Swine Flu Facts And Symptoms Of Swine Flu

by by Celine Yong

Swine Flu Facts

Swine flu is caused by type A influenza virus affecting pigs. It spreads to humans when humans come into contact with infected pigs, which shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and faeces.

The usual strains of Influenza A virus seldom infect across species. But when a human strain and a pig (swine) strain infects an animal at the same time, the eight distinct genetic segments that make up the flu genetic code can exchange with each other in a process called reassortment.

The swine flu virus currently seen appears to come from a reassortment of genetic material from a pig strain, a bird strain and a human strain. It is now capable of human-to-human transmission, much in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people. The swine flu virus currently responds well to Tamiflu although health experts fear that this virus may continue to mutate and eventually render Tamiflu ineffective before the vaccine is ready.

One cannot be infected by eating pork. Cooking pork and all other meats to an internal temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius will ensure that we are not ingesting live bacteria and viruses.

The Symptoms Of Swine Flu

The symptoms are generally mild, much like those of regular human seasonal influenza. They include

# high fever (usually above 38 degrees Celsius)
# sore throat
# runny nose
# body aches
# possibly breathlessness a few days later
# fatigue
# vomitting
# diarrhea
# chills

However, the risks of being taken severely ill or even dying from swine flu increases dramatically in patients who already have underlying or pre-existing health conditions. Doctors have identified the following groups of people to be most vulnerable to the virus:
# Pregnant women, particularly those in the second and third trimesters
# Children younger than five, particularly those younger than two years of age
# Diabetics
# Immuno-compromised people whose immune systems are depressed from disease or from using drugs such as those used in chemotherapy
# People with chronic heart and / or lung disease
# Obese people
# People who are suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
# People who have metabolic problems (people who are obese or suffering from diabetes mellitus, among others)
# People who are 65 years or older

See a doctor immediately if you are unwell, and refrain from close contact (2 metres or less) with other people. For more details and updates on swine flu, visit http://howtobefitandhealthy.com/category/swine-flu-information

About the Author
Celine Yong hails from sunny Singapore. She is passionate about health and fitness. Visit her health and fitness blog for free today at http://howtobefitandhealthy.com At her blog, you will be able to read and benefit from the tips she has compiled from numerous health and fitness experts from both East and West.