Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

What is Swine flu?

   Swine influenza (also called swine flu, pigfluenza, hog flu, and pig flu) refers to influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by the influenza virus (H1N1 subtype) that usually infect pigs and are called swine influenza virus (SIV). People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human.
     Influenza viruses can change its make-up in one of two ways: Antigenic drift is a series of mutations that cause the virus to gradually evolve over time. Antigenic shift is an abrupt change in the surface antigen proteins that suddenly creates a new subtype of the virus. In the history of influenza outbreaks, antigenic shift is the cause behind pandemics in 1918 (Spanish Flu), 1957 (Asian Flu) and 1968 (Hongkong Flu) because the populations have not developed antibody protection against the virus.
What’s especially unique about the new swine flu strain is that it’s a type A/ strain H1N1 and it hasn’t been previously detected in pigs. Lab tests showed that the H1N1 is susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) and the US government is prepared to use the drugs to treat and prevent infection with swine influenza virus.
The swine flu virus as it spread from Mexico to other countries. As of April 27, the USA reported 20 confirmed cases, Spain has confirms 1 case, Canada has 6 and Mexico has over 1,300 suspected cases with 62 deaths from swine flu infection.
Signs and Symptoms:
    Swine flu in people is similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and includes fever (greater than 100ºF or 3.8º C), cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.
How does swine flu spread?
   Spread of the swine influenza A (H1N1) Virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
Safety Precautions:

     There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by
     Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
     Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way
Trying to avoid close contact with sick people
Staying home from work or school if you are sick
Try to say in good general health
Get plenty of sleep
Be physically active
Manage your stress
Drink plenty of fluids
Eat nutritious food
Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus

How long does the flu virus survive on surfaces?
        Flu bugs can live for hours on surfaces. One study showed that flu viruses can live for up to 48 hours on hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and for up to 12 hours on cloth and tissues. The virus seems to survive only for minutes on your hands -- but that's plenty of time for you to transfer it to your mouth, nose, or eyes.
What kills influenza virus?
      Influenza virus is destroyed by heat (167-212°F [75-100°C]). In addition, several chemical germicides, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, detergents (soap), iodophors (iodine-based antiseptics), and alcohols are effective against human influenza viruses if used in proper concentration for an adequate length of time. For example, wipes or gels with alcohol in them can be used to clean hands. The gels should be rubbed into hands until they are dry.
Who is at risk?
    Swine flu is a new virus so no-one will have immunity to it and everyone could be at risk of catching it. This includes healthy adults as well as older people and children.
Can I get infected with this new H1N1 virus from eating or preparing pork?
    No. H1N1 viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get this new HIN1 virus from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork product is safe.
Is there a human vaccine to protect from swine influenza?
    There are no vaccines that contain the current swine influenza virus causing illness in humans. It is not know whether current human seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection. Influenza viruses change very quickly. It is important to develop a vaccine against the currently circulating virus strain for it to provide maximum protection to the vaccinated people.
What drugs are available for treatment?
    Antiviral drugs for seasonal influenza are available in some countries and effectively prevent and treat the illness. There are two classes of such medicines 1. Adamantanes (amantadine and remantadine) and 2. Inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase (oseltamivir and zanamivir).