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1. What is Swine Flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory illness in pigs caused by influenza virus type A. People do not normally get swine flu, but they can get infected severely as is being seen worldwide now. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person and is now on a pandemic alert.

2. How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this 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 with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
•Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
•Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and can infect you.
3. What are the initial signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu. The initial symptoms are

•fever (greater than 100F),
•cough,
•sore throat,
•body aches,
•severe headache, chills and fatigue.
•Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu.
4. When do we know that we are affected by H1N1 virus?
To be more specific, here is a child and adult symptoms that are alarming and must not be neglected if observed

For children
Fast breathing or trouble breathing
•Bluish or gray skin color
•Not drinking enough fluids
•Severe or persistent vomiting
•Not waking up or not interacting
•Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
•Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
For Adults
•Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
•Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
•Sudden dizziness
•Confusion
•Severe or persistent vomiting
•Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
5. 8 Tips to protect yourself from getting affected by H1N1 virus

•Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
•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. The virus can spread this way.
•Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
•If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school and 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
•practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
6. What are the medications available for swine influenza A (H1N1) virus?

•The US CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (Relenza®) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses.
•Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.
•If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications.
•For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
But remember, do not self-medicate yourself. Please consult your doctor or the hospital nearby. Take tests and then ask them. Its just for informational purpose and in any condition shouldn’t be used by anyone without medical prescription.

7. Can I wear a mask and protect myself? if yes, which one exactly?
Its said that there is no harm in being over cautious. Even if you are not having any trouble you can use masks. A surgical mask is good for the time being but anyone who has any of the symptoms discussed earlier, should use a N 95 mask. Go to your nearest pharmaceutical center and ask for it.

8. How can we prevent it to come from inside our house?

•Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.
•Keep surfaces (esp bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, children’s toys, phone handles, doorknobs) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.
•Linens, eating utensils, and dishes belonging to those who are sick do not need to be cleaned separately, but importantly these items should not be shared without washing thoroughly first.
•Wash linens (such as bed sheets and towels) by using household laundry soap and tumble dry on a hot setting. Avoid “hugging” laundry prior to washing it to prevent contaminating yourself. Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub right after handling dirty laundry.
•Eating utensils should be washed either in a dishwasher or by hand with water and soap.
9. Should I stop traveling if I am not feeling well?
Yes preferably, you shouldn’t go out of your house as that can help spread the virus if it has infected you or may affect you because your immunity is low at that time. Indian IT company Infosys has notified employees to stop traveling unless absolutely necessary.


10. The most important point
Now, you know almost everything you need to know about Swine flu on a basic level. But, the best thing you can do is, even if you think you are infected or not, don’t get scared, don’t panic. It is a curable disease and everyday hundreds are getting cured pretty normally. All you will have to do is to remember the questions and answers discussed here and do the necessary if situation demands.