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Swine flu
Definition
 
Swine flu refers to a respiratory infection caused by influenza A virusesthat ordinarily cause illness in pigs. Humans can catch swine flu frominfected pigs, but pig-to-human transmission is unusual. Human-to-human transmission of true swine flu is also possible but infrequent.The recent outbreak of what is being called swine flu involves a newH1N1 type A influenza strain that's a genetic combination of swine, avianand human influenza viruses. It's capable of spreading from human tohuman.In June 2009, based on its wide spread to many nations, the World HealthOrganization declared the swine flu outbreak a global pandemic.This new swine flu strain is being called by a number of names,including: swine-origin influenza A, swine influenza A (H1N1), influenzaA/California/H1N1, swine origin influenza virus, North American flu andinfluenza A (H1N1).The best approach you can take is to try to avoid infection. If you dodevelop symptoms of swine flu, seek prompt medical attention so thatyou have the best chance of antiviral drugs providing you with successfultreatment.
Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to those of infectionwith other flu strains.
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Fever 
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Cough
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Sore throat
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Body aches
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Headache
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Chills
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Fatigue
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Diarrhea
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Vomiting
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Symptoms develop three to five days after you're exposed to the virus andcontinue for about another week. You can pass the virus to other peoplefor about eight days, starting one day before you get sick and continuinguntil you've recovered.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor immediately if you develop flu symptoms, such as fever,cough and body aches, and you have recently traveled to an area whereH1N1 swine flu has been reported. Be sure to let your doctor know whenand where you traveled.Also see your doctor if you develop respiratory symptoms after you've been in close contact with someone who may have been exposed to H1N1swine flu.Doctors have rapid tests to identify the flu virus, but there is no rapid testto differentiate swine influenza A H1N1 from other influenza A subtypes.
Causes
Influenza viruses infect the cells lining your nose, throat and lungs. Youcan be exposed to swine flu virus if you have contact with infected pigs.The virus enters your body when you inhale contaminated droplets or transfer live virus from a contaminated surface to your eyes, nose or mouth on your hand.
Risk factors
Swine farmers and veterinarians have the highest swine flu risk becauseof their exposure to pigs.If you've traveled to an affected area, you may have been exposed tohuman swine influenza A H1N1, particularly if you spent time in largecrowds.
Complications
Influenza complications include:
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Worsening of chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetesand asthma
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Pneumonia
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Respiratory failureSevere complications of human swine flu H1N1 seem to develop and progress rapidly.
Treatments and drugs
Most cases of flu, including human swine flu, need no treatment other than symptom relief. If you have a chronic respiratory disease, your doctor may prescribe additional medication to decrease inflammation,open your airways and help clear lung secretions.Antiviral drugs can reduce the severity of symptoms. There are twoclasses of antiviral medication used to reduce symptoms and duration of the flu — adamantane antivirals and neuraminidase inhibitors — but fluviruses can develop resistance to them.Human swine flu H1N1 is sensitive to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) andzanamivir (Relenza), both of which are neuraminidase inhibitors. It'simportant to start treatment as soon as possible after you become ill.These antiviral medications are most effective if treatment begins within48 hours of developing symptoms.
Lifestyle and home remedies
If you come down with any type of flu, these measures may help easeyour symptoms:
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Drink plenty of liquids.
Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration. Drink enough so that your urine is clear or  pale yellow.
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Rest.
Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection.
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Consider pain relievers.
Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil,Motrin, others) cautiously, as needed.Remember, pain relievers may make you more comfortable, butthey won't make your symptoms go away any faster and may haveside effects. Ibuprofen may cause stomach pain, bleeding andulcers. If taken for a long period or in higher than recommendeddoses, acetaminophen can be toxic to your liver.
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Nony_Mohamed_717

السلام عليكم لوتكرتمت ممكن ترسلى اخر نمازج من اختبارات الهيئة للتمريض علشان انا اختبارى فى 14 ابريل 2010 وخايفة جدا وللك جزيل الشكر اميلى nisren9999@yahoo.com

reply03 / 16 / 2010
Nader Smadi

ارسلت احد النماذج على الايميل وانا بعتذر على التأخير لانني كنت مشغولاً جداً

03 / 30 / 2010
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