Viral diseases
From the editors of Younghealth
Swine Flu
Swine flu, also known as swine influenza refers to an influenza in pigs. The first swine flu case was identified in Mexico in April 2009. That time, swine flu was also known as Mexican flu. The World Health Organization(WHO) declared swine flu as a global pandemic.
Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting.
Causes: Swine flu influenza is cause by the influenza virus H1N1.
Spread:So anytime a person coughs or sneezes, that little bit of spit that comes out is what we call droplets. It can be suspended in the air for a few minutes, but typically won't stay in the air for long periods of time, but then lands on surfaces. Once it lands on a surface, it can sometimes live up to a day, usually only a few hours depending the conditions that you actually have.
Diagnosis:Usually, a quick test (for example, nasopharyngeal swab sample) is done to see if the patient is infected with influenza A or B virus.
Prevention:Wash your hands often.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you've got flu-like symptoms, avoid others until you've been free of fever for 24 hours. Stay at least 6 feet away from people with flu-like illness.
Symptoms: Fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting.
Causes: Swine flu influenza is cause by the influenza virus H1N1.
Spread:So anytime a person coughs or sneezes, that little bit of spit that comes out is what we call droplets. It can be suspended in the air for a few minutes, but typically won't stay in the air for long periods of time, but then lands on surfaces. Once it lands on a surface, it can sometimes live up to a day, usually only a few hours depending the conditions that you actually have.
Diagnosis:Usually, a quick test (for example, nasopharyngeal swab sample) is done to see if the patient is infected with influenza A or B virus.
Prevention:Wash your hands often.Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. If you've got flu-like symptoms, avoid others until you've been free of fever for 24 hours. Stay at least 6 feet away from people with flu-like illness.
Bibliography: www.mayoclinic.org, www.kidshealth.org