New strain of the swine flu virus poses a threat to the extent of becoming a pandemic

On the odd occasion, this virus undergoes mutations to form a new virus strain that is able to pass from human to another with relative ease. Therefore, it has been concluded that the strain that is responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak, has undergone such a mutation.

What is Swine Influenza?

Swine influenza virus, endemic to pig populations, is said to be caused by the Orthomyxo viruses. Strains of the swine flu virus, isolated to date, have been classified as a subtype of the genus influenza virus A. The new strain is an obvious reassortment of several strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, which include a strain that is endemic in humans and two strains that are endemic in pigs, as well as an avian influenza virus. Reassortment is common feature in influenza viruses; this is because of the structure of their genome. However, this particular reassortment is consistent with its ability to transmit the mutated virus from pigs to humans. In the current scenario, the outbreak of this disease has been termed as the “public health emergency of international concern,” by the World Health Organization. Moreover, most concerned officials lack any knowledge with regard to its clinical features, epidemiology, and virology as well as the appropriate responses needed as a result. All the concerned government health agencies around the world are monitoring the situation closely. Swine flu is spread amongst humans on contact. The spread of the 2009 swine flu outbreak owes its existence to a new strain of H1N1 influenza virus, which was first detected in March 2009 by public health officials. There are serious concerns expressed about this novel strain because it has had a relatively high mortality rate in Mexico, and now has the potential to become a full fledged flu pandemic.

How is swine flu prevented?

Recommendations to prevent infection by the virus consist of the standard personal precautions against influenza. This includes:

• Frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching the mouth, nose or eyes with the hands unless they have been washed first
• Cough into a tissue and throw it in the garbage immediately or if bare hands are used to cover the nose and mouth then the hands must be washed immediately.

Many countries have also confirmed that all the inbound international passengers will be screened. They will ask each passenger which countries they have visited as well as feel or look for particularly unwell passengers. Furthermore, CDC has also recommended the use of Tamiflu and Relenza for both treatment and prevention of this new strain. Some physicians also recommend the use of masks in public places as this decrease the likelihood of transmission of the virus when around an infected person. Swine flu can be further prevented by:

• Knowing all the signs of swine flu which include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Make sure you are in good health; get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• Practice good hygiene; while sneezing place a disposable tissue over your mouth, throw the tissue away after use and wash your hands regularly after blowing your nose/sneezing and before you eat.
• Don't share utensils or drinks.

How are swine influenza symptoms recognised?

The symptoms of H1N1 flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone with symptoms of influenza should call their healthcare provider. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness. However, the strain responsible for the 2009 swine flu outbreak is normally known to cause only mild symptoms and the infected person recovers fully in a few days.

Are there ways to reduce the spread of this disease?

The flu virus is normally thought to spread from person to person contact in respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This happens when droplets from cough or sneezes are propelled through the air and deposited on the mouth or nose of uninfected people nearby. Moreover, it could also spread when a person touches respiratory droplets on another person or an object and then touches their own mouth or nose before washing the hands. Taking the following measures will surely arrest it from spreading to healthy humans. For this you must:

• Check with your health care provider about any special care that you might need, especially if you are pregnant or have health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema
• Check about all your antiviral medications
• Stay at home for 7 days after the start of illness
• Drink clear fluids to keep yourself hydrated
• Cover up when coughing or sneezing; was your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
• Avoid close contact with infected people
• When going out in public places always wear a mask
• Keep the sick person away from other people as much as possible
• Maintain good ventilation in shared household areas
• Use antivirals to prevent the flu after checking with your healthcare provider