Swine flu (which is often called the H1N1 Virus) is not a new virus, even though in recent years it has become more dangerous. in 2009 a new strain of the H1N1 virus appeared and, unlike some previous strains, became contagious between humans. How is the swine flu transmitted? It is transmitted by touching an object that has been sneezed at or touched by someone who has been infected with the virus.
Although the mortality rate has been relatively low, and in fact, it is expected that a vaccine will be available within the next few months, there is a great concern that the virus will mutate, not only rendering the vaccine ineffective, but also potentially becoming far more infectious.
The symptoms of swine flu resemble ordinary influenza: high fever, sore throat, body aches and chills. As a result, it is not unlikely that many people have been infected and overcame the swine flu virus and are unaware of it. Although some healthy people have died, the people most susceptible are those with compromised immune systems as well as elderly or children.
The best way to prevent swine flu is virtually identical to preventing any virus: wash your hands with soap whenever you can, sanitize them, try and avoid places where infected people have been seen. It is also necessary to cook any infected pork meat for it to not be dangerous anymore (though ideally it should be avoided completely).
As for treatments, as mentioned, a vaccine is on its way. In the meanwhile, if any swine flu symtoms are in fact apparent and swine flu is confirmed, the CDC suggests Tamiflu or Relezna, though it is likely that most infected people will not require any treatment at all.
Tags: flu symtoms, flu virus, high fever, mortality rate, new virus, swine flu