Description of swine flu
Swine flu triggered a wave of panic in March 2009 when she appeared in Mexico. Every day, they stood on the front page numbers of infected or dead, and the topic is flooding the media now. On 25.5. 2009 was the first recorded case of the disease in the Czech Republic, which was caused by a new wave of fear and people began buying up large-flu drugs.
It is a respiratory disease caused by A (H1N1) normally occurring in pigs.
The virus contains gene segments of human, avian and swine flu two types in a particular combination. The human variant of the swine flu got its name from the fact that one of its proteins is most similar to viruses that usually infect pigs.
Viruses new flu were among those that could cause a pandemic.
Cause and risk factors for swine flu
Swine flu type A is contagious and is transmitted from person to person mainly by sneezing or coughing. It is also transferable from touching infected site into the mouth or nose. On the contrary, the spread of food and can not be infected by consuming pork.
An infected person can infect their surroundings on the first day of infection, infectivity lasts about 7 days. The incubation period is about 8 days.
Most people who succumbed to the Mexican flu, were among the risk groups. These groups include people with chronic diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breathing problems, extreme obesity), children younger than 2 years old or pregnant women. Each year in the Czech Republic will die and 2000 in relation to the flu. Concern is aroused by the fact that in some cases succumbed swine flu and previously healthy individuals.
Preventing swine flu
In the fight against influenza to help with these steps:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating and after visiting the hospital hall or riding public transportation. Wash hands thoroughly under running water for 15 seconds using soap.
- Strengthen the immune system of regular exercise, hardening, varied diet
- Do not move the disease due to cure the disease increases the risk for attacking the swine influenza virus.
- If you feel sick, avoid close contact with people at home and stay in bed. At the same time, avoid people who look sick.
- When you sneeze, cover your mouth with a handkerchief after using a handkerchief throw in the trash. Then wash your hands.
- Smoke because smoking weakens the immune system of the respiratory system, through which viruses enter the body.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, ears and mouth with her hand, you do not spread germs.
- Do not borrow foreign matter such as cell phones, glasses, cutlery. Here the virus may be present.
- With the increased incidence of the disease Avoid places with high concentration of people such as offices, discos and public transport.
- When arriving from areas at risk monitor their health.
Definitely do not use preventive antiviral drugs. If we are taking all precaution, the virus could easily mutate and appear in a more insidious form, which would not be effective medications.Therefore, this antiviral Never ask after his attending physician in vain!
Symptoms of swine flu
The symptoms of swine flu symptoms are similar to normal seasonal influenza, which are: fever to 39 degrees, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat and cough.
Some patients suffer from diarrhea and vomiting.
In case of suspected swine flu contact your doctor, who will perform tests for influenza and prescribe medication. Warning signs can be difficult breathing, dizziness, persistent vomiting or pain in the chest.
Treatment of swine flu
Most low-risk patients with swine flu recover on their own as in a normal flu. Shorten the period of illness and help relieve symptoms of antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).Antivirals are issued only on prescription in the form of drops, powder and inhaler device. Their effectiveness is that they prevent the virus reproduction.
Complications of swine flu
Severe pneumonia – Swine flu does not remain in the upper airways, but it extends deeper into the lungs and thereby increasing the risk of severe pneumonia.
Death – in most cases affects only individuals with chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart and vascular diseases, breathing problems or extreme obesity.
Other names: Mexican flu, Swine flu, influenza A / H1N1 novel flu
