White Paper on Swine Flu by

Sonali Rakesh

Author:

Sonali Rakesh

Email:

Sonalirakesh@gmail.com Page 1

All about Swine Flu

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 2

BE AWARE ............................................................................................................................................................. 2

WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN I TAKE TO PROTECT MYSELF AND MY FAMILY? ................................. 2

WHAT IS SWINE INFLUENZA AND INFLUENZA A (H1N1)? .................................................................... 3

IS IT SAFE TO EAT PORK AND OTHER FOODS DERIVED FROM PIGS? ............................................... 3

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA A (H1N1) IN HUMANS? ................................................ 3

HOW DOES INFLUENZA A (H1N1) SPREAD BETWEEN PEOPLE? ........................................................ 4

IS THERE A VACCINE TO PROTECT PEOPLE FROM INFLUENZA A (H1N1)? .................................... 4

HOW QUICKLY WILL PANDEMIC INFLUENZA A (H1N1) VACCINES BE AVAILABLE FOR USE? . 4

CAN ANYONE GET IMMUNIZED BY THE VACCINATION AS SOON AS IT IS AVAILABLE?.............. 4

WHAT’S BEEN DONE TO ENSURE THAT DEVELOPING COUNTRIES GET ENOUGH VACCINE? ... 4

WHAT HAPPENS IF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES HAVE ONLY PARTIAL COVERAGE OFVACCINATION? ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

HOW EFFECTIVE ARE FACE MASKS ? ............................................................................................................ 5

CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

DISCLAIMER .......................................................................................................................................................... 5

White Paper on Swine Flu by

Sonali Rakesh

Author:

Sonali Rakesh

Email:

Sonalirakesh@gmail.com Page 2

Introduction

By now you have probably seen or heard the frightening news of swine flu infection. Unfortunately swine flu hasnow been confirmed in multiple locations within India and the rest of the world. On April 25, 2009, the World HealthOrganisation announced that the recent outbreak of swine flu is had been declared a “public health emergency of international concern”. It is a highly contagious infection and potentially deadly. So what precautions can you easilytake to prevent being infected by swine flu?If you are concerned that you or the people around you may be at risk for contracting the virus, this guide willshow you how to prevent swine flu and will also answer all your questions.

Be Aware

The CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) provides up to date reports on any epidemic, including theswine flu outbreak of spring 2009. Do check out the WHO websitehttp://www.who.int/en/for the latest situationupdate.Visit the CDC websitehttp://www.cdc.gov/or pay attention to local, national and international news reports toensure you are aware of any recent developments and remain informed about where and how the swine flu isbelieved to be spreading.

What precautions can I take to protect myself and my family?

The swine flu is believed to spread mainly from person to person via airborne germs expelled when an infectedperson coughs or sneezes. To help prevent from being infected:1.

Wash your hand often with warm water and antibacterial soap. Since swine flu like otherviruses can be contracted by touching objects contaminated by the virus. It’s unsure howlong the swine flu virus can survive on surrounding surfaces.2.

Avoid touching your face, especially the areas around your eyes, nose and mouth toofrequently since the swine flu appear to be contracted like the common cold.3.

Always cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze by using tissues. Put your usedtissues in the bin and wash your hands afterwards.4.

If you are unable to wash your hands regularly, carry an alcohol based hand wash or handsanitizer with you and use regularly. Though they don’t routinely kill viruses they probablydo offer some limited protection in preventing swine flu infections. These are availableeasily with any pharmacist.5.

Avoid areas or people that may be contaminated.6.

If swine flu infections have been medically confirmed in your area consider avoiding largepublic gatherings. Individuals can be contagious with the swine flu virus beforedemonstrating any signs or symptoms of infection. Be particularly careful about indoorgatherings where air circulates poorly.

White Paper on Swine Flu by

Sonali Rakesh

Author:

Sonali Rakesh

Email:

Sonalirakesh@gmail.com Page 3

If you need to visit a contaminated area or feel you are at high risk or paranoid and don’tmind looking odd then consider wearing a respiratory mask. This barrier method doesoffer some basic protection against infection.8.

Although the World Health Organisation has not recommended any border closures ortravel limitations as of now, those who felt ill were advised to delay travelling wheneverpossible. In addition, people who developed flu like symptoms after travelling wereadvised to see a doctor.9.

Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly, especially the surfaces that people often touchwith their hands.10.

These simple hygiene rules should be followed at all times, not just during an outbreak of swine flu. Good hygiene helps to protect you from a wide range of infections.

What is swine influenza and influenza A (H1N1)?

Swine influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that normally only affects pigs. It is commonly caused byH1N1 strains of swine influenza A virus. However, other strains, such as H1N2, H3N1 and H3N2 also circulate in pigs.While it is not usual for people to get swine flu, human infections do occasionally happen, mainly after close contactwith infected pigs. The Swine Flu is a combination of four known strains including Avian flu, Human Influenza andtwo other viruses. This new strain of influenza is not only extremely contagious but also deadly, however, there areflu pandemic preparation measures you can take to ensure you do not get the Swine flu. During March/April 2009,this new strain of swine influenza virus emerged in Mexico, and started to cause illness in humans.

Is it safe to eat pork and other foods derived from pigs?

You

cannot

get influenza by eating properly handled and prepared pork or other foods derived from pigs (e.g.bacon, sausages). However, good food hygiene helps to prevent a wide range of infections, so it is important that allfood is always prepared hygienically.

•

Never eat raw or poorly cooked meat.

•

Keep raw meat away from cooked and ready-to-eat foods.

•

Use a separate chopping board and knife to prepare raw meat.

•

Wash your hands immediately after handling raw meat.

•

Clean and disinfect surfaces and utensils immediately after contact with raw meat.

What are the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) in humans?

When people are infected with swine flu viruses, their symptoms are usually similar to those of normal seasonal influenza. These include fever, tiredness, lack of appetite, coughing and a sore throat. Some peoplemay also have vomiting and diarrhoea. Some people infected with influenza A (H1N1) have had severe illness anddied mainly because of high fevers, diarrhoea, and dehydration. However, in almost all cases the symptoms of influenza A (H1N1) have been mild, and people have made a full recovery.