Interesting Swine Flu Facts
The media sure has been talking about the swine flu, to the point of where the average person might be asking the questions, is this hype? Or is this something to freak out about?
I am writing this article to demonstrate how the swine flu (H1N1) has entered into the human population and point out how it is transmitted and the precautions we should take.
The first thing to be aware of is the swine flu type A( H1N1) virus is not new to the United states. According to CDC it was first isolated in 1930.
The swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs, caused by the type A influenza virus.
The CDC also states that pigs can be infected by avian flu and human viruses as well as swine flu viruses. Little by little you begin to see how multi species viruses can occur. When a virus from another species infects the pigs the viruses exchange genes and a new virus with a mix of swine, human, and/or avian can occur.
You are probably wandering what birds are of the greatest concern. Wild water fowl are of concern because these species provide a great natural reservoir for flu viruses. All possible influenza A virus subtypes exist among wild water fowl. In water fowl, the viruses are shed in the birds feces and ultimately in the water lakes and ponds that the birds visit during migration. Also potentially onto the ground of barnyards and farm fields. ( Public Health Fact Sheet vol 2, no 6 Jan. 2004). Since we have identified the methods of how the virus is transmitted from species to species and where it comes from.
As you absorb this information you'll feel calmer realizing that this flu is not much different than any other flu as far as how it is transmitted. It is transmitted through close contact, coughing, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
According to the CDC people at risk of severe flu complications include pregnant women, asthmatics, diabetics and people with heart disease and other chronic illnesses.
Of course you've heard that hand washing is the best method to preventing contamination. Well it also rings true for this virus. If you wash hands and make a conscious effort not to touch your face then you have significantly increased your odds of remaining flu free for the flu season.
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