After Bird Flu...,now we have Swine Flu...Next is what?

After SARS, Avian Influenza..here comes H1N1 Influenza A. Above is an advisory issued by the Government of India.WHO decided to call the flu "H1N1 Influenza A".

The concern was raised first by the American agriculture officials to change the name for the virus from "swine flu" to something else. Their worry: the name "swine flu" suggests a problem with pork products.

Swine influenza or swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses in pigs. The swine flu virus doesn’t nor- mally infect humans, which is why the current strain is a cause of concern. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people. What are the symptoms? The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills confusion, vomiting and fatigue. Some people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Severe illness -- pneumonia and respiratory failure -- have been reported with swine flu infection in people. In children, the symptoms include trouble in breathing, bluish skin colour, being irritable, fever and rashes. How does swine flu spread? Swine influenza A (H1N1) virus spreads in the same way as seasonal flu. Flu spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect others? Infected people can pass the infection to others a day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu? Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for treatment and/or prevention of infection. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body.

What precautions can be taken against swine flu? There is no vaccine available to protect against swine flu. But there are everyday actions that can check the spread of germs: ■ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

■ Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.

■ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

■ Avoid close contact with sick people.

■ If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Is it safe to eat pork? Yes. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

How serious is swine flu infection? Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. The infection can also be fatal.

Is it safe to travel to other countries? WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of border. But it is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention.The current level of influenza pandemic alert has been raised from phase 4 to 5.What does this mean? All countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. Countries should remain on high alert for unusual outbreaks of influenza-like illness and severe pneumonia. There should be heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control at health facilities.

The change to a higher phase of alert is a signal to governments, to ministries of health and other ministries, to the pharmaceutical industry and the business community that certain actions should now be undertaken with increased urgency, and at an accelerated pace.