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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.

Myth: Swine flu is a disease that will kill anyone who gets it. That’s what pandemic means.

Truth: Swine flu is actually just a particularly nasty strain of flu. But it’s a flu just the same. Swine flu has the same symptoms as a regular flu, and is treated and spread like a regular flu. This means that you can take medicines that help with normal flu and they will help with swine flu. However, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has advised to avoid aspirin, as it can cause a serious illness when combined with swine flu.
Swine flu information cdc
Further, this new strain of the flu doesn’t kill everyone who gets it. There have been 11,054 confirmed cases in the United States. Out of all of those cases, there have been 17 deaths. The word pandemic actually only describes the number of cases and how wide a disease spreads in a short time. Even if there were no deaths whatsoever, the current flu could almost be a pandemic simply because it has spread quickly and to many different countries.

Myth: There is nothing to do to avoid swine flu besides locking yourself indoors.

Truth: The CDC has advised people to stay indoors…only if you are sick. We don’t need to spread the disease any more than it already has. However, this doesn’t mean healthy people can’t be out and about. We just need to take precautions. Hand-washing is important in stopping the spread of germs, as well as using a hand sanitizer. Also, stay away from people who are coughing and sneezing. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as germs have more chance of infecting you in those areas.
Swine Flu Symptoms
Myth: If I travel anywhere, I’ll get the swine flu.

Truth: Travel is not the problem. It’s how serious you are about prevention. You need to make sure you clean your hands regularly. If there are no sinks around, bring along a small bottle of hand sanitizer and use it often. Stay away from people who are coughing and sneezing. If you can’t avoid them, take plenty of vitamins in your diet. Take a multi-vitamin or an immune-boosting product. Get plenty of rest, avoid stress, and eat healthy. Does that sound like too much to do? Start now!

Swine flu virus

The World Health Organization has declared it a pandemic and last heard Swine flu has hit India and Turkey. Caused by Influenza virus A subtype H1N1, it spreads when the virus gets airborne – through coughs and sneezes – and also by contact with infected persons and contaminated surfaces.
News results for virus A:
Many City Schools Still Closed by Flu
“Schools have proven to be a major incubator of the swine flu virus, which first surfaced last month at St. Francis Preparatory School in Fresh Meadows, Queens, with 69 confirmed cases. After a brief respite the virus re-emerged and across the city, 18 public schools have been ordered closed in the last week, almost all in Queens…“
Swine Flu Spreads in Japan, Despite Quarantine Inspections
“TOKYO, May 19 – To stop swine flu before it could sneak off airplanes arriving from North America, Japan dispatched masked health inspectors with fever-sensing guns to walk among passengers…”

The symptoms of swine flu coincide with that of a normal flu: fever, coughs, lack of appetite, lethargy, and in some cases, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The H1N1 virus primarily causes infection in swine (hence the name) and spreads to humans coming in close contact with infected pigs – in pig barns, livestock exhibitions etc. It is just a myth that the disease is contracted through pork meat, as proper cooking (at 160°F or more) kills viruses.

The bad news, however, is that there is no known cure or vaccine against swine flu. All we can do is avoid catching the virus, and if infected, assist our body’s immune system to deploy its weaponry and win the battle for us. A few precautions, especially if you are living in an area where incidence of Swine flu has been reported, could protect you from contracting the H1N1 virus:

1) Avoid contact with the infected
You have already noticed how fast common cold can spread. Same applies here. So avoid being in close proximity with infected persons.

2) Be wary of surfaces
When you bring your hand to your eye, nose or mouth, after touching a contaminated surface you are unwittingly allowing the virus entry into your body. Shaking hands, touching public surfaces as when traveling in community transport vehicles etc, can lead to catching the virus. Clean your hands often with warm water and soap.

3) Eat healthy
The immune system is our greatest ally in fighting off the virus. So keep your body fit with a diet rich in immunity boosters like whole grains, colorful vegetables and vitamin-rich fruits. Avoid food loaded with sugar and fat. They slow down the body’s metabolism and compromise its immune system. You can even take advantage of the antibiotic and antioxidant qualities of ginger and garlic by including them in your diet.

4) Sleep well
Good rest will keep your body primed for the fight against viruses.

5) Drink enough water
Drinking 8 – 10 glasses of water a day will keep the body sufficiently hydrated.

6) Avoid alcohol
Now is not the time for that impulsive binge. Alcoholic beverages are known to suppress immune system.

7) Stay active physically
Increased blood circulation and oxygenation while exercising, backs the immune system. It also aids in flushing out toxins and is a proven stress-buster.

Stay stress-free
The contagion may present a formidable picture to you. But don’t fret too much over it. It will only weaken your body and place it more at risk of a virus attack.

However, in spite of painstaking precautions if you still contract the virus, there is some good news. Scientists are of the consensus that the H1N1 infection is a rather mild one, one that can be managed with proper care. Here is what you can do if you develop severe flu-like symptoms.

a) Don’t Panic
Every flu is not a swine flu. But if the indications seem rather severe than usual, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor. Ask him to get yourself tested for swine flu virus.

b) Take the right medication
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. Let your doctor prescribe the one that is appropriate for you.

c) Nurture your health
Good sleep, drinking lots of fluids, a healthy diet and physical activity will keep your body robust in spite of the onslaught of the virus.

d) Don’t spread the virus
You can stop yourself from transmitting the virus to others: when you are sick, stay at home. Cover your mouth when sneezing, coughing etc.

Counter measures have been launched worldwide against the threat of swine flu. Hopefully, with the right measures, it would soon be under control. Meanwhile, let us protect ourselves and others from its incursions.
Zsofia Christopher

Is it possible to prevent swine flu from infecting you when, around the world, public health authorities are on high alert against the threat of a global swine flu pandemic as I write this. If you wonder what you can do to protect yourself, and your family, you’ll want to read this article very carefully.

Twenty people have already died in Mexico of “Influenza A H1N1 swine virus“, a new strain that has never been seen before. For some time scientists have been predicting a new flu virus that could cause a global pandemic, and authorities are already suggesting that this is the long awaited new virus that will cause it.

Health authorities are concentrating on containing this outbreak with targeted pharmaceuticals. Early tests indicate that this particular virus is sensitive to two antiviral drugs, Tamiflu and Relenza, which several countries have stockpiled for just such an emergency.

In addition, there may be calls for mass vaccinations to contain the spread of the disease, as there were in 1976. In that year the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of The United States Public Health Service recommended vaccinating the entire population to prevent a pandemic.

However, vaccinations pose considerable threats because they contain toxic ingredients, including formaldehyde. The list of possible side effects can even include death. In fact, in 1976, the vaccine manufacturers insisted that the federal government indemnify them against claims of adverse reactions, as a requirement for release of the vaccines. You may wonder why they would do that if the vaccines were safe? According to Marc Siegel MD, an associate professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, the 1976 vaccination program probably led to almost 1,000 cases of ascending paralysis (Guillain Barre Syndrome).

It’s no wonder that more and more people have become distrustful of such vaccines, despite dire warnings from governments that they are necessary to protect us. We will come back to the possible “hidden motives” for such warnings in a moment.

The first concern is whether there is anything you can do to safely protect yourself, and your loved ones, from these inevitable viral threats, without resorting to questionable vaccines? Is there a natural way to fortify your body’s defenses against both known and unknown viruses, including the latest swine flu?

Most people are not aware that, long before the modern era of patented pharmaceuticals, natural substances were used to effectively combat influenza epidemics. For example, in the worldwide influenza pandemic of 1918-20, two British military physicians, Oliver and Cantab, were treating Indian Gurkha soldiers. They encountered an 80% mortality rate among the soldiers who developed pneumonia. In desperation, they administered intravenous infusions of hydrogen peroxide and reported more than 50% reduction in mortality.
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