Swine Flu

The World Health Organisation is very concerned by the appearance of a unique strain of swine flu, which has caused the deaths of several people in Mexico. However, it is reassuring to note that the majority of persons infected with the virus have so far have recovered. Although it is called swine flu, the virus does not infect pigs, so it is safe to eat pork.

Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is contining to respond to the expanding outbreak of swine flu (influenza A- H1N1). It's goals are to reduce transmission and the severity of the illness severity, and to provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and members of the public address the challenges posed by the epidemic.

CDC will issue updates and interim guidance daily as the situation evolves. This includes information on when closing public institutions and guidance on how to care for someone who is sick with the flu at home. The CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) has sent supplied to all U.S. territories and states to help in the response to the epidemic. Also, manufacturers are developing a vaccine against this new and potentially dangerous virus.

Response actions will vary across states and communities depending on local circumstances. We can all take action to slow the spread of this outbreak. People who are sick are urged to avoid contact with others, except to seek medical attention. This can slow the spread of the flu further.

This recently discovered virus (a strain of the influenza A virus – H1N1) has combined genetic material from birds, pigs, and humans.  Since people have no natural immunity against this new virus and since no vaccine has been produced so far that protects against it, the swine flu virus could spread rapidly around the world. Efforts are being made to contain the epidemic, but it may already be too late, according to a pandemic expert in the US.

People are being advised to avoid public places, shaking hands and kissing, and to wash their hands frequently. In Mexico, schools, churches and libraries have been closed, and people have been asked to avoid going to the hospital unless it’s a medical emergency. Free surgical masks are being handed out to bus and subway passengers.

Symptoms: A fever, sore throat, dry cough, aches and pains, severe tiredness and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting.