by John G Thomas

Created on: April 30, 2009   Last Updated: May 04, 2009

Turn on the TV or pick up any newspaper and the top story is most likely to be the new outbreak of swine flu that is sweeping the globe and terrifying the world. Is it really a global pandemic or just more media hype designed to spread fear throughout the masses? Let's look at the facts.

Swine flu is a form of influenza that stems from a form of influenza virus present in pigs. H1N1 form of swine flu is a descendant of the Spanish influenza outbreak that caused a mass pandemic between 1918-1919. This strain of influenza is still responsible for the seasonal outbreaks of influenza that are experienced every year throughout the world. The regular form of swine flu present in pigs is very rarely spread to humans and there have only been five reported cases of it spreading from pigs to humans in the USA since 2005. It is most likely that all these cases were from people who worked closely and had direct contact with pigs.

The latest case of the swine flu outbreak is reported to have started in Mexico. Mexico has so far reported 152 likely deaths and 1,614 suspected cases being closely monitored and tested. Other countries have also released figures regarding suspected and known infection of the sine flu virus. The USA has reported 64 cases, Canada has 6 confirmed cases, New Zealand has 3 confirmed cases, UK has 2 confirmed cases, and Spain and Israel have also reported cases of infection.

Countries with suspected cases of Swine flu include Brazil, Guatemala, Peru, Australia, and South Korea, as well as 7 other EU states. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to that of regular flu. Fever, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and even possible diarrhoea and vomiting.

Prevention is difficult as the influenza virus manages to evolve and bypass the bodies natural defences. This is why individuals who have a flu jab have to have it each year to try and combat the new strain and stay one step ahead of the virus.

Swine flu is spread between humans by coughing and sneezing. The virus can also remain on surfaces and be spread by hand and contact with mouth, nose and eyes. It is basically spread and contracted the same way as the regular flu. To help prevent the spread of the virus in humans it is advised to regularly wash hands with soap and water or alcohol based sanitizer and to avoid public places such as work if you do become ill with flu like symptoms.

The Centre for disease control and prevention recommends that individuals suffering from swine flu take Tamiflu

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