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Swine Flu in Humans

Newly Identified A/H1N1 Virus Strikes U.S.

Apr 24, 2009 Patrice Campbell

The H1N1 Swine Flu virus mutated from pigs, and at some point was transmitted to humans with the possibility that the virus is a mixture of avian, swine and human viruses

Cases of H1N1 Swine flu in humans have been identified in Southern California and Texas, similar to the strains found in Mexico. Otherwise healthy young adults make up the majority of the cases in Mexico, where the outbreak was first identified starting March 18th, 2009.

Unusual age groups affected by this new virus, in addition to outbreaks in multiple communities and the fact that humans are contracting an animal influence virus has raised the level of concern at the World Health Organization. WHO is working with US, Mexican and Canadian health authorities to indentify the risks of this new swine flu.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, none of the U.S. flu cases had contact with pigs, and they believe it spreads human to human. They are working with local and state agencies on reported human swine flu infections. The cases were identified in March and April 2009.

Although Swine Influenza A/H1N1 viruses is a newly identified flu virus in both humans and pigs, it’s possible that it’s been around but only just now identified because of improved lab testing and changes to disease surveillance.

12 Cases of swine flu in humans were identified in the U.S. between 2005 and January 2009. No deaths occurred from swine flu during this time.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The symptoms of Swine flu are cough, sore throat and fever. Body ache, fatigue and chills are often present. Some people also suffer vomiting and diarrhea with the virus.

Spread of Swine Flu

Two ways of spreading the H1N1 Swine flu virus have been identified.

  1. Swine flu can be spread by contact with areas contaminated with the virus or by contact with infected pigs.
  2. It is believed that the Swine Flu virus is spread from human to human much the same way as the seasonal flu virus, through sneezing and coughing.

The contagious period can be up to 7 days following the onset of the illness.

Preventative Measures to Avoid H1N1 Swine Flu Virus

The CDC is recommending the following precautions during a flu epidemic.

  • Wash hands often
  • Avoid contact with sick people
  • Don’t spread germs by touching eyes, nose or mouth
  • If ill, stay at home

When to get Emergency Medical Care for a Child with H1N1 Swine Flu

Seek immediate emergency medical care for a child exhibiting the following symptoms

  • Not taking enough fluids
  • Not interacting
  • Not waking up
  • Severe irritability
  • Fever with a rash
  • Intermittent flu symptoms with fever and worsening cough
  • Bluish skin color
  • Fast or labored breathing

When to get Emergency Medical Care for an Adult with H1N1 Swine Flu

Adult suffering from the flu who also have the following symptoms should seed immediate medical care.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Persistent or severe vomiting
  • Pressure or pain in abdomen or chest.

The copyright of the article Swine Flu in Humans in General Medicine is owned by Patrice Campbell. Permission to republish Swine Flu in Humans in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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Comments

Apr 25, 2009 9:34 AM
Guest :
close the borders NOW.
Apr 26, 2009 2:55 PM
Guest :
Truly scary when you think of what a pandemic of swine flu could do. Hopefully they will work to develop a shot to prevent this flu as they do for other seasonal flu.
Apr 26, 2009 5:36 PM
Guest :
Why are we letting people come back from mexico when they might be infected with the swine flu?
Apr 26, 2009 5:37 PM
Guest :
Why are we letting people come back from mexico when they might be infected with the swine flu?
Apr 27, 2009 3:46 PM
Guest :
Close the borders and halt all travel into and out of Mexico. Is this not common sense?
Apr 28, 2009 10:02 AM
Guest :
I know it's kind of harsh, but it's only safe to close the borders and isolate the flu until it's taken care of!
Apr 28, 2009 12:12 PM
Guest :
They should close all borders and tell all American to come back from mexico and check everyone before entering the country.
Apr 28, 2009 12:12 PM
Guest :
They should close all borders and tell all American to come back from mexico and check everyone before entering the country.
Apr 28, 2009 6:17 PM
Guest :
I think this flu epidimic is GOds way of letting us know that the end is near. Read your Bible. And be ready.
Apr 29, 2009 5:29 AM
Guest :
America needs to close it.s borders,both ways,no Americans in or out either since the hardest hit by h1n1 so far is Mexico and AMERICA
Apr 30, 2009 3:37 AM
Guest :
yes you all are right shut the borders and isolate the area, the best solution is to try and kill out this flu by the government to bring in the surgeon masks yeah they may be annoying but that will be our only chance to block this out of new zealand and other countrys where it could drop the popularity. just remember to wash your hands reguarly and cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing do not touch your eyes mouth or nose with out really cleaning your hands as that is what can set the bug off and start it up we need to work together and get rid of this once and for all. thank you for reading this.
head of health and flu association.

need more tips just make a comment for the answers
May 1, 2009 11:34 AM
Guest :
"I think this flu epidimic is GOds way of letting us know that the end is near. Read your Bible. And be ready."

wow... you certainly trust the all loving ever powerful mirical machine dontcha? yea... this is blown out of proportion the daliy infection #'s are slowing down so keep your foolish notions to yourself and read somthing other then a book of fancies 2000 years old and perhaps a current medical statement on the issue.
Jun 8, 2009 1:12 PM
Guest :
i am travelling to america and i am afraid
Jul 16, 2009 2:51 AM
Guest :
ok i need sum help for research and dis ting aint helped me att al erggghhhhhh :@ not useful att alllllllllll
Sep 25, 2009 10:37 AM
Guest :
lalalalala. screw swine flu.
15 Comments
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