by John Baxter

Created on: October 10, 2009

General Information

Swine Flu has been common throughout the pig population for a long time, but in 2009, there was an outbreak of the swine flu. The flu pandemic in 2009 was called the swine flu because the genes in the virus were similar to those influenza viruses occurring in North American swine, but the flu is actually a triple hybrid of human, bird, and pig influenza viruses. In some countries, it is known as the Mexican flu because the outbreak is known to have started in Mexico. Soon after the outbreak, Mexico's government shut down many of its businesses and offices in attempt to contain the virus. Despite Mexico's efforts, the flu spread globally and was officially declared from an outbreak to a pandemic. Today, the correct term for the influenza is the swine origin influenza, and is still actively spreading.

Although the swine flu is a serious matter, it is important to note that more people die yearly from the seasonal flu than the swine flu. Roughly 36,000 people die each year in the U.S. from the seasonal flu. As of August 29, 2009, according to the CDC (the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the cumulative total number of confirmed deaths of Novel H1N1 (swine flu) worldwide in 2009 were 2,185.

Symptoms

It is unknown how many people have the swine flu as the symptoms are very similar to the common, seasonal flu. Symptoms include: high fever, coughing, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, chills, headaches, feeling of been fatigue, tiredness, and/or diarrhea. Do not go to the doctor if you experience only mild symptoms, but if you are in one of the groups with high risk of disease, it is recommended that you contact your doctor at the first sign of flu-like illness. If there are extreme conditions, seek immediate medical attention. People said to be at the most risk are: pregnant women, people with chronic medical problems, and children and adults with obesity.

Avoiding Swine Flu

Being a student, I understand how hard it is to make up work when absent for class, but it is imperative that you stay at home if you experience flu like symptoms. If you are a student or are employed, contact your instructor/employer that you are sick and you are concerned about your health and the health of others. Most schools encourage you to stay home. Try to avoid coughing in the open. Try to cough in your sleeve. Do not cough into your hands as this will transfer the germs to everything you touch. Wash your hands any chance you get. This is a good habit to get into. This will help avoid infections. Try to avoid touching things that you know many people have touched. Always bring hand sanitizer. Disinfect things such as shopping carts and desks that you will use. Improve your diet. Eating a well balanced diet will strengthen your immune system and lesson your chances of getting diseases and such. Also, always clean your produce.

These are not guaranteed ways to avoid getting the swine flu but will lessen your chances. The most important thing to do is to stay informed about it and get information from many sources.

Citations

2009 Flu Pandemic. Wikipedia. n.d. web.

01 Oct. 2009. < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_flu_pandemic#cite_ note-Nature-23>

2009 H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. n.d. web.

01 Oct. 2009. <http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/>

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