The Swine Flu and You

The Swine Flu has now become a pandemic. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), cases have been reported in Mexico. Forty cases in five states in the United States: California (7), Kansas (2), New York City  (28), Ohio (1), Texas (2) have also been reported.

According to the Center for Disease Control, the swine flue "is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by Type A influenza that causes regular outbreaks in pigs." Human can also get the disease.

The Center for Disease Control says, "The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of [the] regular human flu." These symptoms include: head aches, muscle aches, fever, sore throat and fatigue. Reports of diarrhea and vomiting have also been associated with the swine flu.

The disease is contagious. The virus is spread the same way as the regular flu: through coughing, sneezing and touching. The Center for Disease Control says, "People may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. The CDC also says, "Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands."

There are medications to treat the swine flu. The Center for Disease Control recommends oseltamivir or zanamivir for "treatment and/or prevention of infection." The Center for Disease Control also states: "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)." As always, talk to your doctor before taking any medications.

Published by Vanessa Rochea Vanessa is a student and an Author. Her greatest inspiration is her mother! Her strongest passion is being a volunteer for the "March of Dimes!" Her greatest joy is helping others! As you read, Vanessa is sc...  View profile
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