Swine Flu | Influenza | Shots | Vaccines | Swine Map » influenza virus

Influenza- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Swine Flu Information — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:25:15 +0000

Influenza is commonly known as flu, it is an infectious disease of birds that can cause by RNA viruses. It is a contagious respiratory illness that is caused by influenza virus. Actually it is a viral infection that affects throat, nose, bronchi and in some cases it also affects lungs.

Influenza is a serious disease and every year about 5%-20% of United States population infected by this disease. Sometimes, more than 200,000 of people are hospitalized as they are having infection of influenza. The flu can be serious or even deadly for elderly people, newborn babies and people with certain chronic illnesses. The influenza even has its own season generally from November to April, with most cases occurring between late December and early March.

Symptoms of influenza

The infection is sometimes confused with common cold but its symptoms are more severe than typical sneezing. Infection of influenza lasts for about a week and sometimes more. It is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, muscle ache, feeling chills, body ache, headache, severe malaise, sore throat, rhinitis and non-productive cough. Dizziness and loss of appetite is another cause of influenza. Sometime vomiting, weakness and ear pain can prove associated symptom of influenza.

Causes

The flu virus travels in air droplets when any infected person sneezes. One can easily inhale these droplets and affected by disease. You can even pick up the germs by sharing things with the infected person such as telephone, towel, computer keyboard etc.

Treatment

The main thing to keep away from flu is to get a yearly flu vaccine. Whenever you get the flu, your health care provider may prescribe medicine to help your body fight the infection and lessen symptoms. You can do some practical ways to prevent the spread of influenza. You should wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Don’t pick up the used tissues as this may lead to infection. Never share utensils and towels with infected person; infection may travel through this way. You should cover your nose and mouth at the time of sneezing as the inflectional bacteria travels in the air and can cause another person.

Tags: influenza virus, Symptoms, non productive cough, person, Influenza

Scientists Warn About Future Flu Strains Nursing Times

Swine Flu Information — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:27:09 +0000

Scientists warn about future flu strains
Nursing Times
Governments should start vaccinations against a lethal strain of the influenza virus circulating in birds and pigs, The Independent has reported. The news is based on an article written by US vaccine researchers, who said that an old flu strain known ...
Official says H1N1 now just part of seasonal fluSeguin Gazette-Enterprise
Medicago commences US phase I clinical testing of its H1N1 / seasonal vaccinePR-USA.net (press release)

all 28 news articles& »

Read the full story:
Scientists warn about future flu strains - Nursing Times

Tags: united states, Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, future flu, press release, seasonal fluseguin gazette-enterprisemedicago, About

Influenza, Volume 7 (Perspectives in Medical Virology)

Swine Flu Information — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:25:27 +0000

Since the influenza virus was first isolated in the laboratory some 70 years ago, the disease has been the subject of intense study, and our knowledge has escalated as the newer techniques of medicine and science have made further advances possible. At the present time, our information of the disease and the virus that causes it is probably more detailed than for any other virus infection, perhaps excluding the human immunodeficiency virus. The subject of influenza divides itself into a number of specialities, and such is the pace of research and the depth of our knowledge, that workers in one area may have little understanding of the advances made in others.

This volume of Perspectives in Medical Virology has enlisted twelve internationally recognised researchers on specific aspects on the subject of influenza to write a summary of the important developments in the past and offer their views on the problems that remain to be addressed. It is hoped that their emphasis, reservations and projections are of value to future research, and offer directions for a better understanding of the virus, the disease it causes, the production of vaccines and the development of therapeutic agents so that at some date in the future this infection can be brought under control.

Tags: influenza virus, medical virology, knowledge, Virology, human immunodeficiency virus

Reported Human Cases of Bird Flu or H5N1 Influenza

Swine Flu Information — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 06:25:37 +0000

Avian influenza is an infection caused due to avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These influenza viruses occur naturally among all birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines but usually do not get sick from them.

However, avian influenza is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds including chickens, ducks and turkInfected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions and feces.

Causes of bird flu and aftermaths

Infection with avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry causes two forms of disease that are distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence.

The low pathogenic form may go undetected and usually causes only mild symptoms such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production, however, the highly pathogenic form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease which affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach up to 50% too.

Current Situation

Outbreaks of avian influenza among poultry are ongoing in several countries in Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Reports of sporadically occurring human cases of influenza are continued through January 2005. Thailand reported five human cases of influenza H5N1 with four deaths in September and October 2004 but no additional cases to date. Thirteen human cases of influenza A (H5N1) infection with 12 deaths have been reported by Vietnam since mid-December 2004. WHO has reported that 10 of these cases with 9 deaths have been confirmed?

How much in control?

One instance of probable limited the human transmission of influenza A (H5N1) virus was reported in Thailand between a child and her mother and aunt in September 2004. Health authorities in Vietnam are into investigating two possible instances of limited human-to-human transmission in family clusters.

One instance involves two brothers in Vietnam with confirmed influenza A (H5N1) infections and third brother was hospitalized for observation only and did not become ill. In the second instance, a daughter developed symptoms within 6 days of her mother's onset of illness which was confirmed as influenza A (H5N1).

Few more updates

In addition, the first human case of influenza H5 infection is in Cambodia has been confirmed in a woman who was hospitalized in Vietnam and died in few days. A joint mission between the Cambodian Ministries of Health and Agriculture and WHO in Cambodia investigating the circumstances surrounding this case.

To date, nine Asian countries have reported outbreaks (listed in order of reporting): the Republic of Korea, Viet Nam, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. Of these, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Malaysia have controlled their outbreaks and are

Tags: influenza flu, Bird, Influenza, Avian, influenza virus

Swine Flu Information

Swine Flu Information — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:25:54 +0000

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. The virus currently spreading among people is now generally referred to as swine flu. Swine flu viruses are usually of H1N1 sub-type. The swine flu that has spread to humans is a version of this virus. Swine influenza viruses may circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans.

Why is swine flu affecting humans?

The swine flu virus has changed and is now able to infect humans and transmit between them. Most commonly, these cases occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs (e.g. children near pigs at a fair or workers in the swine industry). In addition, there have been documented cases of one person spreading swine flu to others.

Symptoms of swine flu are:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish or gray skin color

Not drinking enough fluids

Severe or persistent vomiting

Not interacting

Irritation

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

Sudden dizziness

Confusion

Sore throat

Nausea

Diarrhea

Treatment of Swine Flu

Mild influenza illness does not require specific anti viral medicine.

Medicines should be taken only on advice of the doctor.

Paracetamol for fever and ibuprofen for myalgia can be taken as per the advice of the dooctor.

Oseltamivir, if prescribed / advised by the doctor only.

Children need to be given paediatric preparation and dosage of the above drugs.

Medicines (other than paracetamol) available for fever, headache, body ache in general groceries, pan shops etc should not be taken as they may contain aspirin.

Aspirin should not be given for fever or body ache.

Patients should take plenty of fluids.

If fever is not responding, there is worsening of symptoms and in particular altered sensorium (confusion, incoherent speech etc) / loss of consciousness or difficulty in breathing, patient should be referred to nearest identified health facility.

Swine Flu Precaution

Precautions from swine flu for general person

Get a yearly seasonal flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against seasonal influenza.

People at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older should get vaccination.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone

While sick, limit contact with others to keep from infecting them

Reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible

Improve airflow in your living space by opening windows

Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active

Precautions form swine flu for sick person

Keep the sick person in a room separate from the common areas of the house. (For example, a spare bedroom with its own bathroom, if that’s possible.) Keep the sickroom door closed.

Wear mask all the time. Three layered surgical mask should be provided by the hospital / community health worker. If mask is not readily available, mouth and nose should be covered with a piece of cloth / handkerchief / tissue paper.

avoid smoking

The sick person should clean his hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after coughing and/or sneezing.

Unless necessary, person with the flu should not leave the home when he has a fever or during the time that he is most likely to spread the infection to others

Avoid going into the community, school, office, markets

If person with the flu needs to leave the home (for example, for medical care), he should cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

Have the sick person wear a surgical mask if they need to be in a common area of the house near other persons

If possible, sick persons should use a separate bathroom. This bathroom should be cleaned daily with household disinfectant

Gaurav is an experienced article writer. He had written around 325 articles on variety of health topical subjects. To find out more on swine flu and our health care programs click this URL http://makemehealthy.in/MMH/

Tags: common area, sick people, incoherent speech, spare bedroom, body ache, surgical mask, health topical subjects

Hightlight: Influenza Virus Gaining Power in Pigs?

Swine Flu Information — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 06:25:54 +0000

Hightlight: Influenza virus gaining power in pigs?
The June 18 issue of Science reports that by monitoring the swine at a Hong Kong slaughterhouse, researchers have found that the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus from 2009 has been reorganizing its genes in pigs for the past year and a half.

Tamiflu an Effective Treatment for Swine Flu

Swine Flu Information — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 06:25:37 +0000

Tamiflu is an oral antiviral drug that has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment and prevention of the swine flu virus. The new strain of the virus is resistant to most medicines and a probable cure in the form of a vaccine is yet to be developed. People who are hit by the swine flu virus must start taking Tamiflu after consulting with their doctor. Tamiflu is most effective if the treatment begins within 48 hours of developing the symptoms. People who are exposed to the swine flu virus may also take Tamiflu to prevent being affected.

What is swine flu?
Swine flu or swine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the influenza A virus. Though swine flu normally only infects pigs but the 2009 outbreak involves a new H1N1 type A influenza strain. It contains genes from pig, bird and human flu viruses. The swine flu virus originated in Mexico in March 2009 and within a few months it has affected thousands of people in several countries across the world. Because of it being spread worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the 2009 outbreak of the new H1N1 flu to be a global pandemic. Swine flu strains can spread fast because no one has natural immunity and so it is easy to catch and transmit the disease.

Swine flu symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those reported in common flu. The severity of the symptoms depends on an individual’s resistance levels and on the treatment being provided. Some of the commonly reported symptoms of swine flu include -

Fever above 38ºC (100.4ºF) Cough Sore throat Body aches Chills Headache Fatigue Diarrhoea Nausea Vomiting

Symptoms of swine flu develop within 3 to 5 days after the victim is exposed to the virus. The symptoms continue for about 8 days, starting 1 day before the patient gets sick and continues until the patient has recovered. While some patients suffer mildly and recover within a week, in some patients the symptoms of swine flu may worsen, causing pneumonia and other chronic medical conditions. Thousands of people have died because of the aggravation of swine flu symptoms. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience headaches, fever or cold and if you develop symptoms after coming in contact with a person who has been exposed to the swine flu virus.

How does the swine flu virus spread?
Like common influenza, the swine flu virus may spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing by people who are already infected with the influenza virus. Healthy people may become infected by touching surfaces that are contaminated by the flu viruses and then touching their mouth, eyes or nose.

Swine flu prevention

Maintain hygiene Wash your hands frequently using soap or alcohol-based gel Cover you face while sneezing or coughing Stay away from crowds if possible. Stay home if you fall sick to avoid infecting others People who have or are suspected of having swine flu should wear a face mask

Swine flu treatment with Tamiflu
Tamiflu oseltamivir is an oral antiviral drug belonging to the class of medicines called neuraminidase inhibitors. The drug is found to be effective against both Influenza A and Influenza B virus. The US FDA has also approved Tamiflu for the prevention and treatment of the swine flu virus.

Influenza virus spreads because of a helper chemical on the surface of the virus called neuraminidase. This chemical enables the virus to spread to adjacent cells once it has entered the body. Tamiflu aims at attacking the virus so that it does not spread inside your body. The active ingredient in Tamiflu called oseltamivir binds to the neuraminidase on the surface of the virus particles and prevents it from working. By blocking the neuraminidase, Tamiflu confines the infection to a smaller area and prevents the virus from spreading inside your body. As a result, the symptoms and duration of swine flu are considerably reduced. Tamiflu works best when the treatment is initiated within 2 days of experiencing flu-like symptoms. Tamiflu oseltamivir has been shown to reduce the duration of the illness by approximately 1 day. Most importantly, the medicine helps to reduce the risk of developing flu-related complications, such as chest infections which may become severe and life threatening.

Tamiflu UK

Tamiflu oseltamivir is available to people in the UK who have been infected with the swine flu virus and to those who have been exposed to the virus. Tamiflu UK should only be used after consulting a doctor and after informing the doctor about your medical conditions, allergies and medicines you may be taking. You may also buy Tamiflu online in the UK from online clinics such as Healthexpress.co.uk. The website facilitates free consultation by a specialist doctor through an online consultation form. If the doctor finds Tamiflu suitable for you after reviewing your medical details, you will be sent a prescription for Tamiflu by email. Following this, your Tamiflu pills packet will reach your given address safely and promptly.

Webmaster associated with online clinic 'HealthExpress' this site provides various information on Tamiflu and helps people in curing Influenza, resources are available on site HealthExpress.co.uk.

Tags: respiratory infection, flu like symptoms, common influenza, global pandemic, online consultation form

Influenza ? Information on Influenza

Swine Flu Information — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:27:53 +0000

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and; about 36,000 people die from flu. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Typically influenza is transmitted from infected mammals through the air by coughs or sneezes, creating aerosols containing the virus, and from infected birds through their droppings. Influenza can also be transmitted by saliva, nasal secretions, faeces and blood. Infections also occur through contact with these body fluids or with contaminated surfaces. Flu viruses can remain infectious for about one week at human body temperature, over 30 days at 0 °C (32 °F), and for much longer periods at very low temperatures. Most influenza strains can be inactivated easily by disinfectants and detergents.

The virus is transmitted easily from person to person via droplets and small particles produced when infected people cough or sneeze. Influenza tends to spread rapidly in seasonal epidemics.

Influenza viruses continually change over time, usually by mutation (change in the viral RNA). This constant changing often enables the virus to evade the immune system of the host (humans, birds, and other animals) so that the host is susceptible to changing influenza virus infections throughout life. This process works as follows: a host infected with influenza virus develops antibody against that virus; as the virus changes, the "first" antibody no longer recognizes the "newer" virus and reinfection can occur. The first antibody may in some instances provide partial protection against reinfection with an influenza virus.

Most infected people recover within one to two weeks without requiring medical treatment. However, in the very young, the elderly, and those with other serious medical conditions, infection can lead to severe complications of the underlying condition, pneumonia and death.

Influenza type A viruses undergo two kinds of changes. One is a series of mutations that occur over time and cause a gradual evolution of the virus. This is called antigenic "drift." The other kind of change is an abrupt change in the hemagglutinin and/or the neuraminidase proteins. This is called antigenic "shift." In this case, a new subtype of the virus suddenly emerges. Type A viruses undergo both kinds of changes; influenza type B viruses change only by the more gradual process of antigenic drift.

Avian influenza infection in domestic poultry causes two main forms of disease that are distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The "low pathogenic" form may go undetected and usually causes only mild symptoms (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production). However, the highly pathogenic form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease that affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach 90-100%, often within 48 hours. It is the highly pathogenic form of H5N1 that concerns scientists.

The most effective way to protect yourself from the flu is to be vaccinated each year in the fall. Regular hand washing is another way to help minimize your risk. By washing your hands often, you will reduce your chance of becoming infected.

Tags: form, influenza virus, Influenza, human body temperature, flu vaccination, host

Fever of War: The Influenza Epidemic in the U.S. Army During

Swine Flu Information — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:27:27 +0000

The influenza epidemic of 1918 killed more people in one year than the Great War killed in four, sickening at least one quarter of the world's population. In Fever of War, Carol R. Byerly uncovers the startling impact of the 1918 influenza epidemic on the American army, its medical officers, and their profession, a story which has long been silenced. Through medical officers' memoirs and diaries, official reports, scientific articles, and other original sources, Byerly tells a grave tale about the limits of modern medicine and warfare.

The tragedy begins with overly confident medical officers who, armed with new knowledge and technologies of modern medicine, had an inflated sense of their ability to control disease. The conditions of trench warfare on the Western Front soon outflanked medical knowledge by creating an environment where the influenza virus could mutate to a lethal strain. This new flu virus soon left medical officers' confidence in tatters as thousands of soldiers and trainees died under their care. They also were unable to convince the War Department to reduce the crowding of troops aboard ships and in barracks which were providing ideal environments for the epidemic to thrive. After the war, and given their helplessness to control influenza, many medical officers and military leaders began to downplay the epidemic as a significant event for the U. S. army, in effect erasing this dramatic story from the American historical memory.

Fever of War: The Influenza Epidemic in the U.S. Army during World War I

Tags: influenza epidemic of 1918, army, Influenza, new flu virus, Fever, influenza virus

influenza epidemic, influenza epidemic in World War I

Influenza Virus Explained - How Humans Catch Flu

Swine Flu Information — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 06:25:12 +0000

This is a 2 minute animated video about influenza and how humans get the flu. It takes you on the journey of an influenza virus, how it is contracted, attacks, and ultimately departs from the cell of an infected person. Read more about our range of rapid tests for diagnosing respiratory infections such as influenza here: www.biomerieux-diagnostics.com

Tags: person, biomerieux, minute, influenza virus, Influenza

Bird Flu's Path From Poultry to People CBC.ca

Swine Flu Information — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:22:56 +0000

CBC.ca

Bird flu's path from poultry to people
CBC.ca
Bird flu, or avian influenza, is an infectious disease that in most cases affects only birds. But a subtype of the virus called H5N1 can migrate to humans and is sometimes fatal. H5N1 is one of several hundred subtypes of the Type A influenza virus and ...
Hong Kong Culls Thousands of Birds After Virus Found in ChickenNew York Times
Details of new lab-created bird flu strain may be too dangerous to publishCNN (blog)
When it comes to bird flu, nature is the greatest bioterroristThe Guardian
Wall Street Journal& -BusinessWeek& -MedPage Today
all 1,134 news articles& »

Read the full story:
Bird flu's path from poultry to people - CBC.ca

Tags: Birds After Virus, PATH, flu's, greatest bioterroristthe guardianwall, Street Journal

Prevention of Spread of Swine Flu

Swine Flu Information — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 06:36:46 +0000

Prevention of Spread of Swine Flu

Dr.Kedar Karki

In Mexico in April this year, a never-before heard strain of swine flu emerge, turning ill more than a thousand Mexicans and causing the death of 68. Swine flu has spread to other parts of the world such as the US and New Zealand when affected individuals (Mexicans or tourists to Mexico), traveled to those places. Swine flu has spread so far and wide that the World Health Organization fears it will bring about the next pandemic. A June 10, 2009 update by the U.N.'s World Health Organization (WHO) states that 74 countries have officially reported 27,737 cases of influenza A (H1N1) infection, including 141 deaths. In India till date 23 cases are being confirmed in city like Hyderabad, Bangalore, New Delhi, and Jallandhar in Punjab. Government of India is now thinking about suspension of air flight to U.S.A as most of confirmed cases in India have been detected from the persons who had recently traveled to U.S cities and had returned from there. WHO’s decision to raise the pandemic alert level to Phase 6 is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the severity of illness caused by the virus.

This is not the first time the world is threatened by swine flu. Swine flu, which is also referred to as pigfluenza, hog flu, pig flu, or swine influenza, typically affects pigs only. In 1918, an H1N1 virus caused flu pandemic in humans. Scientists speculated that H1N1 was created either when human influenza virus crossed specie boundary and affected pigs, or the other way around.

In 1930, a study confirmed that influenza virus caused the illnesses of pigs; the viral strain was identified as H1N1. Other past outbreaks in humans include the 1976 US outbreak (number of deaths: 5) and the 1988 Wisconsin outbreak (number of deaths: 1).

2009 Swine Flu Outbreak

The strain that caused the swine outbreak in 2009, on the other hand, is different from other types of swine flu viruses before. It infects humans only. Pigs show no sign of infection. As such, scientists are having a difficult time establishing the origins of this new disease. The 2009 swine flu outbreak is caused by a strain that combines a single strain of human flu virus, a single strain of avian or bird flu virus, and two strains of swine flu virus.

Transmission

Swine flu virus in pig is transmitted when uninfected animals touch the nose or dried mucus of the infected pig.

Transmission of swine flu from pigs to humans occurs when a person touches an infected pig such as during animal transport or cleaning of pig pens. Swine flu is not acquired by eating pork.

Transmission of swine flu from human to human occurs when airborne viruses brought about by sneezing and coughing are inhaled by another person. Touching of contaminated surfaces and bringing one’s hand to one’s nose or mouth.

Symptoms

Symptoms of swine flu in humans are non-specific. They are quite similar to other types of influenza such as common flu and bird flu. People infected with swine flu often the following: Fever, chills, coughing and sneezing, sore throat, muscle pain, discomfort, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.

In pigs, swine influenza virus cause: fever, lethargy, decrease in appetite, abortion, sneezing, coughing, weight loss, poor growth. Difficulty breathing.

Because swine flu symptoms are non-specific, a laboratory taste of nose or throat swab is needed to confirm viral presence.

How to Prevent Spread of Swine Flu

Among swine: owners should implement facility management and management. Vaccinating the pigs may also help reduce the chances of spreading of the flu.

To prevent transmission of swine flu from pigs to humans, farmers, veterinarians, and other people who come in close contact with live pigs should wear masks and gloves when working with infected pigs.

Here are several steps to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus:

If you have flu symptoms, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the disease. Do not return until two days after your symptoms are gone.

Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands frequently.

Go to the hospital if you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing. If your symptoms are mild, stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others at the hospital.

Masks may be recommended for health care workers, family members and others who come in close contact with swine flu patients, but there is no need for the general public to wear masks.

It is safe to eat properly handled pork. Cook it to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees.

At the moment, only Tamiflu and Relenza seem to work against swine flu. Many countries have a supply of these vaccines, though not enough to curb a pandemic if the current swine flu reaches that level.

Senior Vet.Officer,Central Veterinary Laboratory Kathmandu Nepal M.V.St. Preventive Veterinary Mrdicine

Tags: common flu, close contact, pandemic alert level, muscle pain, human flu virus, phase 6, Government of India

The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic In

Swine Flu Information — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:26:33 +0000

At the height of WWI, history’s most lethal influenza virus erupted in an army camp in Kansas, moved east with American troops, then exploded, killing as many as 100 million people worldwide. It killed more people in twenty-four months than AIDS killed in twenty-four years, more in a year than the Black Death killed in a century. But this was not the Middle Ages, and 1918 marked the first collision of science and epidemic disease. Magisterial in its breadth of perspective and depth of research and now revised to reflect the growing danger of the avian flu, The Great Influenza is ultimately a tale of triumph amid tragedy, which provides us with a precise and sobering model as we confront the epidemics looming on our own horizon. John M. Barry has written a new afterword for this edition that brings us up to speed on the terrible threat of the avian flu and suggest ways in which we might head off another flu pandemic.

The Great Influenza: The story of the deadliest pandemic in history

Tags: history, influenza virus, twenty four months, Influenza, Great

~the Influenza Virus~

Swine Flu Information — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 06:24:56 +0000

How humans catch the flu

Tags: flu ~the influenza, Conditions and Diseases, Flu, Virus, Infectious disease, Influenza, influenza virus

Influenza- Symptoms and Treatment

Swine Flu Information — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:28:58 +0000

IDENTIFYING INFLUENZA

Influenza is a common contagious disease with flu-like symptoms. Influenza is caused by a sphere or filament-shaped virus. The most problematic part of these viruses is that they keep on changing. Such mutated virus strains can adversely affect a person even though that person had immunity to another strain of the influenza virus. And the situations worsens if separate strains combine. Such a combination can be really fatal as the newly emerged virus gains in its immunity against the extant vaccines.

INFLUENZA SYMPTOMS

A person becomes rather weak during the bouts of influenza. The patient's immune system also fails to operate naturally. As a result, influenza can turn into another life threatening ailment known as pneumonia. In fact, annually approximately 25,000 American citizens die because of influenza or pneumonia. Medical reports have shown that people above the sexagenarian age group have been fatally affected by this twin disease.

INFLUENZA VIRUS

The virus responsible for causing influenza has been classified into three types, viz., A, B and C. While A affects mankind and animals, B and C targets only human beings. Mentionably, the third type of influenza leads to only to mild infection.

INFLUENZA PANACEA

The latest panacea for influenza known as the 2004 Influenza Vaccine fights is composed of one strain of B and two strains of A.

WHEN CAN INFLUENZA ATTACK?

Influenza can attack anyone at anytime. However, people are particularly susceptible to influenza during the changes of seasons. During influenza, the main affected area is the respiratory channel. When the weather turns cold from hot or vice versa, many people irrespective of colds do fall prey to influenza. The disease can easily flow from one person to another. The primary routes for its transmission are sneezing and coughing. Influenza can also spread if one uses the clothes particularly the hanky or the towel used by an influenza affected person.

INFLUENZA AILMENTS

Influenza is accompanied by clogged nose, headache, or at times running nose, temporary pain of joints and running body temperature. Mentionably, influenza and its symptoms disappear within three to four days whether one takes medicines or not. However, influenza can also be a silent stalker. Under such circumstances, it is always advisable to try and cure influenza naturally. If the symptoms continue for a longer period and show little signs of disappearing, do consult a doctor.

CURING INFLUENZA

The best way to cure influenza is to go for hot foot baths, and gargle if one suffers from sore throat. Many people take a tea spoonful of raw and unadulterated mustard oil to get back the normal voice. If one experiences mild fever, one can simply take the precaution of not bathing in cold water. Keep the body and the feet warm. Using cold ointments on the back side of the body, armpits, feet and on the chest besides around the nostrils also provide relief by means of the strong evaporation of those ointments.

ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS OF INFLUENZA

It has also been found that homeopathic treatment is the most ideal strategy to cure influenza. This is especially true with children. Homoeopathic medicines can also be taken by the adults. The homoeopathic treatments give the best results in cases of adults who are teetotalers. Nonetheless, these medicines are cheaper than the allopathic ones. Besides, the homoeopathic medications do have any side effects although they take some time to deliver the goods.

BIRD INFLUENZA

Nowadays, influenza has taken another deadly form. It is commonly known as the avian influenza as the virus gets transmitted to human beings from birds including poultry( hen, duck, turkey). The cause of this type of influenza has medically proved to be the H5N1 virus. Intensive researches are on to find a viable vaccine for avian influenza. The H5N1 virus has been found to be affecting people mainly in Europe and Asia.

In most of such cases, avian influenza spreads from the avian species to one person. To obviate any possibility of the H5N1 virus spreading to man, one must stay from making any contact with the birds during any avian influenza epidemic.

Symptoms of bird flu in humans can be similar to those resulting from typical flu-like symptoms, like fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. Other severe symptoms are eye infections, pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases, and other severe and life-threatening complications.

Tags: Influenza, virus strains, influenza virus, Symptoms, body, influenza symptoms and treatment

Tamiflu Can Impact and Control the Influenza Virus Before It Undergoes a Dramatic Variation

Swine Flu Information — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:25:14 +0000

What is Influenza?

Influenza is an infection caused by a virus of the respiratory tract. Influenza is a very contagious infection and can easily break into a pandemic. You may catch this infection from an infected person who is travelling with you or is working with you or from an infected family member. Influenza virus may infect others around even if the infected person has no illness symptoms. Influenza viruses can enter the body through the mucous membranes in the mouth, eyes, or nose.

Influenza is also known as ‘flu’ and crops up mostly in winter between October and March. The symptoms of influenza are as follows:

Fever – usually continuous and may be lower in older adults than in children and young people
Muscle pain and body aches – often severe, usually in the arms, back and legs
Headache – severe pain
Loss of appetite – mainly due to a feeling of illness or fatigue
Dry cough, sore throat or runny nose – more visible when the fever goes away

Other symptoms are usually more severe, when fever is high. Symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhoea are not related to influenza as opposed to what most people believe.

Causes for Influenza

Influenza is caused by flu viruses. There are mainly three types of flu viruses – type A, B and C. Influenza A viruses are found in humans and animals, whereas B and C are found only in humans. Influenza A virus possesses two surface proteins, haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), which are used to classify the virus into subtypes. The natural reservoir for influenza A is considered to be aquatic birds, as all influenza A subtypes are found in these birds, whereas only certain subtypes are found in mammals. These two surface proteins may undergo change over time.

Minor changes are termed antigenic drift, while major changes in one or both of the surface proteins, is called antigenic shift. The importance of these changes is that antibodies in the blood, which are responsible for protection against repeated infection with the virus, are less effective if the virus surface protein changes; the greater the change, the less effective is the antibody. Only influenza A can undergo this dramatic variation in which a virus of a new subtype can suddenly appear in the human population; influenza B and C viruses appear to be more stable than influenza A.

It is this antigenic shift that can be the catalyst for a nation-wide epidemic, or more seriously a world-wide pandemic. The latest example of an emerging new subtype is the ‘bird flu’, first isolated in Hong Kong in May 1997, which previously had only been found in birds and was not associated with disease in humans.

As Influenza viruses are known to mutate over time, new vaccines have to be developed constantly. Old vaccines may not help against a new form of virus. Influenza viruses spread from one person to another through coughing or sneezing. Influenza can also be transmitted by indirect contact with a contaminated object or surface and then with your own mouth, eyes, or nose before washing your hands.

Treatment Available for Influenza

Current influenza vaccines contain either inactivated virus, treated so that it cannot cause infection, or virus components. Recent vaccines contain a mixture of two influenza A subtypes and one influenza B virus. The vaccines are very effective and have been shown to reduce hospital admissions for pneumonia. All viruses used in vaccine production are currently grown in chicken eggs, and experimental vaccines made in mammalian cells are likely to be the next development in vaccine production.

Changes in the virus due to antigenic drift or antigenic shift mean that the vaccine must also change to cover the prevailing strains of the virus; last year’s vaccine may not protect against this year’s virus.

The composition of the influenza vaccine for the next season is coordinated by the WHO. The ability of influenza to continually undergo antigenic change ensures that there is always a possibility that new variants not covered by the vaccine will appear which may give rise to serious epidemics. This means that making a completely accurate prediction of likely influenza activity for the oncoming season is very difficult. It should also be remembered that during the annual winter influenza season, other 'flu-like' viruses also circulate, against which influenza vaccine offers no protection. The vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to egg products.

Influenza A infections can be prevented to a certain extent with drugs which effectively prevent illness. The combination of vaccination with prophylaxis offers the highest level of protection for high-risk patients.

Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) as Best Influenza Treatment

Tamiflu is a unique medication and helps in treatment as well as prevention of influenza. It is also recommended by World Health Organization in case of influenza pandemic and bird flu outbreak. Tamiflu is a safe and effective drug; however, it would be misleading to say that it is the best influenza treatment. Different people react differently to medications and hence you might find Tamiflu to work well for you but might not work the same way in another individual. It is best to follow the doctor’s instructions in these cases.

Tamiflu is of proven effectiveness in the treatment of influenza. New types of anti-influenza drugs are currently under development. Patients should rest, keep warm and take plenty of non-alcoholic fluids plus any medication recommended by their doctor to relieve symptoms. Antibiotics are of little value except in patients in whom bacterial pneumonia occurs.

Tags: influenza virus, surface, illness, person, influenza viruses

Swine Flu | Influenza | Shots | Vaccines | Swine Map » influenza virus

Influenza- Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Related Swine Flu Posts

Scientists Warn About Future Flu Strains Nursing Times

Related Swine Flu Posts

Influenza, Volume 7 (Perspectives in Medical Virology)

Related Swine Flu Posts

Reported Human Cases of Bird Flu or H5N1 Influenza

Related Swine Flu Posts

Swine Flu Information

Related Swine Flu Posts

Hightlight: Influenza Virus Gaining Power in Pigs?

Related Swine Flu Posts

Tamiflu an Effective Treatment for Swine Flu

Related Swine Flu Posts

Influenza ? Information on Influenza

Related Swine Flu Posts

Fever of War: The Influenza Epidemic in the U.S. Army During

Related Swine Flu Posts

Influenza Virus Explained - How Humans Catch Flu

Related Swine Flu Posts

Bird Flu's Path From Poultry to People CBC.ca

Related Swine Flu Posts

Prevention of Spread of Swine Flu

Related Swine Flu Posts

The Great Influenza: The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic In

Related Swine Flu Posts

~the Influenza Virus~

Related Swine Flu Posts

Influenza- Symptoms and Treatment

Related Swine Flu Posts

Tamiflu Can Impact and Control the Influenza Virus Before It Undergoes a Dramatic Variation

Related Swine Flu Posts