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In late April of this year, at the end of what would normally be the flu season – Mexico began reporting a large number of cases of flu like illnesses. Because of the number and the lateness of the year for these types of symptoms, Mexican health professionals began testing patients and identified a new strain of swine flu. The majority of these cases where reported in the area of Mexico City which is currently the largest city in the world.
What is interesting and has been noticed about this flu is that the deaths (which are currently confirmed as being less than 20) have been in young healthy adults. This is different than the flu which during flu season each year normally hits young babies and the elderly the worst. Mexico has confirmed only about 590 cases, but epidemiologists believe that it is likely that many mild cases occurred in Mexico which were never reported. So as of now they have been unable to determine the severity or fatality rate with this virus.
Swine flu (known as H1N1 virus) is a Type-I flu which causes respiratory disease in pigs. This virus has never been known to spread from human to human. This H1N1 virus seems to have developed into a mutation of a human virus combined with the swine virus which has formed a new virus that spreads to humans. Because it is a new virus, a human has no natural resistance or immunity and therefore this virus has the ability to spread rapidly through the population.
Since first reported in April, this virus has been reported in 39 states in the United States and other countries worldwide and the World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert level to 5 meaning that this virus spreads between humans and has spread to at least two countries and that a worldwide epidemic is imminent. There are currently no complete numbers of infections in the US and there has only been one confirmed death. The confirmed cases in the US have been among people who have recently traveled to Mexico.
The symptoms of H1N1 or swine flu or very much like the normal flu – fatigue, aching muscles, fever, sinus problems, respiratory problems, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms usually run their course after a few days. If a patient has further problems or fever over 101 degrees, they should call their primary physician. Anti-viral drugs Relenza and Tamiflu have both proven effective in helping to relieve symptoms. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while ill with any type of flu.
In Mexico City, health professionals have taken measures to isolate those who are sick. Furthermore, many events and gatherings have been cancelled such as church, schools and other activities and recent reports are that the city is virtually closed down. Non-essential government offices have also been closed for five days.
If you are ill with flu like symptoms and have recently visited Mexico, you should talk to your health professional. There is currently no danger in eating pork or pork products.
Read more How to prevent the Spread of swine flu at www.Fluvirusstop.com
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