What Age Group Does Swine Flu Affect?

Swine flu or the H1N1 virus has become a national scare because of its sudden appearance and collective international death toll. Many people fear the virus and it has been promoted to the level of a pandemic by the United Nations. However, in spite of all this, the swine flu virus is not something to be feared because of it is not a very active or deadly virus. As a matter of fact, it is a milder strain of the influenza virus or the common cold, which takes over a hundred thousand lives each year. The only reason the swine flu has had a high death toll is because of inadequate screening procedures and its side effects.

H1N1 affects all kind of people, young and old. But the fact is that a healthy adult should be able to combat the virus and recover from it within a week or so. The main problems that one would have to deal with are severe body ache and difficulties in breathing. Because of this, the age group swine flu affects and kills most are those who do not have an active or strong immune system. These would be the people in the age group of 0 to 15 and 55 and above. In other words, the young children and the elderly are at the highest risk for an age group being affected by swine flu and it can be lethal for them. They have a weak immune system which will not be able to take the severe attack of the flu and become weakened physically by it.

Although nobody knows why exactly, but another demographic that seems to be affected are pregnant women. Many number of pregnant women are falling ill with this virus and some are even dying. This means that apart from various age groups affected by H1N1, this demographic is at high risk to the virus and should be very careful about their health. Because of the tightness in the chest and difficulty in breathing causes by swine flu, those with diseases such as asthma and bronchitis will also suffer a lot. They will have to put up with even more breathing problems than usual and can fall ill.

Other than these, heart patients are also at a risk for complications causes by H1N1. Patients who have been suffering from chronic liver and kidney disease also suffer from body aches and vomiting causes by swine flu as it further suppresses their immune system and creates further problems. The age group affected least by swine flu is that of people 25 years to 45 years of age. These people have stronger immune systems that can work actively to produce H1N1 antibodies and will not suffer from the side effects of swine flu as much as other age groups. Those under the age of 5 years and those above the age of 60 years should be vaccinated immediately and others should cut down social interaction to a minimum.

Patrick Smith is an NYC native who not only reads about health scares but has reviewed under cabinet microwaves for http://www.undercabinetmicrowave.net.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patrick_J_Smith
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Age-Group-Does-Swine-Flu-Affect?&id=3139802

Swine Flu Causes - Exactly What Causes the H1N1 Virus

Swine flu is just another form of the common flu, although this virus strain is normally identified with pigs.

The latest swine flu virus that has affected a lot of people and a lot of countries is however of a different kind, as it shows a combination of viruses previously seen in people, birds and pigs.

No one really gets a warning before being infected by the flu virus. But just like most illnesses, the swine flu virus is caused by factors that people should be aware of, so they can avoid the flu like the plague.

The respiratory tract plays a significant role in the transmission of the flu virus. Coughing and sneezing can transmit infected bodily fluids from one person to another, and this is being eyed as the mode of transmission of the new H1N1 virus. This is a far cry from the common notion that the virus is caused by eating pork.

World Health Organization official Keiji Fukuda said the spread of the virus has not been linked with eating pork or with close contact with pigs.

Caused by a Virus

Doctors have confirmed that a virus is causing the swine flu outbreak. In particular, it is the influenza H1N1 virus strain which is causing the infection. The letter H and N refers to the proteins on the virus which distinguishes a specific virus from the other subtypes.

While the world is not new to the influenza virus, the old virus has mutated and has changed its genes. The new swine flu virus is capable of being transmitted from person to person and is contagious. A person who has been infected by the virus can already infect others even before he develops the symptoms.

Mode of transmission

The virus is passed on from one person to another through coughing and sneezing. The germ which is released into the air can be transmitted to another person through the air they breathe and enter the body through the mouth, nose and eyes.

The virus can even be transmitted through ATM buttons, doorknobs and similar surfaces where the virus can rest. These hard surfaces can be a resting ground for the swine flu virus and when a person makes contact with this area, and then touches his eyes, nose or mouth, then the virus is transmitted.

Caused by pollution

There are also reports that the swine flu came as a result of water pollution, caused by a large hog processing company in the State of Veracruz in Perote, Mexico. A total of 27 million hogs are being slaughtered in this facility annually. The virus has travelled far and wide and has been detected in other countries and states including Australia, California and New York.

While the virus is commonly called swine flu, people are however cautioned against relating the virus to pigs and eating pork. For as long as meat products coming from pigs are cooked properly, it cannot infect people with the H1N1 flu virus. Knowing the swine flu causes is expected to improve the chances of mitigating the effects of the illness and in reducing the number of people infected by the virus.

To learn more about Swine Flu, please visit our website.

Information is completely free. Prevent yourself from catching Swine Flu now.

[http://www.swine-flu-guidance.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_P_Mansell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Swine-Flu-Causes---Exactly-What-Causes-the-H1N1-Virus&id=3027967

Symptoms of Swine Flu - Know the Difference Between H1N1 Flu and Regular Flu

Swine Flu is a number one health concern the world over. The HI1N1 flu or Swine Flu was first detected in US in April 2009. The worst affected areas initially were Canada and Mexico before H1N1 flu cases began to emerge in other areas of the world. In a short span of four months, the disease has spread to almost all regions in the world. World Health Organization has called H1N1 as pandemic which means a big epidemic that involves the entire country or perhaps the world. Usually, the signs of a pandemic are when a virus without any immunity to stop it, spreads across various parts of the world.

Risk factors of Swine Flu
Swine Flu spreads from person to person in the same way as regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. People with high risk for seasonal flu are also at high risk for H1N1 flu. For example, people above 65 years of age, pregnant women, children below 5 years of age and those with chronic medical conditions and lifestyle diseases like diabetes are at high risk.

Symptoms of Swine Flu
In children, the symptoms of H1N1 virus include:
1. Rapid Breathing or Difficulty in breathing.
2. Grayish or Bluish Skin Color
3. Dehydration
4. Persistent of severe vomiting
5. Not able to interact properly with people, become irritable
6. Flu like symptoms, bad cough and fever

In adults, the symptoms of swine flu include:
1. Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
2. Pain in chest or abdomen
3. Sudden dizziness or loss of energy
4. Severe or continuous vomiting
6. Flu like symptoms, bad cough and fever

The symptoms of H1N1 is similar to the ones that people get in regular, seasonal flu and so things like fever, sneezing, cough, body ache, head ache, shivering, sore throat and fatigue are common. Diarrhea and vomiting are also symptoms that have been associated with some cases of this flu, also known as Influenza A.

How do I catch swine flu?
H1N1 is transmitted the same way like seasonal flu. Flu viruses are spread usually from person to person through sneezing or coughing by people who have influenza. Some people may become infected with the deadly H1N1 by touching something that has virus on it and then bringing to their nose or mouth.

How can someone with swine flu infect it to someone else?
Infected people can actually infect others from the first day itself, even before they themselves get any symptoms. This means there are also chances that one can pass on the symptoms of flu even before she or he knows that she or he is sick.

How do I protect myself from swine flu? How can I take precautions against H1N1virus?
There is no vaccine that can protect you or be prevention against H1N1 Flu. You can only maintain hygiene and take care to prevent spread of germs that can lead to illnesses like influenza. Here are the ways in which you can prevent yourself against the flu:

1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash after you sneeze into it.

2. Wash your hands with a liquid handwash like Dettol or Lifebuoy, especially after you cough or sneeze.

3. Do not touch your mouth, eyes or nose. Germs can spread in this manner.

4. Avoid contact with people who are infected. This is sad but then the disease is highly infective.

5. If you are sick with influenza, stay at home and do not go to school or work. Limit your contact with people so that they do not get infected.

6. Do not venture into crowded spaces.

7. Increase the airflow in your room by opening the windows for proper ventilation.

8. Sleep well, eat nutritious food and practise healthy habits so that you are physically active and immune to the flu.

How long can the Swine Flu virus stay on things like doorknobs and furniture?
According to medical experts, the influenza virus can stay on environmental surfaces and infect people from 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on things like door knobs, books etc. Germs of H1N1 can spread when a person touches infected areas or infected people and then touches their eyes, ears, nose or mouth. Cough droplets or sneeze from an infected person can travel through the area. When a person comes in contact with droplets of sneeze of another person or touches things like books or desk of that person that is contaminated with sneeze droplets, and touches his or her own eyes, mouth, nose etc; before washing hands, one can contract the virus.

What are the medicines and treatment options?
Taking oseltamivir(Tamiflu) or zanamivir(Relenza) can treat H1N1 but they should be taken in the early stages of the disease. Antiviral drugs or prescription medicines can make your immune system strong and keep the flu viruses at bay and stop them from reproducing in your body. So, you should start taking antiviral drugs within two days of getting H1N1 or influenza symptoms.

How do I prevent getting H1N1 in high risk areas?
If you live in places where people have been infected with H1N1 virus or have influenza like symptoms mentioned above, then you should stay home and avoid contact with these people. If you develop flu like symptoms, do not leave things to chance and take instant medical care. Your health care provider or doctor will be able to tell you whether H1N1 flu testing is required.

Does WHO recommend using a MASK?
If you are not sick or if you are not living in high risk areas, it is not required to wear a mask. If a near and dear one is sick with H1N1, you need to wear a mask since you will be in close contact with the ill person. Dispose the mask after contact and wash and clean your hands thoroughly. Using the mask correctly is important because using it incorrectly will spread infection.

How can I differentiate between H1N1 Swine Flu and seasonal flu?
You cannot tell the difference without a medical verdict on it. Since symptoms for both the diseases are same like cough, headache, sneezing, fever, runny nose etc, only your doctor will be able to say if you have H1N1 virus. In case, your doctor suspects symptoms, they will have your blood sample, nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) and throat swab to laboratories.

Home remedies for swine flu:
There are no home remedies, especially when you have to figure out if it is H1N1 or season flu. The H1N1 requires anti-viral drugs because treating it is an emergency issue. However you can prevent the spread of swine flu and strengthen your immune system by doing the following:
1. Wash your hands properly before having a meal, not just with soap and water.
2. Wear face mask before going outside. If someone is coughing or sneezing near you, cover your nose and mouth with palms or a hanky. Swine flu gets into the body through the mouth and nose.
3. Drink lemon balm tea because it has anti-viral properties.
4. Chew fresh garlic cloves because they have antiviral properties as well.
5. Steam inhalation with chamomile or eucalyptus thrice a day can relieve lung congestion and prevent swine flu symptoms.

Know more about Swine Flu treatment and also discuss Swine Flu Precautions [http://indianchatters.com/]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arunraj_V.S.
http://EzineArticles.com/?Symptoms-of-Swine-Flu---Know-the-Difference-Between-H1N1-Flu-and-Regular-Flu&id=2748043

Swine Flu, SARS, and Kimchi

A couple of thousand years ago, makers of Kimchi (a Korean pickled cabbage side dish), long before the appearance of SARS and the Swine Flu, would never have imagined their diet staple might prevent and possibly cure these viral infections.

In April '09, The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the influenza pandemic status to phase four warning.

What's the difference between the yearly flu season and being infected by the A (H1N1) flu? According to the World Health Organization:

"Influenza A (H1N1) is a new virus and one to which most people have no or little immunity and, therefore, this virus could cause more infections than are seen with seasonal flu. The new influenza A (H1N1) appears to be as contagious as seasonal influenza, and is spreading fast particularly among young people (from ages 10 to 45). The severity of the disease ranges from very mild symptoms to severe illnesses that can result in death. The majorities of people who contract the virus experience the milder disease and recover without antiviral treatment or medical care. Of the more serious cases, more than half of hospitalized people had underlying health conditions or weak immune systems". [1]

"If there is anywhere in the world that took a beating by SARS, it was Hong Kong," says Peter Cordingley, spokesman for the World Health Organization (WHO) in Manila. "The lesson was learned." Drawing on the past, Hong Kong has already issued travel advisories and stepped up controls at airports, including the use of infrared temperature scans and the detainment of travelers arriving with flu-like symptoms. [2]

The countries and overseas territories/communities that reported their first pandemic (H1N1) 2009 confirmed case(s) since the last web update (6 July 2009) as of 22 July 2009:

Afghanistan, Andorra, Belize, Bhutan, Botswana, La Réunion (French Overseas Community), Haiti, the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Namibia, Sint Eustatius (Netherlands Antilles), Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Solomon Islands, the Sudan, Tonga, Turks and Caicos Islands (UK Overseas Territory), the United Republic of Tanzania, American Samoa (US), Guam (US)

As of July 22, 2009, the Grand Total of deaths attributed to swine flu is 1,154. For updated information of reported cases visit the WHO Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 site listed at the bottom of this article. The below listed link to a Google Map depicts areas of the swine flu outbreak providing an accurate geographical image of infection outbreaks.

How is it treated?

For suspected cases of the virus, a five-day treatment of zanamivir alone or combination of oseltamivir and either amantadine or rimantadine is initiated. For confirmed cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, either oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) may be administered. [3]

Will a facemask protect me from being infected?

We have very limited information of the effectiveness of facemasks and respirators in combating and control of influenza. If used correctly, facemasks and respirators may help reduce the risk of getting influenza, but they should be used along with other preventive measures, such as avoiding close contact and maintaining good hand hygiene.

"Unless otherwise specified, "respirator" refers to an N95 or higher filtering face piece respirator certified by the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Three feet has often been used by infection control professionals to define close contact and is based on studies of respiratory infections; however, for practical purposes, this distance may range up to 6 feet. The World Health Organization uses "approximately 1 meter"; the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration uses "within 6 feet." [3]

Any prognosis for the future?

Approximately 90-95% of infected people recover despite harsh symptoms to include 100+ degree temp. headaches, extreme fatigue, chills, diarrhea, sore throat, aching muscles, basically all the common flu symptoms.

To date, caution must be taken as swine flu (H1N1) is still spreading and may become a pandemic affecting entire regions or countries. Annual Flu outbreaks are expected and predictable. However this outbreak has not followed usual flu patterns. The future speculated prognosis is split among those who believe swine flu (H1N1) will diminish and die out this summer '09 and those who believe it will return to claim more cases similar to the influenza pandemic of 1918.

So, what's this potential wonder drug at the Korean dinner table?

Since 2003 when SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) rolled across Asia, Koreans remained unaffected for the most part. Being the daily and national side dish that it is, Kimchi was promoted to status of natural preventative and cure for SARS with virtually no scientific evidence to support the claim. Believe me, as someone who eats kimchi daily and loves it so much I operate a site dedicated to kimchi and Korean cuisine, I welcome and listen to the suggestions, and hope for further scientific investigation validating such claims. Imagine being obsessed with a food that is suddenly found to save lives in the face of a new and deadly health threat.

Scientists at Seoul National University fed a kimchi extract to thirteen chickens infected with avian flu. A week later, eleven of the thirteen chickens apparently recovered. To date, such studies remain unpublished and certainly not recognized by any medical or scientific community. Professor Kang of the Seoul National University who observed the thirteen chickens stated Leuconostoc (lactic acid bacteria) found in Kimchi had a positive effect on the bird flu.

Hong Jong Hoon, a technical consultant with the Korea Agriculture Development Institute, suggested another possible and connecting factor is the ways Koreans eat most of their garlic!

Hong began his researching studies at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's website where he found a connection between SARS and the corona virus. He then made his way to Stanford University's site, which lists - along with reducing stress, getting more sleep and frequently washing your hands - putting drops of garlic juice on the nostrils as a way to fight infection. Put it all together, he says, and you see why South Korea has had only a handful of suspected cases of SARS and no fatalities, despite its close proximity to China, where the virus originated, and to hard-hit Hong Kong and Taiwan. Hong concedes that many other countries make ample use of garlic in their diets, including Italy and China. But they cook their garlic; Koreans eat theirs raw in kimchi. His theory may be tough to prove, but that doesn't mean it isn't true, he says. [4]

Park Yong Woo, a doctor of family medicine at Seoul's Samsung Hospital, welcoming needed clinical testing, says, he's convinced of its healing properties.

"I'd like to compare it with an orchestra," Park says. "It's made of cabbage. But within that are a lot of healthy constituents, including garlic, ginger and chile peppers. It's very harmonious food."

Kim Man Jo, a food industry consultant and author of several books, including Kimchi, Kimchi, believes Kimchi's curing or managing properties against some infectious disease is created and found in the fermentation process - "They haven't done experiments yet, but harmful diseases can be dominated by the lactobacilli." she says.

Depending on the variety, I know the most common nappa cabbage kimchi variety has a strong combination of cabbage, red chili pepper powder, fish sauce, lots of garlic, salt, green onions, daikon radish, sugar, and yes, even more garlic - all fermented to perfection to deliver the heavenly flavor and strongest anti-microbial punch. Withstanding the lack of research in swine flu and kimchi as a preventative or cure, research has found that these friendly bacteria to boost the immune system. Further research has shown live indigenous bacteria and chemicals they produce can penetrate the intestinal wall and stimulate growth and maintenance of immune cells. Strains of Lactobacillus can also stimulate defense cells and increase anti-viral chemicals like interferon.

To date we do have specified medical treatment and course of action despite no vaccine. While it excites me to find kimchi may possess combative properties against certain viral strains, until the claims are subjected to the "scientific method", it shall remain a folkloric home remedy alongside chicken soup. Despite the lack of evidence, If a pandemic condition swept the area I live in, I would certainly heed Western medical approaches and most importantly, double up on my kimchi consumption. Shall we say to each his own?

With the unfortunate number of those who've died from SARS or Swine Flu (Swine flu killing over 1100 victims worldwide as of July '09 and over 700 claimed by SARS) perhaps it will take a pandemic and desperate condition to even consider researching these currently unfounded beliefs and claims. Today, at least 168 countries and territories have reported confirmed swine flu cases.

Since I first ate kimchi in 1990, it remains a favorite daily side dish that I always look forward to. Whether it cures anything or not, it certainly makes my taste buds and overall system feel great. I just can't sit to dine at home or a Korean restaurant without it.

While these flu strains come and go or stay, those who enjoy eating kimchi (touted as one of the five healthiest foods in the world by Health Magazine) continue to get more than their share of nature's probiotic which some day may add new flu strains to it's long list of combated enemies.

In the meantime, for various flu strains we have existing vaccines and for those we don't or other still standing bugs such as the common cold, we have Gatorade, chicken soup, and old-fashioned but very effective rest.

[1] TIME - The Lessons from SARS - By Kayla Webley/Hong Kong - Monday, Apr. 27, 2009

[2] What is the new influenza A(H1N1)? From the World Health Organization

[3] Swine Flu - Medicine.net

[4] The Daily Press.com - Hoping for a cure in kimchi - By Mark Magnier *Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 *Google Map depicting outbreaks of the swine flu outbreak

Randy Stewart is owner/webmaster of http://www.LoveThatKimchi.com and http://www.BringMeMySushi.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Stewrt
http://EzineArticles.com/?Swine-Flu,-SARS,-and-Kimchi&id=2716143