Watch Out For Swine Flu

Winter always brings along the chills and the flu, make sure you're safe this season. Read on to know the basics of 'swine flu' and how you can protect yourself from this threat.

Also known as H1N1 flu, swine flu is a widespread disease affecting people around the globe. Often difficult to distinguish from seasonal influenza, this flu may spread easily through contact with infected people. Some of the cases are due to a virus that contains a mix of genes from the swine, bird and human flu viruses.

Personal Hygiene Can Help Ward Off Swine Flu: Indian Experts
Doctors representing various professional organisations and systems of medicine on Friday spelt out the preparedness to deal with the outbreak of the H1N1 virus.

Modes of transmission: People having extensive exposure to pigs and poultry are much more at the risk of catching swine flu. Swine flu commonly spreads through the air when the affected person coughs or sneezes. Therefore, close contact with infected people should be avoided as far as possible.

Common symptoms: Symptoms of swine flu are similar to that of a normal flu like runny nose, cough, fever, nausea, dizziness and weakness. People affected with swine flu have also reported diarrhea and other stomach problems.

Left untreated, this flu can develop serious health complications like pneumonia, electrolyte imbalance, kidney failure and respiratory failure, and sometimes even death.

Preventive measures: Some preventive measures that help keep oneself free from swine flu are listed below:

• Keep distance from people who show influenza-like symptoms, particularly sneezing and coughing.

Swine Flu Risk Calculator
Find out the risks for contracting swine flu and take the necessary precautionary steps. Swine flu caused a pandemic in 2009 with several deaths reported worldwide.

• Wash your hands, feet and face once you return home and before having your meals.

• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose as much as possible.

Swine Flu Claims 3 Lives In Central Europe
In Romania and Macedonia three people have died after being infected with the H1N1 influenza strain known as swine flu, report officials.

• Reduce the amount of time you spend in crowded areas. If there’s an epidemic of swine flu going on, wear a face mask.

• Practice good habits like adequate sleep, eat healthy and nutritious foods and stay physically active.

• Keep your windows wide open to promote circulation of fresh air at all times.

Source-Medindia