Fact that the purpose of the ’swine flu’ pandemic flu to call off the middle of the world, according to the World Animal Health Organization or Oie is mistaken. For this new virus strain is a combination of a bird virus, human and pig.

Be Oie, this pathogen is not a virus but the virus of human classic characteristics that include a component of the virus avian (bird), pigs and humans.

“The virus was not isolated until now in the animals. Therefore, it is not properly designate the disease of swine influenza,” the agency statement of animal health bermarkas in Paris, France is reported as AFP, Selasa (28/4/2009).

Added OIE, science, science will show whether the virus is circulating between the livestock and the results will determine whether countries have acted properly prohibit the import of swine.

Back OIE, human flu epidemic in the past that come from animals have been named according to geographical origin, such as the Spanish flu. “It is logical to call this disease ‘influenza North America,” Oie origin.

In an interview with AFP, the Director General Bernard Vallat Oie states there is no evidence that swine flu virus is actually derived from animals and pigs.

“Yet there is evidence that this virus, currently circulating among humans, actually comes from animals. There is no element to support this,” Vallat firm.

Added Vallat, it is not fair to punish the pig breeder who put out their life’s business, discuss the risks that have not been proven at all. Moreover, according to him, so far no one can show how or where the strain of virus was new.

WHY only in Mexico ..? Swine flu had started to spread all over the world. However, outside of Mexico, this new type of virus does not kill. Why only in Mexico this virus to kill people?

“The main questions is why so far only death occurred in Mexico, although not many in number? Why are other countries in the light infection?” so write Reuters, Tuesday (29/4/2009).

Far in Mexico has occurred 26 cases of the disease is caused by the H1N1 virus. Mexican authorities claim the virus has killed 149 people, but except for 7 cases of death, the rest is still investigation.

Overall, the WHO confirmed 79 cases receiving the swine flu ascertained. In them there are 40 in the U.S., 26 Mexico, Canada 6, 2 Spanish, English 2, and 3 New Zealand. With the exception of Mexico, the cases in other places does not result in death.

Currently more than 15 WHO epidemiology expert has to be Mexican government to help overcome the spread of disease. They help collect new data to ensure the virus in the sample test to identify the disease more recently.

Definitive with the outbreak of swine flu, Mexican origin Arsenal striker Carlos Vela was told not to attend the training sessions in which the Premier League club that is concerned with the outbreak of swine flu that has been eating the victim.

Vela, 20 years old, or are not going to Mexico of late. However, he gets visits from his friends last week and after a series of tests as a precaution.

Players who have appear 12 times for The Gunner this season but that could accompany his team against Manchester United, fight in the first leg Champions League semifinal at Old Trafford Stadium, Wednesday (29 / 4).

“He was not released for the exercise. I have to remain at home and not allowed to practice. Meksikonya friends mengunjunginya last week,” he said.

read more >>>  http://football-442.blogspot.com

Everyone by now has probably seen the news stories and heard of the fatalities caused by Swine flu.

It appears that we now face a swine flu pandemic, that means that outbreaks are being seen across the world.

But what exactly is and how can we protect ourselves.

Swine flu is a form of influenza that started in pigs but can be caught by, and spread among, people.

The current outbreak, human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses has been confirmed in the US, Canada, the UK, and other countries.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen often in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, though infections do occasionally happen. Recently, most human cases of swine influenza have been in people who were in close contact with pigs, such as farmers. In the current outbreak the virus has been spread by person-to-person contact.

This has caused concern that the outbreak could become a pandemic flu - a global outbreak of flu that spreads quickly because it is a new type of virus that few of us have any resistance to.

The normal type of flu ,usually called seasonal flu caused by an existing flu virus, is a common infection in the that usually occurs during the winter. For most people, it is an unpleasant but not life-threatening infection. People who are more at risk from it, such as older people or those weakened by illness can be given a flu vaccination.

The single most effective way to stop or slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu is to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water and cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze this is advice that has been given for many years by is still a very effective way to help you avoid spreading or contracting swine flu,also remember if you or a family member are ill or have the swine flu symptoms it

Is much better to stay at home away from work or school and thus reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Its also worth noting that swine flu cannot be caught by eating pork or other pig related foodstuffs.

There is also no need for panic we do have effective treatments antiviral drugs are effective against swine flu if you are suffering flu symptoms visit your doctor or pharmacist who will be able to prescribe the correct medication.

Those most at risk are young children older people and those with underlying medical conditions.

Remember wash your hands regularly with soap and water cover your mouth if you cough or sneeze and stay away from work or school if you have flu symptoms and always seek professional medical advice.

Find a great health and fitness plan at dietwell

You may have heard about Swine Flu in the news and wondered what the disease really was, as well as whether you or your family members are at risk, and what can be done about it.

Swine Flu is the newest deadly disease that?s been taking a toll on human lives. There are many misconceptions regarding to the recent outbreak. Here are some basic things you should know about the Swine Influenza.

The Swine Flu epidemic is caused by the spread of the new H1N1 influenza virus strain, which was first detected last March. It was detected in three areas in Mexico, but it took a month for it to be clinically identified. Then strains of the virus were found in various Mexican cities, the USA., and other northern-hemisphere countries.

When the new Swine Flu strain found its way to Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, Israel, and New Zealand, the World Health Organization decided to raise its pandemic alert level to 4. This means that the virus has a sustained human-to-human transmission.

But despite its high alert level, the WHO announced that most people who get the Swine Flu virus recover from it without the use of drugs or even medical attention.

The new Swine Flu virus is said to be the combination of several influenza strains. The analysis of the new H1N1 influenza strain, by the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, found that it is made from one strain which is endemic in humans, two strains endemic in Eurasian and American pigs, and one strain endemic in birds.

The world has been alarmed about the increasing death toll the Swine Flu epidemic has caused in Mexico. Both the WHO and the CDC has expressed concern that it can become a serious flu pandemic, because it can be transferred from human to human. Government agencies across the world are monitoring the situation at the moment and reporting to the World Health Organization about any suspected Swine Flu victims.

For unknown reasons, the only deaths known to occur as a result of the swine flu epidemic occurred in Mexico. It is seen to affect even young and healthy adults. Therefore, in theory, anyone can catch the swine flu. Each one of us must therefore be cautious and try to avoid contact with sick people, even if they?re not affected by swine flu.

New Zealand is the lone southern-hemisphere country that has a confirmed case of swine flu. There are countries that have advised their citizens to refrain from travelling to infected areas, so that they will avoid getting it. Some countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, ban the import of pork products, as a precautionary measure against the epidemic.

Swine Flu Symptoms

The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of Swine flu may including all or some of the following:

• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Lethargy
• Coughing
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite

Complications Of Swine Flu

Those at higher risk of catching influenza in general include those with the following:

* Age of 65 years or older
* Chronic health problems (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
* Pregnant women
* Young children

But the past epidemics and pandemics of flu have shown that during pandemics most people that are affected are healthy young adults.

Complications of Swine Flu can include:

* Pneumonia
* Bronchitis
* Sinus infections
* Ear infections
* Death

Transmission of Swine Flu (How is Swine Flu spread?)

As with other flu like illnesses, Swine flu is spread as follows:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Kissing
• Touching infected objects
• Touching nose, mouth and/or eyes with infected hands
• Swine flu does not spread by eating pork.

Treatment of Swine Flu

Swine Flu Vaccination / Swine Flu Shot

The protective ability of influenza vaccines depends primarily on the closeness of the match between the vaccine virus and the epidemic virus, so the presence of non reactive H3N2 SIV variants suggests that current commercial vaccines might not effectively protect pigs from infection with a majority of H3N2 viruses. The current vaccine against the seasonal influenza strain H1N1 is thought unlikely to provide protection. The director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases said that the United States’ cases were found to be made up of genetic elements from four different flu viruses—North American swine influenza, North American avian influenza, human influenza A virus subtype H1N1, and swine influenza virus typically found in Asia and Europe.

Gelsemium. [Gels]

This remedy corresponds to the commencement of the trouble, when the patient is weak, tired and aches throughout the body. It removes speedily the intense aching and muscular soreness. There is constant chilliness and the patient hugs the fire; the fever is less acute than that of Aconite, and the cough is hard and painful. There are paroxysms of sneezing with excoriating discharge, and great torpor and apathy. An extensive experience with this remedy in the great Epidemic of 1918 proved its usefulness. Simple cases were speedily cured. Aconite will sometimes prove the better remedy for children, but the drug will never be a prominent one in influenza. Still it may be prescribed when indicated; it will, perhaps, soothe and moderate the subsequent attack, but its action is not quick here as in simple fevers, as we have to do with a blood affection.

#Baptisia.
Influenza with marked gastro-intestinal symptoms may need this remedy, especially when there are present putrid diarrhoea stools. Clarke considers this remedy the nearest specific for the disease; he prefers the 30th potency. Hughes also praises it, but uses it in the 1x and 2x dilutions, which seem to have more extensive testimony as to their efficacy.

#Eupatorium perfoliatum.
This remedy has much soreness and aching of the entire body; hoarseness and cough, with great soreness of the larynx and upper respiratory tract. Coryza with thirst and drinking causes vomiting. The cough is a very shattering one, hurts the head and chest, and as in Drosera, the patient holds the chest with the hands. The breakbone pains are characteristic of the remedy. Add to these symptoms acute bilious derangements, and it is all the more indicated. Many physicians rely on this remedy in influenza / flu almost exclusively in the early stages.

#Sabadilla. [Sabad]
Sneezing is the great keynote of this remedy. Sneezing and lachrymation on going into the open air. The throat is swollen and the pain is worse on empty swallowing; the sneezing is excessive, shaking the whole body. Shudderings, with gooseflesh chills creeping upwards, are also prominent symptoms. Frontal headache, dryness of mouth, without thirst and cough, worse on lying down, are additional symptoms. It suits well many cases of the catarrhal form of flu; other remedies having sneezing are Cyclamen and Euphorbia.

#Arsenicum. [Ars]
This remedy covers more phases of flu than perhaps any other remedy. Hughes believes that it will cut short an attack, especially when there is a copious flow, prostration and paroxysmal coryza. Its periodicity makes it suitable to epidemics, and it suits the early symptoms when the affection is in the upper portion of the respiratory tract. The burning dryness and copious watery excoriating secretion and the involvement of the conjunctiva are unmistakable indications. Langour and prostration are prominent symptoms.

#Arsenicum iodide.
Chills, flushes of heat and severe fluent coryza, discharge irritating and corrosive, sneezing and prostration. It corresponds to true influenza and is highly recommended by Hale. Sanguinaria nitrate is especially valuable when the trachea and larynx are affected. Phytolacca. Specific when the throat is inflamed and spotty, with great hardness and tenderness of the glands.

#Dulcamara. [Dulc]
This is one of our best remedies in the acute form; the eyes are suffused, the throat is sore and the cough hurts because of the muscular soreness. If brought on by damp, cold changes in the weather, so much the surer is Dulcamara indicated.

#Bryonia.
The trouble here is largely bronchial and going down. When a person is very grumpy and feels miserable with the flu, wanting only to lie still and be left alone, this remedy is likely to be useful. Headache, muscle aches, and cough or stomach pain may be the major symptoms. Everything feels worse from even the slightest motion. The person’s mouth usually is dry, with a thirst for long cold drinks.

#Phosphorus may be indicated, especially when the trouble moves towards the chest. It is a very useful remedy for the debility following la grippe, as it is usually of the pure nervous type. It is the great post-influenza “tonic.”

#Rhus toxicodendron. [Rhus-t]
Influenza, with severe aching in all the bones, sneezing and coughing. The cough is worse evenings and is caused by a tickling behind the upper part of the sternum. Especially is it useful in cases brought on by exposure to dampness. There is much prostration and depression, and the patient may have some symptoms which are suspicious as pointing towards typhoid fever, such as burning tongue, stupor and delirium. Aching pains, nightly restlessness are keynotes symptoms. Causticum, like both Rhus and Eupatorium, has a tired, sore, bruised sensation all over the body and soreness in the chest when coughing, but it has in addition involuntary urination when coughing.

#Allium cepa. [All-c]
Profuse catarrhal coryza; the nose runs freely, there is sneezing, irritability cough, the face is swollen and looks inflamed. Camphora. This remedy is often sufficient at the outset to cut short an attack, or at least modify the severity.

#Sticta. [Stict]
Nasal catarrh; headache, thirst, nightly expectoration, great watering of eyes,running at nose, hoarseness of voice, frontal headache and depression of whole system. Tuberculous subjects attacked by influenza. “There is no better remedy,” says Dr. Fornias,”for the incessant wearing, racking cough of this class of patients.” Tuberculinum is an excellent prevention of recurring attacks of influenza /flu in those who have annual attacks.

#Ipecac
Adapted to cases where the gastric symptoms predominate; tongue clean or slightly coated. Nausea: with profuse saliva; vomiting of white, glairy mucus in large quantities, without relief; sleepy afterwards; worse from stooping. Low thirst. Cough: dry spasmodic, constricted, asthmatic. Difficult breathing from least exercise; violent dyspnoea, with wheezing and anxiety about the stomach. Cough, with rattling of mucus in bronchi when inspiring; threatened suffocation from mucus. Pains as if bones were all torn to pieces.

#Veratrum album
Adapted to diseases with rapid sinking of the vital forces; complete prostration; collapse. Cold perspiration on the forehead (over entire body, Tab. ); with nearly all complaints. Thirst: intense, unquenchable, for large quantities of very cold water and acid drinks; wants everything cold. Diarrhoea: frequent, greenish, watery, gushing: mixed with flakes: cutting colic, with cramps commencing in hands and feet and spreading all over; prostrating, after fright; < least movement; with vomiting, cold sweat on forehead during and prostration after. Vomiting: excessive with nausea and great prostration: < by drinking ( Ars. ); by least motion ( Tab. ); great weakness after.

The recent swine flu outbreak in Mexico has caused much trepidation among the international community, especially because of the increasing number of fatalities. It is important to recognize swine flu symptoms to prevent the spread of infection and illness.

Swine flu or swine influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza type A virus, endemic in domestic pigs. In the past, swine flu has infected people only rarely – those infected being ones who have had direct and close contact to infected pigs. But the current swine flu outbreak in Mexico is different, caused by a new strain of the swine flu virus. As per recent health reports, swine flu is being transmitted with surprising speed in humans, spreading easily from person to person, causing serious illness among those infected. It has been reported that the disease has been diagnosed in humans who haven’t had any exposure to pigs.

Among pigs, swine flu symptoms include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulties, redness or inflammation of the eye, going off feed, and discharge from the nose or eyes.

Like the influenza virus affecting humans, swine flu viruses are constantly mutating. Although the swine flu viruses are not the same as human flu viruses, swine flu symptoms resemble those produced by regular human seasonal influenza. In humans, common swine flu symptoms are fever, chills, sore throat, muscle pain, severe headache, coughing, lethargy, lack of appetite, weakness, and general discomfort. Some may even experience runny or stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

However in humans, self care measures and appropriate treatment in the early stages of infection can reduce the increased risk of these complications. In order to confirm that the illness is the result of a swine flu virus, one must undergo laboratory testing. Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza are considered effective for the treatment and/or prevention of infection by swine flu viruses.

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

CDC has determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

Symptoms : The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How serious is swine flu infection?

Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy 32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:

• Through contact with infected pigs or environments contaminated with swine flu viruses.

• Through contact with a person with swine flu. Human-to-human spread of swine flu has been documented also and is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

Medicines to treat swine flu?

CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).

How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?

People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.

There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Although Gordon Brown assures us Britain is well prepared to deal with an outbreak of Swine Flu, I am always happier to take proactive action myself and there are some simple measures we can all take.  They are not guaranteed to prevent you getting it, but they will certainly help. 

The symptoms are of course very similar to any other flu you might experience: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, chills and fatigue so report to your doctor if you have these.  However, what you also need to do is focus on strengthening your own immune response to prevent infection getting a hold and developing.  

1          This time of year I usually have stopped taking Echinacea, but it is my first port of call to build up my defences and if you can get Echinacea tincture that is the most effective in my opinion. Boots produce their own and there is an excellent one made by Bioforce from helath stores.  Take it daily for three weeks then a week off.

2          Next increase the amount of vitamin C you are taking, at least 1 gram a day in two 500mg doses is the most effective.  Have as natural and unprocessed diet as you can, and juicing your fruit and vegetables gets you the maximum vitamins from them. 

3          Your body requires oxygen for every cell to function properly because viruses can neither survive nor thrive in it. Therefore, the best defence against microbes, germs, harmful bacteria and viruses, such as the swine influenza virus, is to keep the body oxygenated.  Add in eggs to your diet as they are excellent for  improving your oxygen absorption. See the healthy bites item on eggs below.

4          Are you breathing deeply enough? Shallow breathing will not bring enough oxygen into so your system, and being out in the fresh air every day is a must.  Walking at a moderate pace while breathing in for a count of six, and out for a count of six, is one of the simplest ways to do this.  If you find a count of six difficult, reduce it to four, or if it becomes easy increase to six or eight.

5          Limit foods and substances that stress the body such as sugar, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, too much red meat and processed foods high in saturated and hydrogenated fats.

6         Increase your intake of green tea, and reduce coffee and tea.  Green tea will really help as its antixodants will boost your immune system.  Add some lemon to it and you get extra vitamin C as well.

7          Finally, go back to basic hygiene and wash your hands in hot soapy water frequently and carry hand gel when you are out and use it after contact with others such as a handshake – and contact in public places with stair rails, lift buttons and so on.

It may all seem like a nonsense, but people have died from not taking this seriously.  The good habits outlined here will help protect you, and if you maintain them you will have a solid barrier to prevent future infection.

Wash your hands

Basic way of preventing getting infected is washing your hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing. You can use soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. Hand sanitizers can be used when water isn’t available.

Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth

Germs spread when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after touching something that’s contaminated.

Avoid close contact with sick people

If possible, avoid contact with possibly infected people. Avoid crowds. Swine flu spreads mainly when people cough or sneeze.

Avoid travel

Try to limit traveling, especially to high risk areas such as Mexico. If you’ve been to Mexico and have flu like symptoms visit a doctor.

Wear facemask or respirator

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing facemask in crowded settings to prevent getting infected and to not infect others. Respirator should be used if you have close contact with infected person (for example you’re caring of sick person at home).

Antiviral drugs

Swine influenza A (H1N1) is sensitive to Oseltamivir (sold under name Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (sold as Relenza). They are effective means of swine flu prevention and treatment. If taken for treatment, Tamiflu and Relenza are most effective if taken within 2 days after illness started. They are also effective for prevention if given to healthy person that had contact with infected people. Antiviral drugs are 70% to 90% effective means of flu prevention. According to CDC, number of days they should be used to prevent H1N1 influenza varies depending on each person’s situation.

Vaccine

Influenza A (H1N1) vaccine isn’t available yet, WHO and CDC are working on it.

Stay home if you feel sick

CDC recommends to stay at home for 7 days after symptoms begin or until you are symptom-free for 24 hours to not spread infection further.

Take care of your health

Sleep well, be active, manage stress, drink lots of fluids, eat healthy. This strengthens your immune system.