Swine Flu - What is it and How to Avoid It

Basic Knowledge

Swine Flu is caused by Influenza virus A (H1 N1). We need first to explain what's type A and what are H & N. Influenza viruses are divided into 3 main categories A,B&C ; A virus causes world wide epidemics (pandemics) of influenza , B virus causes major outbreaks while C virus only causes mild respiratory tract infection. The pandemics caused by influenza A virus occur nearly every 10-20 years, but major outbreaks caused by this virus occur virtually every year in various countries.

The key to the persistence of the influenza virus is its genetic material and antigenic composition. It's major surface antigens are hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The H antigen is used to bind to host cells, while N Antigen cleaves budding viruses from infected cells. Hemagglutinin has 4 subtypes (H1, H2, H3 and H5) and N antigen has 2 (N1 and N2) that have caused human disease. The surface antigens can change or (shift) over time. H & N Antigens change continuously reflecting mutations in their genetic material where antigenic shift occurs when a major change occurs in the antigens and this shift often triggers a pandemic, because humans often have little or even no pre-existing immunity to the new strain.

Mode of infection

Swine flu virus spread like any other influenza virus by droplets or aerosols.

Incubation period

1-4 days ( The period before appearance of symptoms).

Clinical manifestations

Unfortunately swine flu has the same symptoms like usual human flu and this includes:

Sudden increase of body temperature, cough, malaise , anorexia ,  headache , muscle aches , rhinitis and respiratory distress ( it may or may not be accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea) .

Laboratory diagnosis

Swine flu is diagnosed by nasopharyngeal swabs , washes or aspirates of specimens taken early in the course of the disease. The virusus are fragile and need to be handled carefully; and specimens should never be frozen.

Prevention

As there's no treatment available yet the only way we have to avoid being infected or to enhance our immunity is by following these measures :

- Avoid crowded places (you can wear masks) - Avoid kisses if you are not sure of your kisser - Wash your hands frequently with water and soap ( specially if you sneeze) - Always provide good airing - Drink water and fluids as much as you can specially Ginger ( to increase immunity ) - Useful foods to increase immunity are cantaloupe, apple, guava, honey, lettuce and radish - Use vitamins specially vitamins A & C and antioxidants.

I hope this information will help you to pass this hard period.