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“НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, ЖОТВЕНЬ 2009 23 The Scoop on Swine Flu by Ihor Magun, M.D., F.A.C.P. Swine flu is making headlines again, prompting epidemiologists to inform the medical community to brace itself for a challenge. Vaccines for the swine flu a re being prepared and tested. Distribution and administration protocols are being worked out and possible side effects are being studied, and specific recommendations will be provided by the appropriate health department agencies. In the meantime, public a wareness about swine flu is somewhat amorphous. This article is intended to shed some light on the disease, including how it is spread and simple measures people can take to protect themselves. Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by ty pe A virus. There are four main influenza A virus subtypes isolated from pigs: H1N1, N1N2, H3N2 and H3N1. The first isolated case from the pig was documented in 1930 — the H1N1 virus that is tied to all the currently reported cases of swine flu among humans. Swine flu normally does not infect humans except in cases of direct exposure to infected animals. This can occur at county fairs, zoos, and in places where pigs are raised. In most instances, the infected animals are quite ill, but rarely die from the di sease. They are separated from the rest of the stock to prevent further contagion. The Centers for Disease Control, which tracks all cases of swine flu, reported only twelve cases of human infection from December 2005 to February 2009. The current — broader — outbreak began in March 2009. Once the swine flu is transmitted to a human, certain changes can occur that lead to human - to - human transmission. The disease seems to be more prevalent in school age children rather than adults. While we are not certain why t his is the case, it is likely to be a combination of factors — e.g., being in close quarters and inadequate application of preventive measures like hand - washing, etc. The disease is spread by aerosolized droplets from coughing or sneezing. It can also be sp read by contact with saliva and nasal secretions. Once someone touches an object that harbors the virus, subsequent contact with the mouth or nose will introduce the disease to the body. After entering the respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs), the virus triggers an inflammatory reaction and the immune system responds with an influx of white blood cells and cytokines. Although they help fight off the virus, these "rescue mechanisms" also cause inflammation of the respiratory tract. The person infected dev elops a fever (which can be greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit), cough, sore throat, diffuse body aches, lethargy, and chills. In some people, diarrhea and vomiting also occur. Any underlying respiratory disease can easily intensify the symptoms and produ ce medical complications. The virus can be spread in adults up to seven days after symptoms improve; with children, this post - symptom transmission timeline can be as long as ten days. Fortunately, in most cases, the disease is mildly debilitating. Officia l diagnosis begins with swabbing the nose or throat and sending the specimen to a laboratory, and two antiviral medications — oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) — are currently available for treatment. These should be administered within two days of suspected infec - tion. Both medications are safe, have been available for many years, and are very well tolerated. They are covered by insurance plans. In some instances, these medications are administered prophylactically to people who are asymptomatic but are considered at - risk because they live or work in high - exposure environments. To prevent infections, try to stay away from people with flu - like symptoms (whatever their age). Wash hands properly and frequently with soap and water for at least 20 second s (that's about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday to You” twice). Clean between the fingers and wash the wrists. Turn off the faucet with your elbow or use a disposable towel. When exiting any facility, use a towel to turn the knob on the door. Th ere are several additional points to consider: Swine flu cannot be transmitted by food that is properly and adequately cooked and handled. Annual flu vaccinations will not provide protection against H1N1 virus but are still recommended as protection agains t regular influenza. Stay home when you are ill, and seek medical advice. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing; use a disposable tissue.
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