What is Symptom | Swine flu, what are the symptoms

Symptoms - this post will examine more deeply what is meant by Symptom and all information about the Symptom in relation to the swine flu, and here I give the sense Symptom Symptom according to wikipedia and viruses associated with pig flus, other than that I also gave FAQ's about Symptom I get from www.telegraph.co.uk
Symptom, is a departure from normal function or feeling which is noticed by a patient, indicating the presence of disease or abnormality. A symptom is subjective, observed by the patient, and not measured,
Types
Symptoms may be chronic, relapsing or remitting. They also may progressively worsen or progressively become better (convalescence). Conditions may also be classified as symptomatic (present and demonstrating symptoms) or asymptomatic (present but without symptoms). Asymptomatic conditions and asymptomatic infections can exist for many years undiagnosed and may only be found upon medical testing (such as high blood pressure).
Constitutional or general symptoms are those that are related to the systemic effects of a disease (e.g., fever, malaise, anorexia, weight loss). They affect the entire body rather than a specific organ or location.
The terms "chief complaint", "presenting symptom", or "presenting complaint" are used to describe the initial concern which brings a patient to a doctor. The symptom that ultimately leads to a diagnosis is called a "cardinal symptom

Non-specific symptoms are those self-reported symptoms that do not indicate a specific disease process or involve an isolated body system. For example, fatigue is a feature of an enormous number of medical conditions, and is a documented feature of both acute and chronic medical conditions, both physical and mental disorders, and as both a primary and secondary symptom. Fatigue is also a normal, healthy condition when experienced after exertion or at the end of a day.
Swine flu: what are the symptoms
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat.

some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.

Q: What is swine flu?
A: It is a contagious respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses.
Pigs are hit by regular outbreaks.
There are many different types of swine flu and the current cases involve the H1N1 strain of type A influenza virus.
Q: How do humans catch it?
A: While people do not normally catch it, humans can contract the virus, usually if they have been in close contact with pigs.
It is also possible for the constantly changing infection to spread from person to person, which has happened in the latest outbreak.
Experts believe it spreads in the same way as seasonal flu – through coughing and sneezing. You cannot catch it through eating pork.
Q: What is the difference between swine flu, avian flu and the flu commonly seen in the UK during the winter?
A: Influenza viruses are commonly circulating in the human and animal environment, with different strains causing illness in humans, bird and pigs.
Seasonal influenza is caused by viruses that are adapted to spread in humans.
Humans have some natural immunity to the strains that are in common circulation, and this immunity can be boosted by immunisation with a vaccine.
Avian influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in birds.
Similarly, swine influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in pigs.
These illnesses all cause the same respiratory symptoms in sufferers and can be passed between one another.
Q: How dangerous is it?
A: More than 150 people have died and thousands made ill,.
However, testing has shown that the antiviral drugs oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) appear to be effective against the human swine influenza H1N1 strain,
Q: Why should we be worried about it?
A: The World Health Organisation warned the outbreak had "pandemic potential" and countries were advised to step up surveillance and preparation in case the infection spreads rapidly.
Flu viruses have the ability to change and mutate, making it difficult for drugs manufacturers to ensure effective vaccines are available.
The new version of the H1N1 virus is a mix of different animal and human versions of the disease. Mixing can lead to the development of changed viruses to which humans have little immunity.
Q: What is a pandemic?
A: If the flu spreads over a wide geographic area and affects a large proportion of the population it goes beyond an epidemic and becomes a pandemic.
According to the Health Protection Agency, an influenza pandemic is defined as a new or novel influenza virus that spreads easily between humans.
When new influenza viruses are introduced into the environment, humans do not have any natural immunity to protect against them.
Therefore, there is a risk that new influenza viruses could develop into a pandemic if the virus passes easily from human-to-human.
Q: Is it in the UK?
A: Swine flu has already spread to the UK.
Anyone who has recently returned from affected countries should consult a doctor if they notice flu-like symptoms.
Q: What is being done in the UK to prevent the infection?
A: The HPA said it is working with the UK government to review the current incident and any threat it poses to UK public health.
It advised people to follow general infection control practices and good hygiene to reduce transmission of all viruses.
This includes covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully, washing hands frequently with soap and water and cleaning surfaces which are regularly touched

Avian Flu: Are We All Sitting Ducks?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few months, you’ve heard the buzz: bird flu, avian flu, pandemic. Heck, even Ted Koppel admitted he’s been doing outside reading on the Flu’s origin. What does it all mean? Is it really cause for concern? As always it’s best to educate yourself on the state of affairs, then decide what you can do.

What we know: President Bush has outlined a 7 billion dollar program to prepare the US for the outbreak of the avian flu virus. Thanks much, but studies also report that even with this large number there could be a shortage if we reach a full blown pandemic (Never mind the question, where-o-where will we find the 7 billion?).

Therefore, before we become panic stricken, let’s first note the facts beginning with the query: Why is this flu such a concern?

What we know: The particular strain of influenza H5N1 has shown up in birds first in Hong Kong and moved throughout Asia. The cases of human casualty have all been with persons in contact with the virus (I could only find one exception to this). Thus, the majority of deaths (somewhere around 60) have resulted from contact with an infected bird. From this we conclude, in all likelihood H5N1 in its current form does not spread from person to person.

The fear: The virus mutates to form a hybrid version that can become airborne and spread from human to human at an alarming rate. This frightens researchers because humans have not developed immunity to one particular protein in the strain. In all likelihood? The mutation could simply lead to a less severe version of the original. The absolute worst case scenario: The virus becomes self evolving creating a rapidly spreading pandemic.

What we know: Immunologists seem in agreement that most humans build an immunity to a variety of influenza strains and a strong immune system can be the first responder to a flu attack. Although several prototype vaccines are currently being developed, there is no guarantee that they will be able to conquer a mutated virus, and while two antiviral drugs “Tamiflu” and “Relenza” are believed to reduce the severity of H5N1, they must be given within a 24-48 hour period after infection. Yet the same mutation disclaimer could also apply. The shot then, while always a good idea for special populations and children, does not offer a magic bullet as far as this scientist can speculate .

Are we all sitting ducks then, waiting to be swallowed up by such devastation? I say: a resounding “No!” What we should be publicizing is: There is much you can do to arm yourself. First, have hope. Next, learn to build your immune system. Exercise, proper nutrition, sound sleep and meditation are all things you can do on a daily basis that will stimulate the immune system and build your force field against dangerous pathogens. It’s not just me saying so, either. This is the prescription given by researchers at Columbia University's School of Public Health.

And finally, As much as I believe it is important to be well informed about the state of the world at large, take a break from the negativity, and forget about natural selection. While Darwin may be looking down and wringing his hands from above, God knows we’ve all got better things to do.

For more info visit: www.pandemicflu.gov

Resources:
USA Today
Associated Press

All about swine flu | H1N1

Swine influenza is the most serious threat for humans, other than the HIV virus, H1N1 virus outbreak has been providing exceptional people throughout the world, to recognize more deeply the swine flu I will post all about the swine flu, consider the following article, I hope the swine flu can be handled immediately and not be contagious to humans
What is swine flu?
Swine influenza is a disease that pigs get. The virus currently spreading among people is now generally referred to as swine flu, although the origin of the disease is still under investigation. There is no evidence of this strain of the disease circulating in pigs in the UK.
There are regular outbreaks of swine flu in pigs worldwide. It does not normally infect humans, although this does sometimes happen, usually in people who have had close contact with pigs.
Swine flu viruses are usually of the H1N1 sub-type. The swine flu that has spread to humans is a version of this virus.
Why is swine flu affecting humans?
Because the swine flu virus has mutated (changed) and is now able to infect humans and transmit between them.
How is the swine flu infection diagnosed?
The following people should call their GP directly for an assessment of their symptoms and a diagnosis:
• those with a serious existing illness, such as cancer
• pregnant women,
• those who have a sick child under one,
• those with a condition that suddenly gets much worse, or
• those with a condition that is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child).
Which people are most vulnerable from swine flu?
Those who are more at risk from becoming seriously ill with swine flu are people with:
• chronic (long-term) lung disease, including people who have had drug treatment for their asthma within the past three years,
• chronic heart disease,
• chronic kidney disease,
• chronic liver disease,
• chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis),
• suppressed immune systems (whether caused by disease or treatment),
• diabetes,
• pregnant women,
• people aged 65 or older, and
• young children under five.
For specific advice on antiviral treatment for these groups, go to People with long-term conditions, Pregnancy and children, and Older people.

Is the new swine flu virus contagious?
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) says the new swine flu virus is highly contagious and is spreading from person to person.
Swine flu spreads in the same way as ordinary colds and flu. The virus is spread through the droplets that come out of the nose or mouth when someone coughs or sneezes.
If someone coughs or sneezes and does not cover it, those droplets can spread about one metre (3ft). If you are very close to them you might breathe these in.
If someone coughs or sneezes into their hand, those droplets and the virus within them are easily transferred to surfaces that the person touches, such as door handles, hand rails, phones and keyboards. If you touch these surfaces and touch your face, the virus can enter your system and you can become infected.
How long does the virus live on surfaces?
The flu virus can live on a hard surface for up to 24 hours, and a soft surface for around 20 minutes.
What is the incubation period for swine flu?
According to the Health Protection Agency, the incubation period for swine flu (the time between infection and appearance of symptoms) can be up to seven days, but it is most likely to be between two and five days. But it is currently too early to be able to provide details on virus characteristics, including incubation period, with total certainty.
When are people most infectious?
People are most infectious soon after they develop symptoms. They can continue to shed (spread) the virus (for example, in coughs and sneezes) for up to five days (seven days in children). People become less infectious as their symptoms subside, and once their symptoms are gone they are no longer considered infectious to others.
Should I avoid contact with people suspected of having swine flu?
People with suspected swine flu will have been asked to stay at home and restrict their contact with people. Most people should continue their normal life, including going to school or work. This includes children who attend a school with a confirmed case of swine flu.
There is no need to avoid contact with people who might simply have come into contact with those with the illness, such as the parents of children at schools with a confirmed case but who are not themselves ill.
How dangerous is it?
It is difficult to judge this at the moment. There have been deaths, but for most infected people the symptoms have not been severe.
It appears that early doses of antiviral medicines such as Tamiflu are effective in helping people to recover. In the UK we have enough antivirals to treat half the population if they were to become ill. Also, orders of Tamiflu have been placed to increase UK supplies to 50 million doses, enough to treat 80% of the population.
source : http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pandemic-flu/pages/qa.aspx#whatis

H1N1 Vaccine Dangers

The vaccine against H1N1 is a real demand and no shortage of this vaccine. Some people think it is dangerous, while others are looking for him. Currently, for children, pregnant women and people with health problems. According to CDC officials, egg-based vaccine production is slower than expected, and the demand, making shortages in many hospitals and health ministries.

Received PandemicFluOnline.com States President Obama daughters, Malia and Sasha both your immunization against swine flu. The President and First Lady waits dose. You will be shortly after that "the people in priority groups" to receive the vaccine.

Yesterday, in Sweden, some deaths have been reported. He was with heart and lung disease and died at the age of 90 years and disease not disclosed.
Many Irish children fell ill after taking the vaccine. Rhys Fletcher was 15 years with the H1N1 virus, after he fell seriously ill and is diagnosed in the hospital.
The risk of the vaccine is the real danger for pregnant women. They are on their lives and the lives of newborns. It is feared that some of the dangers of the H1N1 vaccine mercury-based preservative has autism.

The reports of deaths in Ireland and Sweden, that people are afraid of the vaccine starts to hesitate to use them.

On 20 October, a national association of obstetrics has clearly shown that the preservative in a vaccine against H1N1 is safe for pregnant women.
H1N1 has about 477 people in the United States, of which 40 children were killed. When the CDC issued a limited number of bottles of flu vaccine for people at high risk against swine flu vaccine. However, the defect should be discussed in November, and everyone can be vaccinated too.
Pregnant women have an increased risk of infection, because, as the fetus grows the pressure on the lungs, making breathing difficult, and women have deep breaths. In addition, results in the immune system, in fact, an easy target for H1N1.
Specia l precautions in case of too many children because they easily be infected in the schools.
Meanwhile, hospitals complaining of shortage of vaccine. CDC officials have said it is difficult to prepare the vaccine and thus may be delayed. Nevertheless, we see no reason to panic and federal authorities have promised to make vaccines widely available in November