By Amy Bauer
Swine Flu, influenza A H1N1 occurs in pigs as a respiratory disease. It is not the same as the human flu virus H1N1 genetically. Swine Flu normally does not infect humans.
There commonly has to be a direct exposure of humans to infected pigs. Every 1 to 2 years there is a small outbreak in the United States. Usually it happens when a child touches a sick pig at a petting zoo or a worker comes in contact with a pig that has the Flu.
People spread the virus by sneezing and coughing, with unclean hands that touch the nose, eyes or mouth, sharing items such as cups or towels, or going to work or to school when exhibiting symptoms. Usually the infected person sheds virus in the first 4 to 5 days. This period is highly contagious.
Symptoms to look for are fever, lethargy, appetite loss, coughing and at times a runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Eating pork is safe when it is cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees. Viruses are almost clever with an intelligence that allows them to adapt and mutate.
Swine Flu can be/is deadly so the World Health Organization has released 25% of its antiviral drugs, personal protection equipment, and respiratory protection devices because of the recent outbreak in the United States. Keeping your immune system at top level is important.
Other measures are frequent handwashing especially before touching the mouth and nose, coughing into a disposable tissue, using hand sanitizer, using disinfectant wipes on doorknobs, phones, keyboards, and other shared devices and staying home with symptoms.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_Bauer
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