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 Everything you need to know about swine flu
    July 07 2009 at 06:08AM Get IOL on your
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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), at least 429 people have died around the world from swine flu, which has infected 94 512 people in 136 countries.

The department of health had predicted the current spike in cases of swine flu - it has jumped to 30 confirmed cases - but insists that there is no reason for concern.

Swine flu caused panic across the world when it was first diagnosed, and the WHO have subsequently declared it a pandemic - but it is important to remember that swine flu is a variation on an influenza A H1N1 virus.

The biggest difference between the current H1N1 virus and flu is that swine flu has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, meaning that humans have no immunity to it.
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According to the US's Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of H1N1 (like seasonal flu) can include:

  • fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal flu, is sometimes absent
  • cough
  • runny nose or stuffy nose
  • sore throat
  • body aches
  • headache
  • chills
  • fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme
  • diarrhoea and vomiting, sometimes, but more commonly seen than with seasonal flu

    Signs of a more serious swine flu infection might include pneumonia and respiratory failure.

    Serious symptoms of H1N1 - needs urgent medical attention

  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing
  • Bluish or grey skin colour
  • 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

    The difference between swine flu and a cold or sinusitis

    Please keep in mind that most children or adults with a cough or runny nose do not have swine flu and will not have to see their paediatrician for swine flu testing.

    This time of year, many other conditions are common, including:

  • allergies - runny nose, congestion, and cough
  • common cold - runny nose, cough, and low grade fever
  • sinus infections - lingering runny nose, cough, and fever

    Important information

    Swine flu likely spreads by direct contact with respiratory secretions of someone that is sick with swine flu, like if they were coughing and sneezing close to you.

    People with swine flu are likely contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they display symptoms.

    Droplets from a cough or sneeze can also contaminate surfaces, such as a doorknob, drinking glass, or kitchen counter, although these germs in all likelihood don't survive more than a few hours.

    Anti-flu medications, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), are available to prevent and treat the current H1N1 virus. - Information supplied by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention

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