it is a bit distressing to know that we are yet facing another disease that is getting so much media coverage.. the SWINE FLU.. but since it was firstly detected in mexico and the world swine is offensive to some parties, i think i'd stick to MEXICAN FLU (advance apologies to the country)..Swine influenza (also swine flu) refers to influenza caused by any strain of the influenza virus endemic in pigs (swine). Strains endemic in swine are called swine influenza virus (SIV).
Swine flu is common in swine and rare in humans. People who work with swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of catching swine influenza if the swine carry a strain able to infect humans. However, these strains rarely are able to pass from human to human. Rarely, SIV mutates into a form able to pass easily from human to human. The strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak is believed to have undergone such a mutation.
In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and ofinfluenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort. The strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak in most cases causes only mild symptoms and the infected person recovers fully in a few days.
Of the three genera of human flu, two are endemic also in swine:Influenzavirus A (common) and Influenzavirus C (rare). Influenzavirus Bhas not been reported in swine. Within Influenzavirus A and Influenzavirus C, the strains endemic to swine and humans are largely distinct.
therefore, let us all be vigilant.. if and when you yourself or your friends and kin exhibit the aforementioned symptoms or suspect of being infected by the flu, please consult a doctor..
No comments:
Post a Comment