to protect humans from swine flu.

PREVENTION Avoid close contact Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. Aerosols spread the virus in any environment

PREVENTION Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

PREVENTION Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick

PREVENTION Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Hand washing proved to be best procedure in prevention of Majority of Communicable diseases.

PREVENTION Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

PREVENTION Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious. Restrict unnecessary movement to the high Risk Areas.

PREVENTION Simple measures carry get good Benefits Cover your mouth and nose. Use a tissue when you cough or sneeze and drop it in the trash. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose as best you can.

PREVENTION Clean Hands saves you Clean your hands often. Clean your hands every time you cough or sneeze. Hand washing stops germs. Alcohol-based gels and wipes also work well.