Swine influenza or commonly as swine flu pertains to influenza caused by any virus native to the pig or swine. Those strains found on swine are termed as swine influenza virus or SIV. Strains of this virus are classed into three types. The common influenza is classified as influenza virus A whereas the rare type is classified as influenza virus C. However, influenza virus B has no known report yet on swines. The three classes of these strains are found on humans.

Who Are Affected?
Workers who are in direct contact with the animals have the highest risk on infection from these animals. Swines with SIV or swine flu virus can easily transmit the virus to humans if the animals carry strains that can infect humans. And this swine flu virus had already mutated enabling itself to be transmitted from one person to another. The latest news reports have it that swine flu virus in humans is now at a pandemic stage.



Signs And Symptoms

Generally, the symptoms for swine flu virus are the same for an ordinary flu. These include fever with cough, body pains, headache, sore throat, tiredness and freezing. Some patients reported nausea and diarrhea. Since all of these symptoms relate to a common flu, and not specifically for a swine flu virus, a special form of diagnosis must be done to ensure that the symptoms manifested are for SIV. The latest outbreak of swine flu virus made physicians to follow guidelines set by CDC ( Centers For Disease Control And Prevention) in diagnosing patients suspected of swine flu virus.

What Can Be Done?

As of now, there's no vaccine available yet for this type of swine flu virus. CDC currently recommends using Tamiflu or Relenza for treating or for the prevention of SIV. These drugs can prevent some serious complications and also can make the illness milder and make the person feel a lot more better and should be taken at the onset of the symptoms.

Recommendations

Preventing infection from swine flu virus is done with standard precautions for ordinary flu.

1. Frequent and effective washing of hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaners especially in public places.

2. Be sure to cover your mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing.

3. If possible, avoid direct contact with sick persons.

4. If sick, stay at home and monitor your self for symptoms and limit direct contact with other people.

5. If the flu symptoms are evident and persist, consult your doctor immediately.