Human cases of swine flu have been identified in the United States by medical professionals. According to CDC officials, over 3000 cases were confirmed in United States. These cases resulted in 3 deaths across the country.
The AP has reported that 56 people have been killed and over 2,050 admitted to the hospital in Mexico with flu-like symptoms. The virus has also spread into Europe and 32 other countries.
CDC H1N1 Flu Outbreak Map
Introduction -- What is H1N1:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Swine Influenza (swine flu or H1N1) is “a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.” Officials said that the virus can spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.
The CDC has determined that this H1N1 influenza A virus is contagious and is spreading from human-to-human. However, officials have not determined how easily this virus is spreading between people.
There are four identified strains of the H1N1 influenza type A virus that have been isolated in pigs.
How does the disease spread?:
CDC officials have reported that the virus is thought to be spreading the same way the seasonal flu virus spreads. According to the CDC, the flu virus is spread mainly through coughing or sneezing.
The CDC says that infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develops and up to a week after becoming sick.
Furthermore, H1N1 flu is not spread through eating pork. The CDC says that eating properly handled and cooked pork products is considered safe.
The CDC has received reports of about one human H1N1 influenza infection every one to two years in the United States. However, from December 2005 from February 2009, there have been 12 cases of human infection reported.
According to WebMD, a routine seasonal flu shot does not prevent the risk of H1N1 Flu. However, washing your hands, getting plenty of rest, staying physically active, drinking plenty of fluids, avoding sick people, and not touching your mouth, eyes or nose are all ways of preventing H1N1 Flu.
How is swine flu treated?
The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir to treat and/or prevent those infected with this strand of the swine flu virus. Officials say that if you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
Symptoms:
According to the CDC, symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. If you live in an area with identified cases of H1N1 flu and you have influenza like symptoms you may want to contact your health care provider. They will determine whether or not influenza testing or treatment is needed.
Links to other flu information sources:
Copyright (2009) Saga Interactive -- This station is not a medical professional. This article was written to inform you about cases of swine flu and, in no way, should be used to diagnose or treat any disease.
