How common is the Swine Flu these days

How common is the Swine Flu these days

http://www.chacha.com/question/how-common-is-the-swine-flu-these-days

Swine Flu, or H1N1, is really not common at all. It’s no more potent than the regular flu. It’s not as bad as people think!H1N1

Why is swine flu so big when the ‘normal’ or common flu kills mor…?

http://au.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090612093920AAPbpGx

It has to do with the genetic code, normal flu is based on human genes and we have developed antibodies over time. Swine flu is based on pig and bird genes, so the human body has no ability to fight it at all as it has never encountered it,…

Related Questions Answered on Y!Answers

Swine Flu Q&A?

Q: Swine Flu Q&A What you need to know and how to protect yourself from infection.By the Editors of MSN Health Swine flu in the U.S.? If you’re worried about the flurry of news on pandemics, epidemics, and public health emergencies, here are some key facts provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Conrol and Prevention to help you understand how swine flu is spread and what you can do to prevent infection. Current updates on the spread of swine flu are available at the CDC’s Swine Flu web site.What is swine flu? Swine flu is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs and caused by type A influenza viruses. While outbreaks of this type of flu are common in pigs, human cases of swine flu do happen. In the past, reports of human swine flu have been rare—approximately one infection every one to two years in the U.S. From December 2005 through February 2009, only 12 cases of human infection were documented.How is it spread? Humans with direct exposure to pigs are those most commonly infected with swine flu. Yet, human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented, however it’s not known how easily the spread occurs. Just as the common flu is passed along, swine flu is thought to be spread by coughing, sneezing, or touching something with the viruses on it.If infected, a person may be able to infect another person one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. Thus, a person is able to pass the flu on before they know they are sick. Those with swine flu should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are demonstrating symptoms and up to seven days longer from the onset of their illness. Children might be contagious for longer periods of time. Can I catch swine flu from eating pork? No. The CDC says that swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food. Properly cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills all bacteria and viruses. What are the symptoms of swine flu? Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of a regular flu: fever and chills, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting can also be present. Without a specific lab test, it is impossible to know whether you may be suffering from swine flu or another flu strain. What precautionary measures should I take?  The same everyday precautions that you take to prevent other contagious viruses should be used to protect yourself against swine flu:  Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners work well too. Do not touch surfaces that might be contaminated. Avoid contact with sick people. Try to stay in good general health with plenty of sleep, exercise, and a nutritious diet. What should you do if you think you are sick with swine flu?  Contact your health care professional, inform them of your symptoms, and ask whether you should be tested for swine flu. Be prepared to give details on how long you’ve been feeling ill and about any recent travels. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. If you feel sick, but are not sure what illness you may have, stay home until you have been diagnosed properly to avoid spreading any infection.    Watch for these symptoms in children. Seek emergency medical care if your child experiences any of the following warning signs: Fever with a rash Dehydration Fast breathing  Bluish skin coloration Slow to wake or sluggish interaction Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return and cough worsens Severe irritability For adults, emergency medical care is needed if you experience these warning signs:  Difficulty breathing Dizziness Confusion Severe or persistent vomiting  Pain/pressure in the chest or stomach Remember that the symptoms for swine flu are almost identical to those you might experience with the regular flu. Only your doctor can give you the correct diagnosis. Are there medicines effective in treating swine flu in humans?The swine flu responds to the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for those infected. For treatment, these antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).More informationU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infectious Diseases: How they spread and how to stop them

A: Thanks for the info, and the two points. I think I’ll take a look. I really don’t know how I can answer this but… thanks.

Do I have swine flu or just a cold/flu?

Q: I have been extremely sick the last two months. First I suddenly felt a horrible feeling inside my body, like my skin was crawling. Fever that never registered but I felt it, sinus infection, horrible wet cough, chills, migraines, body aches. Also an extreme loss in appetite which is unusual. Most notable was the body aches…I have never felt anything like this in my life. I didn’t go to the dr. because it eventually got better. I stopped coughing for about three days, was still coughing stuff up but alot less. Last couple days, I have felt chills again, wearing 3 sweatshirts, 3 pairs of socks, sweatpants, mittens and three blankets to bed and I’m freezing from the inside. My bones are cold. Then I’m sweating. Dry cough came on suddenly, stuffy nose again, horrible headaches, chills and fatigue/achiness. Still no appetite, even on thanksgiving. Talked to a hotline because I’m concerned with how quickly it set in both times. I have read a lot about swine flu and am worried because i have every single symptom. Don’t have insurance or money, am a full time student, wondering if this sounds more like swine or normal flu…is it common for swine to come back rapidly, should i call a dr or what???? Help!For future reference, I am an adult, not a hypochondriac, and know what having normal flu feels like. I wouldn’t be asking if it was a regular flu…

A: It sounds like mono (viral) please go to the dr and get tested for mono, H1N1 (both are viral) and strep (bacterial).

Whats up with the H1N1 virus (swine flu)?

Q: Now here is the real question.Is it just me or is everyone overreacting a little bit to the virus? I mean sure it has the potential to kill you, but so do lots of viruses that we are exposed to every day. For example, lets take a look at the common flu outbreak that we experience every winter. It is estimated that it kills 36,000 people every year in the Unites States alone. Now if my math is correct here, thats on average approximately 100 people every day. Now I’m not saying there is no need to worry whatsoever but you rarely see anyone walking around during flu season with masks on. And besides, the science behind those masks is that they are more effective to keep things in (and thereby prevent others from becoming sick) rather than keep the virus out.I dont know, i just find it strange how we force markets like the food industry, airline industry, and tourism to suffer because of a virus that we have about a .00001 % chance of getting. I think the media has just created general terror in the populace by first of all calling it swine flu (its airborne and the chances of getting it from cooked pork is so slim i would feel save eating pork for every meal every day (from infected pigs if you really wanted me to) if people would just chill out about all of this) then over publicizing the few deaths while not giving full details on the people who died. Are they infants with weak immune systems, how about 90 year olds, or are they perfectly healthy 25 year olds that are dying?I dont know, maybe its just me.Anyone out there agree with me?Any reasons i missed as to why we should all calm down about it?Any reasons why I’m wrong?I’m up for some food for thought so fire away Thanks!

A: I think that the government or the presses or the news or WHATEVER is making such a big deal about this to get people to stop worrying about the economy. It makes sense, because you are right, 36,000 people die from the regular flu every year. so i agree:)