Swine Flu Outbreak

Reports have spread all over the world through tabloids and television about the outbreak of Swine Flu. It is said that the virus is infecting people and is spreading from person to person. A number of suspected cases have been reported internationally.

But what is Swine Influenza?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. The classical swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930.

The symptoms of this kind of flu includes fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. People who have swine flu also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Human Infection with flu viruses from pigs are most likely to occur when people are close proximity to infected pigs, such as in pig barns and livestock exhibits housing pigs at fairs. Human to human transmission of swine flu can also occur through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the said virus.

There are some drugs around that can effectively treat swine flu infection in humans. There are two main types:

• adamantanes (amantadine and remantadine)
• inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase (oseltamivir and zanamivir)

sources:

Key Facts about Swine Influenza.http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm

What is Swine Flu? How is Swine Flu be treated?.http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147720.php