Swine Flu Prevention

Influenza Pandemic 2009

2009-06-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

Typically the flu season begins and ends with the winter season. However, as we are all aware, the spring of 2009 has very different ideas! A rare and "baffling" flu virus is rapidly wreaking havoc in Mexico, with over 103 confirmed deaths as of Monday, April 27, 2009.

In addition, this flu virus is not only spreading in the United States, but all over the world! It would behoove each and every individual to take major and immediate precautions to avoid contracting this virulent strain of flu. Why? Listen to this quote from the Arizona Star published April 24, 2009: "Health officials are investigating a never-before-seen form of the flu that combines pig, bird and human viruses. "Another anomaly to this virus is it seems to be attacking victims which are not the typical" at-risk" groups susceptible to a flu virus. Instead of the elderly, very young, or those with compromised immune systems, victims are often young adults and in good health! A key feature to a flu virus is its propensity to change and mutate from year to year.

This requires various vaccines to match the particular flu outbreak. In the case of this particular flu virus, there is a major problem...it is a "never-before-seen" flu virus! Please pay close attention to this direct quote from Dr. John Carlo, the Dallas County Medical Director: "This strain of swine influenza that's been cultured in a laboratory is something that's not been seen anywhere in the United States or in the world, so this is actually a new strain of influenza that's been identified." So what immediate and deliberate steps should you and your family take right now? According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), there are steps which can be taken to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the flu virus.

Here are some recommendations:

1. Keep your distance from and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid public places.

2. If you are sick, stay home.

3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue and turn your head away from people when you cough or sneeze.

4. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands often.

5. Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth.

6. Keep your immune system healthy, get plenty of sleep, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, exercise regularly, drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and keep stress levels to a minimum.

Travel Advisory Update On The Flu In Mexico

2009-06-17T08:55:00.000-07:00

This article is chiefly an update on the uproarious swine flu that was lodged on Mexico including all of its different places. This article shows how now even the “travel advisory” on Mexico has been lifted. So don’t hold back and come visit Puerto Vallarta and Mexico.

After all the massive publicity of the Swine Flu, and the closing of all businesses and schools in Mexico, finally things are looking up. Now that more information is present for analysis, other countries as well as United States are realizing how the cases of “Swine Flu” were not, and I repeat, WERE NOT linked with travel to Mexico.

All businesses are open in Puerto Vallarta and tourists are taking advantage and are enjoying at this beautiful haven in Mexico. The Travel Warning that was launched by Centers For Disease Control (CDC) in opposition to “non-essential travel” into Mexico, which has been in effect since 27th April 2009 has finally been lifted and now only a “Travel Health Precaution” is there for travel to Mexico. Canada had previously launched a Travel Advisory for Mexico which was officially lifted on 18th May. This “non-essential travel” warning was put on Mexico due to the excessive media hype that was created about the Flu.

Press conferences were also held where the Canadian Chief Public Health Officer Dr. David Butler-Jones stressed on the fact that the “outbreak in Mexico” now seems to be settling down. He also explained that it did not seem logical to put a travel warning to a country where the spread of the virus was similar to that of Canada; which is minimal.

Since the lifting of this travel advisory, the PHAC will cease to provide notices of health alert to the air travelers that are leaving for Mexico. Also, quarantine officers which were previously placed on almost every direct flight coming to Canada from Mexico, will be removed. Nonetheless, the “Canadian Border Services Agency” will continue keeping a check on all of the air passengers who show signs of being under the influence of the swine flu.

Majority of the Canadian Air Carriers have not formally broadcasted the outcome of the travel ban which was placed on Mexico. However, WestJet has announced that it will continue its “no flight policy” to Mexico till June 20th. But what is great is that Air Canada will definitely make a few trips to Puerto Vallarta in May. So I don’t think you should be waiting any longer, come on down, because here at Puerto Vallarta everything is safe and healthy.

Could Swine Flu Affect Our Pets?

2009-06-17T05:04:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago most pet owners had not even heard of the term "Swine Flu". But now, as well as being worried about ourselves, pet owners are concerned that the new strain of flu could affect our pets.
All birds and mammals can be infected with a form of influenza virus, of which there are three types (A, B and C). Humans can be infected by forms of all three, but most flu varieties in animals and humans that cause serious health concerns are Influenza Type A. Viruses can mutate rapidly, and because hosts' immune systems do not initially protect against new mutations, new strains can subsequently cause widespread infection. Often new strains result from the spread of an existing flu virus from one species to another, which provides the virus with the necessary tools to transmit between members of a different species to it's usual host.
Swine Flu

The latest flu strain to hit the headlines (H1N1) - known popularly as "Swine Flu" is a strain of Influenza Type A. While the normal version of "Swine Flu" causes outbreaks of influenza with low mortality rates in pigs, the strain which is currently causing human deaths is not the same virus. The new strain combines genes from human, pig, and bird flu and is similar to the strain that caused "Spanish Flu", responsible for a human pandemic in 1918. "Swine Flu" is an entirely different virus to the "Bird Flu" which was widely talked about last year, and among the most important differences is that "Bird Flu" infected humans who had direct contact with infected birds, where as "Swine Flu" is being transmitted from human to human.

Flu in Horses

Influenza is widespread in horses and is believed to have a nearly 100% infection rate in unvaccinated populations. Flu in horses is primarily caused by the H7N7 and H3N8 strains. In 2007, an outbreak caused the Sydney Races in Australia to be suspended.

Flu in Cats

An avian strain ( H5N1) of Influenza Type A, which was given the popular name "Bird Flu", had until recently posed the greatest risk for a new influenza pandemic since it first killed humans in Asia in the 1990s, but it did not mutate into a form that spreads easily between people. H5N1 is unusual in being deadly to many species, including domestic cats which were never previously susceptible to any influenza virus. Aside from when infected with H5N1, the term "Feline Flu" does not actually refer to infection by influenza, but instead generally refers to the symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection. Because cats have little exposure to influenza viruses, any case of flu which was able to transmit between humans or dogs and cats would probably lead to a widespread infection, since cats have no natural immunity to any influenza virus.

Flu in Dogs

Type A Influenza viruses also include equine influenza (H3N8), which in 2004 was discovered to be responsible for Canine Influenza. Because of the lack of previous exposure to this virus, dogs have no natural immunity to this virus.

Flu in Pigs

Although this new influenza is being called "Swine Flu," it is being spread from person to person, not from pigs to people. None of the infected humans in North America have had contact with pigs, and no pigs in North America have been found to be infected with this strain. Pet pigs are therefore not known to be able to contract the strain of "Swine Flu" which is being talked about in the news, however they are able to contract normal "Swine Flu", which does not normally have any more serious consequences than seasonal flu does for humans.

Conclusions

In general, influenza viruses are not transmitted from one species to another. For example, dogs and cat do not develop flu after exposure to owners with a seasonal flu virus. While it is theoretically possible for a new influenza strain to be transmissible between humans and other domestic animals, it is likely that such a strain would be transmissible between only humans and one other animal. Because the "Swine Flu" virus contains genetic elements of human, pig and avian flu viruses, it would seem very unlikely that this strain would have the ability to infect hosts which are not humans, pigs or birds. And, according to the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), "there is no evidence that pets are susceptible to this new strain of influenza; it appears to be transmitted solely from person to person".

Crocodile blood could help combat H1N1 Swine Flu

2009-06-17T01:49:00.000-07:00

Scientists in the UK and Thailand have used blood from crocodiles to help develop new antibodies for humans which can combat diseases such as HIV / Aids and H1N1 Swine Flu.
Have you ever wondered how crocodiles live in polluted waters, lose limbs, get nasty injuries and receive deep cuts from territorial fights but never get infections or die from disease?

The reason is that the crocodile’s blood contains extremely powerful antibodies, which basically destroys everything that could be a threat to health.

How it works is by using its very smart mechanism which involves tearing holes in the membranes of the bad bacteria, We took a sample of the Aids / HIV virus and added some crocodile serum and it had a greater effect than human serum.

It shows us it can kill a much greater number of HIV viral organisms, we have done the same tests with H1N1 Virus and it is showing very similar promising results.

Thai freshwater crocodile breeds have been a global phenomenon for many years as consumers demanded crocodile products for there personal body beauty and body maintenance, but now the values of these crocodile breeds have increased significantly.

The research will continue and another very interesting part of crocodile blood is its hemoglobin levels which enable the crocodiles to stay underwater for hours, if this ability could somehow be transferred to humans, we could be on our way to a creation of a new submarine race of humanity.

There have been reports that Chinese running and Olympic coaches gave athletes crocodile blood supplements in hopes of enhancing their performances, Scientists in Cambridge, England have said they are right in doing so.

The H1N1 Swine Flu Epidemic Treatment

2009-06-17T01:33:00.000-07:00

Can the H1N1 swine flu epidemic treatment and prevention be so simple as taking a supplement?
In 2006, a scientific paper offered an inexpensive way to manage the current influenza outbreak. What if the solution for the H1N1 swine flu epidemic was as simple as this report suggested?

If this is true, for individuals in key positions in government, health care, law enforcement and management, there is a protection option. And especially the most important people in our lives, our children could be protected.

Those at greatest risk, the elderly, children and immunocompromised could be protected from the ravages of this disease.

What is the swine flu and what is the solution? There are things you can do beyond face masks and hand washing? These will be reviewed here.

The swine flu in the news is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection. Swine flu symptoms are similar to the seasonal influenza symptoms that many experience. Influenza (also known as the flu) is caused by flu viruses.

The physical indication of the disease are usually referred to as "flu-like symptoms." Swine flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Extreme tiredness
- Dry cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Lethargy
- Muscle aches
- Lack of appetite

Stomach symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (more often in children than adults)

How can I know If I have become the latest be a part of the H1N1 swine flu epidemic?

It probably is the flu if you have sudden onset of the above symptoms and it is the flu season. However, other respiratory diseases and illnesses can have the same or similar symptoms.

Only a doctor can tell if you have the flu and then only by the use of medical tests. To actually be diagnosed with or confirm a diagnosis of swine flu requires laboratory testing by obtaining a nose and/or throat swab.

In all cases, if you are sick more than 6 days, you should see the doctor right away.

Protecting Yourself in the Midst of an Influenza Outbreak

2009-06-17T01:17:00.000-07:00

The recent flu crisis associated with the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus has prompted many people to take extra precautions to protect themselves from infection, particularly in areas where cases of the virus have been confirmed. The influenza A (H1N1) virus is being carefully monitored by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which continues to publish up to date information to help educate the public and minimize the spread of the virus.

Preventing transmission from person to person to the degree possible is an overreaching goal in controlling the spread of the H1N1 virus as well as other illnesses. The influenza virus is believed to be spread through respiratory drops from an infected person, which are often released through coughing and sneezing. Another person can contract the virus when these droplets enter his or her nose or mouth, or by touching a surface that has been contaminated and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. While we cannot prevent the virus with 100% certainty, here are a few of the recommendations the CDC has published on its website for helping reduce the chance that you will contract the virus:

- Wash your hands with soap for 15-20 seconds often.

- Practice a healthy lifestyle including getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, being physically active and avoiding stress.

- Do not touch your nose, eyes or mouth.

- Avoid close contact with those who are ill.

- Consider wearing an FDA approved facemask when entering crowded situations in areas where the virus has been confirmed.

Consider using an N95 or higher respirator when close contact with an infected person is necessary. Many of the precautions that are recommended to reduce the chance of contracting influenza viruses are the same as the recommendations for preventing any contagious illness. The disposable medical supplies such as facemasks and respirators recommended by the CDC are widely available to consumers. Surgical masks are designed to help reduce the chance of spreading an infection, while N95 respirators are designed to help prevent the wearer from contracting the virus. When it is necessary to be around or take care of a person who is infected with the influenza virus, the CDC recommends considering wearing an N95 respirator to reduce your chance of contracting the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control has provided a plethora of information to help the public take appropriate actions regarding the flu crisis. Please visit the CDC website for the most up to date information.

Swine Flu Symptoms

2009-06-17T00:32:00.000-07:00

Swine flu is a type of virus. It's named for a virus that infects mainly pigs. It normally does not infect people, but human infections can and do happen. The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. The current swine influenza A (H1N1) virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, so the humans don't have any immunity to it. That makes it more likely to become a pandemic virus (have the ability to cause a global outbreak) if it can easily spread from person-to-person. There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. This particular virus is resistant to the antiviral medications amantadine (Symmetrel) and rimantadine (Flumadine), but is sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu.

Symptoms

The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to the common flu that occurs in humans. The symptoms are mostly fever, cold, cough, runny nose, body aches, diarrhea, vomiting, headache etc. In swine flu the symptoms might be more severe like breathlessness, very high grade fever, loss of appetite and fluid intake, listlessness etc. The important fact is to prevent the spread of this infection. Since it spreads through fomites i.e. through air, infected articles like tissue, paper, pen etc, the preventive measures are very important.

Prevent spread

The measures that can be taken to prevent spread of this particular swine flu are –
1. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
2. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
4. Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
5. Stay home from work or school if you are sick. 6 Consult a doctor immediately when in doubt about your symptoms.

Important thing to remember is that people with swine flu are likely contagious for one day before and up to seven days after they began to get sick with swine flu symptoms. Also, anti-flu medications, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir), are available to prevent and treat swine flu.

H1N1 And Your Baby Can Be A Vulnerable Combination

2009-06-16T00:57:00.000-07:00

For some people with certain diseases, there is a higher likelyhood for complications or even death if they get the swine flu. In the event of an outbreak of H1N1 and your baby has a lung condition like asthma, your baby may be at risk for dangerous complications or even death. Those who suffer from asthma have a much higher chance of developing severe complications than others.

In fact, almost 41% of swine flu hospital patients in New York City suffered from asthma. And within the past week, seven deaths relating to swine flu were reported in New York. Out of those seven deaths, 6 of them involved people who had asthma.

If you are concerned about H1N1 and your baby with asthma, you should call your doctor and see if he recommends that you take any special precautions regarding the swine flu even before an outbreak occurs in your area.

The H1N1 swine flu is a virus that induces influenza in humans. The pathogen has gone through a recent mutation into its present form. Due to this mutation, humans have no immunity to the illness.

This is why governments worldwide are concerned about the chance of a pandemic.
Like the typical seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has taken place as a result of illness associated with this serious disease. In the U. S. alone, about 36,000 people die yearly from flu related complications.

If you are concerned about H1N1 and your baby, safeguarding your loved ones, or have a special risk factor, do some swine flu preparation. Take steps today to guard yourself and your loved ones from the swine influenza. Once an outbreak strikes, it may be too late to do anything.

COPD And Swine Flu Can Be Deadly

2009-06-15T11:55:00.000-07:00

Certain people have an increased risk for serious complications or even death if they are infected with swine flu. Lung conditions like COPD and asthma are a few of the factors that may increase your risk. COPD sufferers have a significantly higher incidence of having severe complications than others.

COPD, also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe. In most cases, this disease worsens over time. It can cause coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, as well as other symptoms.

Nearly 41% of swine flu hospital patients in New York City suffered from COPD, asthma, or some other lung disease. And recently, seven deaths relating to swine flu were reported in New York. Out of those seven deaths, 6 of them involved people who had lung problems. If you have COPD you should speak with your doctor and see if he advises any special precautions regarding the swine flu, even if there is no flu in the area where you live.

The H1N1 swine flu is a virus that brings about influenza in humans. The virus has gone through a recent mutation into its current form. Due to this mutation, humans have no protection from the virus. This is the reason that governments worldwide are worried about the chance of a pandemic.

Like the seasonal influenza, serious complications and death has taken place as a consequence of sickness related to this serious disease. Worldwide, about 250,000 folks die each year from influenza related problems.

If you are concerned about COPD and swine flu, the safety your loved ones, or know someone that has one or more risk factors, do some early swine influenza preparation. Take steps today to guard yourself and your family from the swine influenza. Once an outbreak occurs, store shelves will be bare and it could be too late to do anything.

The H1N1 Swine Flu Epidemic Treatment

2009-06-15T11:34:00.000-07:00

In 2006, a scientific paper offered an inexpensive way to manage the current influenza outbreak. What if the solution for the H1N1 swine flu epidemic was as simple as this report suggested? If this is true, for individuals in key positions in government, health care, law enforcement and management, there is a protection option. And especially the most important people in our lives, our children could be protected.

Those at greatest risk, the elderly, children and immunocompromised could be protected from the ravages of this disease.

What is the swine flu and what is the solution? There are things you can do beyond face masks and hand washing? These will be reviewed here.

The swine flu in the news is a highly contagious viral respiratory infection. Swine flu symptoms are similar to the seasonal influenza symptoms that many experience. Influenza (also known as the flu) is caused by flu viruses.

The physical indication of the disease are usually referred to as "flu-like symptoms." Swine flu can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:

Fever (usually high)
Headache
Extreme tiredness
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Lethargy
Muscle aches
Lack of appetite

Stomach symptoms: nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (more often in children than adults)

How can I know If I have become the latest be a part of the H1N1 swine flu epidemic?

It probably is the flu if you have sudden onset of the above symptoms and it is the flu season. However, other respiratory diseases and illnesses can have the same or similar symptoms.

Only a doctor can tell if you have the flu and then only by the use of medical tests. To actually be diagnosed with or confirm a diagnosis of swine flu requires laboratory testing by obtaining a nose and/or throat swab. In all cases, if you are sick more than 6 days, you should see the doctor right away.

Why Go to the Doctor Right Away?

Consider what happened to George. He was sick for two weeks with the flu. He kept putting off going to see the doc. His logic for doing so was common for most men. He once even commented on how the news says doctors prescribe too many antibiotics.

Then he started feeling weak. He was sweaty. Finally seeing the doctor, he was told the flu that could have been treated with antibiotics had done some permanent damage. In his case, his heart valve had died. For the want of a simple antibiotic, he needed a heart valve transplant.

The best that could happen is the doctor tells you what you already know. You will part with a sizable slice of your hard earned income. You will be frustrated. The worst is you don’t go to the doctor, you self diagnose and you get it wrong. Beyond that, you could infect others, you could experience problems that there are no solution to. You could even die.

Influenza is serious on its own. The swine flu symptoms, although similar, are the precursor of something worse. It is important to take steps to protect your health if you do get sick. Even better, take steps to limit getting it all together.