WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SWINE FLU

Recently, swine influenza or "swine flu" has been in the headlines every time we read the news. World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the influenza pandemic warning to Phase 5. It means that there is human-to-human transmission at least two countries in one WHO region. "Swine flu viruses are NOT transmitted by food" How it started? Pigs can get influenza (flu), but usually resulting in low death rates. However, swine flu viruses are different from human flu viruses. Swine flu does not often infect humans but this recent outbreak is caused by a new swine flu virus that has spread from person to person, who has no direct contact with pigs. How do people catch the swine flu? Swine flu viruses can be spread via contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas. Cases of human-to-human spread have been documented. Apparently, the new swine flu virus spreads like regular flu from an infected person. It can also become airborne if an infected person cough or sneeze without covering his / her nose and mouth. What are the symptoms of swine flu? They are same as those of regular flu: - Fever - Lethargy - Runny nose - Cough - Sore throat - Lack of appetite - Vomiting and diarrhoea in some cases. Can swine flu be treated with antiviral drugs and flu vaccine? Since the H1N1 swine flu viruses aren't the same as human H1N1 viruses, vaccines for human seasonal flu would not provide any protection. The swine flu is resistant to two common drugs – Amantadine and Rimantadine. In that case, how is swine flu treated? Currently in Malaysia, there is no case reported yet. However in the U.S., tests show that the Tamiflu and Relenza is effective in preventing or treating swine flu, as recommended by their Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, many of the first people in the U.S. with lab-confirmed swine flu has recovered without treatment. Can people be affected by eating pork? Swine flu viruses are NOT transmitted by food. It is safe to consume properly handled and cooked pork and pork products. The swine flu virus will be killed when pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 70ºC and above. What can I do to protect myself from the swine flu? - Make sure you cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue or handkerchief when you cough or sneeze. - Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner, especially after you cough or sneeze. - Avoid close contact with sick people. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. - Go to the nearest hospital / clinic if you have any of the symptoms. Should I avoid overseas travel? The Health Ministry on April 27 advised Malaysians against traveling to certain places in the United States, Mexico and Canada which have been affected by the swine flu. What are the precautions being done currently in Malaysia? - The Health Ministry’s operations room in Putrajaya has started a 24-hour monitoring of the situation. The public can call 03-8881 0200/300 for enquiries. - Those returning from Latin American countries and found to have flu-like symptoms will be quarantined. - Health Ministry officials are conducting health screenings on passengers arriving from the United States. - Thermal scanners will be placed at international airports to speed up the screening process for swine flu. - Public and private medical practitioners have been instructed to report to the district health office any patient with influenza-like illnesses or severe pneumonia symptoms and who had traveled to the affected countries after April 17. - Owners of the 797 pig farms nationwide have been ordered to immediately contact the nearest Veterinary Services Department office or the Animal Disease Control Centre if their workers or animals show symptoms linked to the swine flu. Where can I get more information? For more information, please visit Health Ministry (www.moh.gov.my) or call the Ministry's hotline at (03) 8881-0200/300. Useful Links: World Health Organization Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Homeland Security Department WHO swine flu page Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy of facts, the articles and information above must never be construed as giving professional health advice and as such Kurnia does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in the above article. Kurnia cannot be held responsible for any losses, injury or death resulting from the use of the above information.