Fortunately no individuals infected outside of Mexico have succumbed to the swine flu infection; but it would be naive to assume that such luck will continue. This story is changing by the hour and it is essential that all individuals educate themselves about the facts and myths of swine flu.
But before we get all worked up and run around in frenzied panic, what's really true? what's not?
First of all, IS it Swine Flu? Symptoms must include
- A fever above 100°F or 37.8°C and one or more signs or symptoms including:
- Head and body aches
- cough
- sore throat
- chills
- trouble breathing
- along with vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Swine Flu FACTS
- Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by a type A influenza virus, usually of the subtype H1N1, that triggers outbreaks in pigs fairly regularly. It can also be transferred from pigs to humans, from humans to pigs, and from humans to other humans.
Four main virus subtypes – H1N1, H1N2, H3N2 and H3N1 – have been isolated in pigs, though the virus, like all influenza viruses, constantly mutates. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can trade genes to create new versions that mix swine, human and/or avian influenza.
The swine H1N1 virus is not the same as the human H1N1 virus, so vaccines for the latter won't protect from the former.
Can human's catch swine flu? Yes, but it is not all that common. Usually, this happens to people who are in contact with pigs, though there are some documented cases of human-to-human transfer. Human-to-human transmission is believed to occur much like the regular flu, through coughing, sneezing and other contact. Eating pork does not transmit the virus. The symptoms resemble those of the regular flu virus.
Diagnosing swine flu requires a respiratory specimen taken during the first four or five days of infection, to be analyzed in a lab. The virus seems to respond to antiviral drugs, including those Canadian health authorities have been stockpiling in case of a flu pandemic.
The best-known case of swine flu in the past, is a 1976 outbreak at an army barracks in Fort Dix, N.J., which sickened four soldiers and killed one. There have been no previous major outbreaks of swine flu recorded in Canada.
The question a lot of people wonder is, How is swine flu H1N1 virus different from SARS and avian flu H5N1 virus? the answer to that is that all three come from animals, but SARS, a corona virus, and the avian flu are poorly adapted to infecting humans. As a result, it is fairly difficult for humans to catch either virus or pass them on to others, though the effects can prove deadly when infection does occurs.
Swine Flu FICTION
- You can’t get swine flu if you weren’t near pigs.
Even if your only contact with pigs was on the Muppet Show (ahhhh Miss Piggy), you can get swine flu if you’re around someone who has been in contact with pigs. Swine Flu is also an airborne virus, so you can pick it up if an infected person coughs or sneezes. To be clear, human-to-human transmission is generally limited to close contact and closed groups, the WHO says. But, the window is wide: You can catch it from an infected person one day before their symptoms develop and up to seven days – or more – after they become sick, the CDC says.
- Avoiding travel will prevent infection.
While the CDC advises travelers to avoid any unnecessary trips to Mexico until the outbreak is under control, you can still catch it – right in your own back yard! If a neighbor, colleague or classmate traveled to Mexico and was infected, you could be infected after having contact with that person. Both the CDC and WHO advise doing as your mother told you: Wash your hands in hot, soapy water, stop touching your face, and cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze. Plus, get your rest, eat well and drink plenty of water to stay healthy. When you’re run down, that’s when you’re more susceptible to any flu virus.
- Wearing a face mask is ridiculous.
Since swine flu is an air-born virus, it can help decrease your chances of contracting the virus if you wear a face mask. Currently, the CDC is only recommending that people in contact with a sick person wear the mask. They advise that the mask be N-95 to keep out small, infectious particles. But, it’s important to know that the mask isn’t a 100-percent guarantee, so you should still do what your mother told you and wash your hands, cover your mouth … (See above. Or just call your mom and ask, she'll tell you.)
- You can get swine flu from eating pork, bacon or other pig products.
Memories of sick Thai picnickers are still fresh in many people’s minds from the bird-flu outbreak, so many people assume that with swine flu, you can catch it from eating pig products. Not true, say both the WHO and CDC:
“Swine influenza has not been shown to be transmissible to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The swine influenza virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat,” the WHO reports on its Web site.
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