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Swine influenza also known as the pig or hog flu is a disease of the pigs spread through any one of the several strains of the influenza virus. The virus known as SIV or Swine Influenza Virus has many sub-types of its strain. These are known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, H2N3 and H3N1.

The virus gets transmitted from pigs to human beings and gets assimilated in the human blood to create antibodies. Swine flu is common among the pigs that are human-bred world over but it does not always cause influenza or sickness in humans. Many from the pig population die through the virulent swine flu and even vaccinations are injected to protect the home-bred pigs that are bred in huge quantities.

The symptoms of Swine flu are similar to the normal influenza in human beings, therefore detection in some cases take some time. Though his strain of the swine flu virus is not as dangerous as a few others, it is deadly enough to kill a person if not detected early. Some of the symptoms of Swine flu in human beings include chills, coughs, body aches, diarrhoea, headache, sore throat, temperature, vomiting and tiredness.

To protect yourself from the H1N1 virus you should maintain some personal protection and precaution like you should try to maintain health and fitness and get enough of sleep, try to manage stress and do exercise, eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fibre and liquids. You should most importantly be careful in public and not get in touch with sick people and should wash your hands regularly with antiseptic soap or alcoholic hand sanitizers.
Swine Flu Immunity
Besides, there are other precautions to be kept in mind if you or your friend gets infected like you should cover your mouth while sneezing, clean all surfaces since sometimes small droplets containing the influenza virus can remain behind and also to maintain minimal social contact. The virus also can be stubbed by vaccinating the pigs in the pig farms properly.The farmers who look after them and remain in regular direct or indirect contact with the pigs are more susceptible to acquire the virus and should therefore maintain certain measures like smoking the area and wearing gloves since they are the ones who come in contact with the infected pigs on a daily basis and may lead to human to human transmission of the virus.

The H1N1 virus had spread to many countries and had taken many lives in the past from 1976 to 2009 and will continue to do so in future since the virus can mutate and remain dormant for several years to again emerge in the form of a different strain. Pigs can be infected by both human and avian influenza strains which in turn create new strains. The best way is to ensure your own protection by being aware of the influenza virus and its workings. You can gain information from online health care information. A health guide can also bail you out, if you are confused about the Swine flu and its virus.

Are you, like so many, wondering what’s the difference between regular flu and swine flu? This article will give you some simple answers. What is the Difference between Regular Flu Virus and the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus?

Regular flu is also referred to as seasonal flu. Generally it refers to influenza type A, B, or C, which is endemic to humans.

Unlike regular flu, swine flu actually originated inside the intestines of a pig and were somehow transmitted to a human, who spread it to other humans. Animal strains of flu originate in birds (H5N1 – bird flu) or pigs (H1N1 – swine flu). We believe the current swine flu strain originated on a pig farm in Mexico, near Vera Cruz.

Why is swine flu more dangerous than regular flu?

Because no one in the world had been exposed to this new strain of H1N1 (Swine flu) flu before the first cases appeared in Mexico in April 2009. Therefore, most of the population has no protection against this new virus. That’s why it is so important to get vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available.

Won’t your regular yearly flu shot protect you against swine flu?

It appears that it will not.

Can you explain the difference between regular and swine flu vaccines?

The regular flu vaccine is usually made up of a combination of the three most common human flu viruses. On the other hand, the new swine flu vaccine is made up of the H1N1 virus exclusively.

Remember, vaccines are designed to build up your immunity.

What is the difference in symptoms between regular flu and swine flu?

The initial symptoms appear to be the same: Coughing, sneezing, fever, aches and pains and general fatigue. Some people also develop vomiting and diarrhea.
However, with H1N1 (Swine Flu), within five days it is possible to have the onset of severe respiratory symptoms that progress to pneumonia or other life-threatening complications.

Are the folks with the highest risk factors identical for both types of flu?

No. The groups with the highest risk factors differ between the two types of flu.

Seasonal Flu is particularly dangerous for anyone with a weakened immune system, which generally includes the elderly. Younger people who are healthy normally are not bothered seriously by the side effects of seasonal flu.
Swine Flu Immunity
This is not the case with swine flu.

The CDC reports state that the H1N1 flu is more dangerous to people younger than 25 years of age.
People over 65 actually have less of a chance to contract it. It is believed they may have some immunity from exposure to similar (though not identical) strains in the 1950s and 60s.

How I know for sure if a family member has swine flu?

They will need to see a doctor or health care professional. A simple swab test will be performed and submitted for lab analysis. It should take just a day or two to know the results.

What’s the difference in the treatment between regular flu and H1N1 flu?

First off, always follow the advice of your doctor. Seek his or her advice to insure you are getting the best, most up to date treatment. It now appears that treatment for most people will be the same. This includes avoiding dehydration by taking in plenty of fluids, use of over-the-counter medications to help relieve coughing and congestion, and getting plenty of rest.

Your doctor may also suggest you take antiviral drugs. It appears the drugs Relenza and Tamiflu are somewhat effective against the swine flu virus, especially if taken within 48 hours from the development of your first symptoms. These antiviral drugs may reduce the severity of the flu which should help prevent serious complications.
If you have a sick child you need to watch him/her very closely. Keep the hydrated. If they seem overly lethargic, or have developed any breathing difficulty, call your pediatrician immediately.

Why is H1N1 pig flu more dangerous than seasonal flu?

It is possible that the swine flu could cause serious respiratory problems which could result in life threatening complications. These will generally develop around the fifth or sixth day, when regular flu symptoms should be disappearing.

Governments around the world have been put on alert by the World Health Organization to prepare for a global pandemic. In April, 2009, the WHO raised the warning level from level 4 to level 5.
Using history as our teacher, pandemic influenza in years past has almost disappeared in summer months, only to reappear with greater strength and deadliness in the fall and winter months. That is why every family should institute an action plan.
Governments are now preparing for disruptions to transportation and commerce. Families need to prepare for the same things.
Remedies that can help you prevent swine flu
The difference between regular flu and swine flu may mean serious consequences for the entire world. Learn what these consequences may include, and how you can get your family ready to face them now.

According to the latest news, everyone should go get a flu vaccine now and not wait on the swine flu vaccine to be released next month. Latest reports are warning that people who are waiting until next month to get the swine flu vaccine due to long lines and possible shortage.

The fear is people will wait until next month to get the swine flu and end up getting the regular flu. They are also urging all ages to get the vaccine young and old. One reporter stated ” If you want to keep granny safe, you need to get granny a flu shot.”

This is definitely scary times with the swine flu being contributed to deaths daily. As the father of two children, I am especially concerned and want to do everything I can to keep them safe. I have taken them both to get the flu vaccine (regular) and will be waiting in line next month to get the swine flu vaccine for both them and myself.
Common cold virus
I would urge everyone to listen to the media and get the regular flu vaccine, even if we only have to wait one month for the swine flu vaccine. Waiting the few extra days could be the difference in you getting the flu making yourself more vulnerable to the swine flu.

Swine Flu News

Swine Flu Eyed in Death of New York Baby
New York City’s medical examiner is reportedly investigating whether swine flu caused the death of a Bronx baby.
The family of 11-week-old Steven Montanez tells the Daily News that the baby had the flu when his aunt found him unconscious on Thursday.
Swine Flu Cases in Australia May Prompt Pandemic Call
Swine flu cases in Australia, doubling about every two days, may convince the World Health Organization to declare the first influenza pandemic in 41 years, said Raina MacIntyre, head of public health at the University of New South Wales.
Australia has 401 confirmed cases of the new H1N1 influenza strain…
US swine flu cases hit all 50 states
“H1N1 flu virus have now been found in all 50 U.S. states and tests have confirmed the virus in more than 10,000 people across the nation, U.S. officials said on Monday.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the confirmed tests represent about one in 20 of the actual number of infections, which would bring the total number of U.S. cases to around 200,000.”
Further swine flu case confirmed
“A further case of influenza A (H1N1) has been confirmed in Scotland by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon.
There are now 17 confirmed cases in Scotland of the virus, also known as swine flu, and eight probable cases.”