Russia has closed its borders to pork imports, Europe is warning against travel to the US, and Canada has issued a travel advisory for Canadians planning to visit Mexico. Fears of an epidemic or even a pandemic are rampant, although the only epidemic I've seen so far is the headlines in newspapers around the world. The whole thing is enough to make you pull the blanket over your head and go back to sleep!
What is it?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease and is a type of Influenza A; specifically H1N1, where H stands for hemagglutinin and N stands for neuraminidase. This type of influenza is regularly found in pigs, hence its name.
How can people catch influenza from pigs?
Humans and animals can pass strains of influenza back and forth to each other through close and direct contact. When a person contracts a strain of influenza previously found only in animals, the virus will mutate to facilitate transmission to other people.
Where did it start?
Influenza of one type or another, including swine flu, has been around for centuries. This particular strain was first reported in Mexico, Southern California and Texas.
Can I catch it?
Yes, you can. This strain is contagious, spreading from human to human through coughing and/or sneezing, much like the common cold. You can also catch it from touching something that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth or your nose. Again, just like the common cold.
How many people have been affected?
As of 1:00 pm EST April 27, 2009, the cases in the United States are as follows; California 7, Kansas 2, New York City 28, Ohio 1, Texas 2. In Canada there are four confirmed cases in Nova Scotia and two in British Columbia. Mexico has reported 100 deaths and parts of the country, Mexico City in particular, have put a stop to public gatherings, closing everything from churches to schools to nightclubs.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to others types of seasonal flu. They can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue. There have also been reports of vomiting and diarrhea among those affected with swine flu.
If you become ill with the above symptoms, contact your doctor. Do not go to work. Stay home and tweak your internet dating profile instead. Limit your contact with other people to keep from spreading the infection.
How can I protect myself and those around me?
There are some simple, everyday things you can do to protect yourself and those around you against any infectious disease, not just swine flu. They are:
• Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze with a tissue. Dispose of your used tissue in the garbage right away.
• Washing your hands with soap and warm water immediately after sneezing or coughing. Alcohol based cleansers will also work well.
• Avoid touching your eyes, your nose and your mouth with your hands.
• Stay away from someone who exhibits flu or flulike symptoms
Can I catch this flu from eating pork products?
No, you can't. Swine flu viruses are not spread by food.
Can you recommend additional resources?
The Center for Disease Control is an excellent resource, likewise the website for Health Canada.
The media hype surrounding this latest outbreak has reached epic proportions. Today's environment of 24/7 global news monitoring lets us know about the victory of Susan Boyle while at the same time instilling fear in millions about another 'black death'. There is no question that swine flu, like bird flu and other types of influenza have the potential for devastating effect. The concern with this strain of influenza centers on three points; 1) this strain originated in animals 2) there were multiple community outbreaks, three separate communities in Mexico; the Federal District of Mexico, San Luis Potosi in Central Mexico and Mexicali, near the US border, 3) the range of age groups affected.
Health organizations like the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization) are in a precarious situation. If they don't issue warnings and this strain does spread around the world, they'll be vilified. If they do issue warnings, and there are no further deaths, they'll be accused of fear mongering. In other words, they're damned if they do and damned if they don't.
So before you decide to lock your doors and hunker down until this blows over, consider the following; In 2005, just over 1,800 people died from influenza in the United States and in 2007, there were 1,505 cases of malaria in the US. In neither case were there worldwide headlines of an impending influenza or malaria epidemic.
(Sources http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/flu.htmk and http://www.cdc.gov/features/dsMalariaSurveillance/
I'm not saying that swine flu is not cause for concern, but the hysteria surrounding it is. Use common sense; practice good hygiene, which you should be doing anyway, avoid people with flu like symptoms, and see your health care professional should you exhibit the symptoms outlined above.
