Sunday, June 21, 2009
Influenza A(h1n1) flu virus
In our world today, many kinds of diseases started appearing. Besides from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which also became one of the most fiercest disease in the world. We now have INFLUENZA A(H1N1) FLU VIRUS common name: SWINE FLU. But what is really swine flu? What are its symptoms? And how can we possibly prevent or treat it?
Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1), is a subtype of influenza virus A and the most common cause of influenza (flu) in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans and cause a small fraction of all influenza-like illness and a large fraction of all seasonal influenza. H1N1 strains caused roughly half of all human flu infections in 2006. Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs (swine influenza) and in birds (avian influenza).
In June 2009, WHO declared that flu due to a new strain of swine-origin H1N1 was responsible for the 2009 flu pandemic. This strain is commonly called "swine flu".http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H1N1
A person who has this kind of disease acquire the symptoms:
influenza-like illness
1.fever
2.cough
3.sore throat has been reported in many cases
mild respiratory illness
1.nasal
2.congestion
3.rhinorrhea
Other symptoms
1.vomiting
2.diarrhea
3.myalgia
4.headache
5.chills
6.fatigue
7.dyspnea
8.Conjunctivitis is rare but has been reported
You can prevent a virus spreading to others by:
CATCH IT. BIN IT. KILL IT. is a simple way to remember this. You can also prepare now and in the build-up to a pandemic by: Confirming a network of ‘flu friends’ – friends and relatives – who could help you if you fall ill. They could collect medicines and other supplies for you so you do not have to leave home and possibly spread the virus. Knowing your NHS number and those of other family members and keeping them in a safe place. You will be able to find your NHS Number on your medical card or other items such as prescribed medication, GP letter or hospital appointment card/letter. Having a stock of food and other supplies available at home that will last for two weeks, in case you and your family are ill
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Masks The Health Protection Agency (HPA) recommends that health care workers should wear a face mask if they come into close contact with a person with symptoms (within one meter) to reduce their risk of catching the virus from patients.
However, the HPA does not recommend that healthy people wear face masks to go about their everyday business.
Antivirals One of the ways to lessen the symptoms of pandemic flu is to treat infected people with antiviral medicines, which have been used against the current swine flu. The UK has stocks of these medicines and there is enough to treat up to half the population should they become ill during a pandemic, which is a reasonable worst-case scenario. However, the drugs must be administered at an early stage to be effective.
Testing has shown that the swine flu can be treated with the antiviral medicines oseltamavir (brand name Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).
Antivirals will help to: reduce the length of time you are ill by around one day relieve some of the symptoms reduce the potential for serious complications such as pneumonia Antivirals will not cure you, but they lessen the symptoms and help you to recover
Labels: A(h1n1)