Posted by ajju in What is H1N1?
All flu viruses in humans, birds, pigs etc.. contains a H and N in their names each followed by an number. The 2 letters refers to 2 proteins on the surface of the virus namely H-Hemagglutinin and N-Neuraminidase and the numbers referring to variations in the protein forms indicating our immune system’s sharpen in on these proteins to attack the virus.
What is Swine Flu? How does it Spread?
The Swine Flu otherwise known as A(H1N1) – a viral infection that originates from pigs. The viral infection gets transmitted through people who are in contact with the Swine. Once the species barricade is crossed, human to human transmission of the virus happens just by normal contact or through airborne transmission such as sneezing, cough , cold like a common flu infection. However eating of pork products according to researchers never causes a person to develop swine.
Symptoms of Swine Flu and the Highly risky people
The most generic symptoms includes
1) Cough
2) Nasal or lung congestion
3) Vomitting,Nausea,Diarrhea
4) Fever, Body and Joint Pains
5) Sore throat, headaches, fatigue and low energy levels
6) Severe cases may lead to death due to Pneumonia.
Mostly children, elderly and pregnant women who are immune compromised are at higher risk of Swine Flu Attack.
Precautions
1) Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water or with hand sanitizer.
2) Wear surgical masks or loose fitting , disposable cloth masks that cover the nose and mouth.
3) Use tight fitting, disposable mask fitted for individual wearer which are harder to breathe through for long periods such as N95 or higher respiratory masks.
4) Dispose used tissues properly to avoid spreading of flu through the mucus.
5) Wrap your nose and mouth if you happen to sneeze and avoid being in crowded places.
6) Consult doctor immediately if you find any of the above symptoms to safeguard your lives from the pandemic flu.