Swine Flu
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This document summarizes information about swine flu. It defines swine flu as a respiratory disease of pigs caused by influenza viruses. While humans do not normally get swine flu, they can contract it from close contact with pigs. Symptoms in humans are similar to seasonal flu and include fever, coughing, and sore throat. The current outbreak has caused over 80 deaths in Mexico and spread to other countries. Experts are monitoring the situation closely due to the potential for a pandemic if the virus spreads widely and affects a large portion of the population. People are advised to follow good hygiene practices to reduce transmission.
Swine Flu
- 1. Swine Flu
- 2. Introduction There are many different types of swine flu and like human flu, the infection is constantly changing. The outbreak in Mexico seems to involve a new type of swine flu that contains DNA typically found in avian and human viruses.
- 3. Swine Flu - Definition It is a contagious respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses.
- 4. How do humans catch it? While humans do not normally catch it they can contract the virus, usually if they have been in close contact with pigs. It is possible for humans to pass it to each other and experts believe it spreads in the same way as seasonal flu - through coughing and sneezing.
- 5. What are the symptoms? The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.
- 6. How dangerous is it? More than 80 people have died and many more made ill, in Mexico in particular, although cases have also been reported in the US and New Zealand. However, testing has shown that the antiviral drugs appear to be effective
- 7. Why should we be worried about it? The World Health Organisation warned the outbreak had "pandemic potential" and countries were advised to step up surveillance and preparation in case the infection spreads rapidly.
- 8. What is a pandemic? If the flu spreads over a wide geographic area and affects a large proportion of the population it goes beyond an epidemic and becomes a pandemic.
- 9. Important Many experts are monitoring the situation closely. Anyone who has recently returned from affected countries should consult a doctor if they notice flu-like symptoms. The Government has advised people to follow general infection control practices and good hygiene to reduce transmission of all viruses.
- 10. Important This includes covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully, washing hands frequently with soap and water and cleaning surfaces which are regularly touched.
- 11. Lico Reis Consultoria & Línguas Prof. Roberto Lico Reis www.licoreis.com [email_address] E-books www.migre.me/oQ5