What is swine flu? Swine influenza, or ‘swine flu’, is a highly contagious
acute respiratory disease of pigs,
caused
by one of several swine influenza A viruses that cause regular
outbreaks in pigs. Morbidity tends to be high and mortality low
(1-4%). The virus is spread among pigs by aerosols, direct and
indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs. Outbreaks in pigs
occur year round, with an increased incidence in autumn and winter
in temperate zones. Many countries routinely vaccinate swine
populations against swine influenza. Swine influenza viruses are
most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also
circulating in pigs (e.g., H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Pigs can also be
infected with avian influenza viruses and human seasonal influenza
viruses as well as swine influenza viruses.
The H3N2 swine virus was thought to have been originally
introduced into pigs by humans. Sometimes pigs can be infected
with more than one type of virus at a time, which can allow the
genes from these viruses to mix. Pigs are therefore also called as
“mixing vessels”, resulting in an influenza virus containing genes
from a number of sources, called a ‘reassortant’ virus. Although
swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only
infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause
disease in humans.
So far, the recent outbreak due to the new strain of influenza
virus A (H1N1) has had cases reported from North America, Mexico,
Spain and UK. Suspect cases have been reported from New Zealand
and France and these are being investigated.
How does it spread?
It spreads in the same way as seasonal influenza – through direct
contact (being within
one
metre of an infected person) or indirect contact (touching a
contaminated surface). People usually get swine influenza from
infected pigs, however, some human cases lack contact history with
pigs or environments where pigs have been located. Human-to-human
transmission has occurred in some instances but was limited to
close contacts and closed groups of people.
What are the clinical symptoms? Generally clinical symptoms are similar to seasonal
influenza but reported clinical
presentation
ranges broadly from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia
resulting in death. Patients experience high fever, cough, and
sore throat, symptoms similar to typical influenza, with some
patients experiencing diarrhoea and vomiting. The cases can
rapidly progress to severe and unusual pneumonia.
What are the implications for human
health?
People do not normally get swine flu, but outbreaks and sporadic
human infections have
been
reported. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from
person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited
and not sustained beyond three people.
Since typical clinical presentation of swine influenza infection
in humans resembles seasonal influenza and other acute upper
respiratory tract infections, most of the cases have been detected
by chance through seasonal influenza surveillance. Mild or
asymptomatic cases may have escaped from recognition; therefore
the true extent of this disease among humans is unknown.
Is it safe to eat pork meat and pork products?Yes.
Swine influenza has not been
shown
to be transmitted to people through eating properly handled and
prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The
swine influenza virus is killed by cooking at 160°F/70°C,
corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork
and other meat.
What is the prevention and treatment? There are antiviral medicines one can take to prevent
or treat swine flu [Pics]. There is no
vaccine
available right now to protect against swine flu. The spread of
the viruses that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza can be
prevented by:
* Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or
sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you
cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
Staying home from work or school if you are sick.
Antiviral drugs for seasonal influenza are available in some
countries and effectively prevent and treat the illness. Most of
the previously reported swine influenza cases recovered fully from
the disease without requiring medical attention and without
antiviral medicines. Some influenza viruses develop resistance to
the antiviral medicines, limiting the effectiveness of
chemoprophylaxis and treatment. The viruses obtained from the
recent human cases with swine influenza in the United States were
sensitive to oselatmivir and zanamivir but resistant to amantadine
and remantadine.
What is the risk of pandemic risk? It is likely that most of the people, especially those
who do not have regular contact with
pigs,
do not have immunity to swine influenza viruses that can prevent
the virus infection. If a swine virus establishes efficient
human-to human transmission, it can cause an influenza pandemic.
The impact of a pandemic caused by such a virus is difficult to
predict: it depends on virulence of the virus, existing immunity
among people, cross protection by antibodies acquired from
seasonal influenza infection and host factors.
Is there a vaccine for protecting humans? There are no vaccines that contain the current swine
influenza virus causing illness in
humans.
It is not known whether current human seasonal influenza vaccines
can provide any protection. Influenza viruses change very quickly.
It is important to develop a vaccine against the currently
circulating virus strain for it to provide maximum protection to
the vaccinated people.
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