Swine flu or influenza is an acute condition of respiratory system. It is said to be highly contagious respiratory disease of swine. Swine flu is caused by the orthomyxovirus. This disease is known to be caused by H1N1.

Spread and cause:

Influenza is common in pigs. The route of transmission is through contact between infected and uninfected animals. The spread may be due to sneezing or coughing of swines in air. In humans the spread of swine flu might be due to working in poultry containing pigs. This is main cause of transmission. Apart from this when infected person gets in contact with uninfected person they have chances of swine flu. Vets are also at higher risk.

Symptoms of swine flu

The outbreak of swine flu was noticed many years ago, but in 2009 many cases of swine flu was seen. The general symptoms of swine flu patients include, cough, body pains, fever, sore throat, fatigue. The patient also suffers from chills and head ache. Studies have proved that the patient with heart ailments, AIDS and asthma, swine flu worsens the condition. Swine flu if not treated may lead to respiratory failure, dehydration-causing electrolyte imbalance. Death may be due to pneumonia. Swine flu is said to be fatal in children and in elderly patients. If the patient shows the symptoms of seasonal flu it is necessary to undergo swine flu test to avoid further complications.

Swine flu Treatment and cure:

The patients with the symptoms of flu should be treated with the anti-viral drugs. The prior importance should be focused to control fevers. The other vital thing is to maintain electrolyte balance. Further complicated diseases should be prevented. The general anti-viral agents used to treat influenza are:

• Oseltamivir
• Zanamivir

Apart from anti-viral drugs analgesics and antipyretics are given in order to reduce pain and to reduce elevated temperature to the normal respectively.
Prevention:

• It is an old saying that “prevention is better than cure”. Let it be any health problem it should be prevented than cured

• Using hand sanitizers and washing hands frequently

• Using face mask

• Avoid contact with the infected person

So these are the preventive measures to prevent and control the swine flu.