Today we are (more and more|more} at risk from the various strains of the flu virus. initially we had scares over bird flu, but recently swine flu has become the major worry. Swine flu is more serious than bird flu was. It was feared that bird flu could mutate into a form that would infect humans, apart from a handful of cases, this situation has not materialized. Swine flu is a larger worry, the swine flu virus has the ability to pass between humans making it a dangerous threat.
Swine flu, or to be more correct influenza A (H1N1), is a respiratory disease that infects pigs, it is caused by a flu virus. Swine flu outbreaks in pigs is is common and is only rarely fatal. Swine flu has not normally infected humans, but it can happen occasionally.
Swine flu is extremely dangerous because it is a new type of the flu virus. It is dangerous because no one has been in contact with this particular type of flu previously, therefore no one has developed any immunity. It is our inbuilt immunity that prevents diseases from becoming life threatening, with no immunity to this virus we are at the mercy of the virus. Everyone is vulnerable, including healthy adults and teenagers as well as children and the elderly.
The real worry is what will happen when winter arrives. It is then when the virus may spread quickly causing widespread illness with the potential for over half the population becoming infected.
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. These can include a sudden,sudden onset of a fever, cough or a shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include headaches, sore throat, muscle aches, chills, sneezing, a runny nose, loss of appetite and tiredness.
Precautions First, anyone with the symptoms of a cold or flu should to take a few simple, but very important precautions. The virus is passed between humans by the small droplets from the nose and mouth when someone sneezes or coughs. This is how viruses are spread from person to person. Covering your face with your hands when you sneeze or cough is not enough. The virus then live on your hands, then everything you touch afterwards becomes contaminated. Anyone then touching the same place as you will pick up the germs and will then risk becoming infected themselves. Therefore, always use a handkerchief or a tissue. A tissue is far better, this should be disposed of safely as soon as possible, and always use a new tissue if you cough or sneeze again.
There are currently no vaccinations to stop anyone catching the swine flu virus. The swine flu virus is a new type of virus and isn’t the same as ordinary flu. The annual vaccination against the usual seasonal flu is not effective against swine flu. Even when the strain of flu virus causing swine flu is identified, it will take many months to manufacture. By this time, it may have mutated into a different strain.
The only real effective precaution against the swine flu virus is Tamiflu. Tamiflu isn’t guaranteed to stop flu, but when someone has been exposed to another individual who is carrying the flu virus, it can help to stop the virus making a person ill. If Tamiflu is taken within two days of developing flu, Tamiflu can help to stop the virus spreading throughout the body, thereby reducing the symptoms and risk associated. Governments are stockpiling Tamiflu, these supplies will naturally be used to treat key workers and individuals before the general population.
You can buy Tamiflu online, so if the situation arises you can treat yourself and your family as much as possible. It can’t be emphasized strongly enough, Tamiflu has to be taken as early as possible if it is to be effective, any delays in treating the virus will reduce the effectiveness of Tamiflu. If you think you may be at a higher risk due to your situation, such as For example living in a city with a large population or for example working in a busy office, then it may be wise to buy Tamiflu before the flu season begins. If you happen live in the country and do not have a close contact with many people then you will be at a lower risk.
Remember that swine flu is a worldwide problem. It is possible that supplies of Tamiflu may be diminished and may not be enough to meet a large global demand.
Until a vaccine is discovered and produced in the quantities required, Tamiflu is the most effective treatment for the swine flu virus.
Disclaimer: This post is based on information freely available in the popular media and medical journals related to swine flu. Nothing in this article is intended to be or should be construed to be medical advice. For medical advice you are advised to consult your physician.
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