RN/BSN, Contributing Writer
As you may have heard, as of April 2009 there is a new virus on the rise. The Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu and pig flu) refers to influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus, called swine influenza virus (SIV), that usually infect pigs. As of this year these strains have all been found in Influenza C virus and the subtypes of Influenza A virus known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3. Swine influenza is common in pigs in the Midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.
The transmission of the swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common, nor has it always caused human influenza, but rather resulted in the production of antibodies in the blood. Like people, pigs can get influenza (flu), but swine flu viruses aren't the same as human flu viruses. Swine flu does not often infect people, and the rare human cases that have occurred in the past have mainly affected people who had direct contact with pigs. However, the current swine flu outbreak is different. It is caused by a new swine flu virus that has changed in ways that allow it to spread from person to person -- and is happening among people who have not had any contact with pigs. What is interesting is that you have to be in very close proximity (approximately 3 feet or arms length) to the infected person to catch it. For example, if the person infected with H1N1 Flu stands beside one uninfected and should happen to cough or sneeze and not cover his mouth or nose, it is quite likely that uninfected can become contaminated within that moment.
According to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is a wide range of symptoms which include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Several people have also reported nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Everyone should take daily precautions to stop the spread of germs, including the frequent hand washing. People who are sick should stay home and avoid contact with others in order to limit further dispersion of the disease. If you experience any of these symptoms and feel that you may have the swine flu, it is advised that you use your best judgment and visit your doctor or an emergency room where a medical professional can conduct a nasal swab.
Test results usually take about an hour to produce, but will let you know rather promptly if it is Influenza A, which is what the H1N1 (swine flu) falls under. Unfortunately, the test has to be sent to the CDC for confirmation and this may take 2 to 3 days. During the waiting period, it is expected that one do what they normally would to treat the flu. Get plenty of rest, drink tons of fluids, and take Motrin, Naprosyn or Tylenol to help with not only with the reduction of fever, but the aches as well.
Several testing sites aside from the CDC are being established within the immediate area. The Walter Reed Medical Center is expected to have a site erected within the next 2 weeks.
For further information on the swine flu and more answers to frequently asked questions, visit the website for the CDC at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ or feel free to contact me.
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