Swine Flu(H1N1 virus)

As the name suggests,it originates from pigs.It was particularly prevalent in pigs. This swine flu is caused by a relatively new type of virus known as H1N1 virus.The first cases of the virus being transferred from pigs to humans was recorded in the late 1950s.50 cases were recorded and out of these fifty,6 of the victims died.Athough the figures may see practically insignificant,human-to-human transfer has been very high. The World Health Organization declared a pandemic of the Swine Flu in 2009.This pandemic ended in August 2010.After the global outbreak not so much as been said about it again,yet in 2015 over 3000 people tested positive for the H1N1 virus in India:1800 people died as a result.Just recently about 17 students died in Ghana as a result of the Flu.A statement was released on GhanaWeb reported to have come from the ministry of health declaring an outbreak of the Swine Flu. This flu occurs between October and May with highest cases usually reported in January.This article will help you minimize your chances of getting the flu,tell you the people at risk of getting it and some of the signs and symptoms that may likely indicate that you have Swine Flu.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU
•Chills
•Fever
•Nausea and Vomiting
•Coughing
•Fatigue
•Diarrhoea
•Side throat
•Runny or stuffy nose
The aforementioned are not specific to Swine Flu they could appear when you have seasonal flu.So the best way to confirm if you have Swine is to be tested in a health facility .
MODE OF TRANSMISSION
It's airborne.It can be transmitted through the following:
1.Coughing
2.Sneezing
3.Touching surfaces that have been exposed to the virus and touching your face.
PEOPLE AT RISK OF GETTING SWINE FLU
The commonly exposed groups are children under 5 years and the aged(65+ years).People who can easily get the virus iclude:
•People in their early adulthood and children below the age 19 who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
•Pregnant women
•People with compromised immune systems (for instance people with AIDS)
•People with chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, or neuromuscular disease.
HOW TO TREAT OR PREVENT SWINE FLU
The best way to protect against this flu is to take yearly flu vaccination. The vaccine is able to combat the H1N1 virus.You can also use oral antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) but because of the ability of the virus to easily develop resistance to the drugs, it is reserved for extreme cases .
Here are some of the measures you can take to minimize your chances of contracting the virus.
•Get enough rest:Giving yourself enough time to rest helps your immune system to focus on fighting the virus.You wouldn't have to take any medication,just simply resting can do the magic.
•You can take over the counter pain relievers to relief you of symptoms such as headache and sore throat.
•Practising good hygiene and regular hand washing with soap and running water can help.You can also get yourself a hand sanitizer.
•During periods of outbreak avoid large gatherings because you can easily get the virus from there.
•Avoid indiscriminate touching of your nose, eyes and mouth during flu season.
•Always move around with tissue or handkerchief,always sneeze in it to minimize chances of spreading it.
•Take care of your nutrition:The foods and drinks you take determine the strength of your immune system.Your immune system is made of proteins do is important you take foods rich in protein(Animal protein:lean meat, fish,turkey,poultry etcvand Plant proteins:broad beans,soya beans, Hazel nuts,groundnuts etc).You should also take foods rich in soluble vitamins and phytochemicals .You can find them in green leafy vegetables and fruits.
I hope you find this post helpful.Thanks for stopping by.