Swine Influenza Q&A from Your Health and Wellness Partner
By: Dr. Liza Jordan
What is Swine Influenza?
The H1N1 Virus or Swine Flu is the term given to a strain of the influenza virus that causes flu in pigs.
With the recent outbreak of Swine Flu, it has been confirmed the virus is prevalent in the United States, Canada, South America, Central Europe, China, Japan and Kenya.
Commonly, transmission of this strain of flu from pigs to humans does not cause infection in humans. Antibodies will become present in the blood stream in an effort to fight and overcome the virus as a sign of infection.
How is Swine Flue different from 'normal' flu?
Both Swine Flu and the normal or seasonal flu are caused by the Influenza A-virus. However, the seasonal flu virus may undergo small mutations from one year to another and in most cases the human body is still able to produce antibodies to combat the virus.
In the past, numerous subtype flu viruses have been identified to cause Swine Flu however only one, the H1N1 virus has been identified to be particularly resistant to antibodies, produced by humans causing severe illness and in some cases death.
Can I get Swine Flu from eating pork?
No. Extensive research has confirmed that one cannot get Swine Flu by eating any forms of pork (bacon, ham, pork chops, pork roast and etc).
Human to human transmission is the only route of infection possible with the Swine Flu virus.
Flu is considered an ‘airborne’ disease – it is transmitted by droplets in the air sick individuals cough. When in close, not necessarily physical, contact with infected persons you can become sick.
What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?
Swine Flu may have an incubation period of three to five days where individuals are infected with the virus but do not have any symptoms. During this period the disease is transmissible to people who come in contact with the infected individual.
Common symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to the symptoms of Seasonal Flu and are among the following:
- fever
- chills
- muscle aches
- lethargy
- sweating
- sore throat
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- abdominal pain.
Is there anything I can do to prevent Swine Flu infection?
At the moment the only risks factors identified are a relevant travel history and/or contact with someone infected with Swine Flu. However, proper hygiene and sanitary care has been noted to decrease the possibility of infection. For example, coughing into a tissue
How will I know if I have Swine Flu and not Seasonal Flu?
Being strains of the same virus, the illnesses caused by Swine Flu and seasonal flu are almost identical. Although a significant number of individuals who have been infected by Swine Flu have reported complaints of diarrhea, abdominal pain and vomiting associated with severe flu symptoms, it is recommended that individuals who may feel ill and suspect Swine Flu go for blood tests to confirm whether they are infected.
If I have flu symptoms, when should I seek medical assistance?
If you’ve traveled to areas where the disease is endemic such as Mexico, United States, Canada, Central Europe, China, Japan and Kenya and have had prolonged or worsening flu symptoms it is recommended you seek medical attention immediately.
What tests are done to diagnose Swine Flu?
A simple blood test is being conducted worldwide on those suspected to have contracted the virus.
Can Swine Flu be treated? If so, how?
Yes, Swine Flu can be treated if diagnosed early. An Antiviral course of medication is the first line of treatment. If diagnosis and medication is taken early enough the individual may be cured.
If you want to know more about Swine Flu, the symptoms and how to prevent infection, call Kaelo on 011 778 4340 and ask to speak to one of our Case Managers. You can also visit www.health24.com/kaelo for more information.