Swine Flu

The swine flu is a menacing addition of ongoing decade. In the beginning its familiarity with common weather changing flu symptoms escaped it from necessary stringent action. Soon it took the form of pandemic, with its menacing grip. The swine flu virus is quick at mutating. Thus by endlessly changing the shape of its protein coat the virus is able to dodge the human immune system.
The pandemic swine flu or A (H1N1), first detected in Mexico in April 20009. Now India alone has recorded 31,934 infections and 1,531 deaths since its first case in 20009. What does make the pandemic so sinister? What is the constitution of the virus? “It is a “triple reassortment” virus, which is made up of segment from human, swine and avian viruses-as suggested by experts.”
The pre pandemic immunization to deal the crisis is taken. But the success gets hindered, as still there is no way to find out which strain of influenza will hit next. As a result the pandemic vaccines would need to contain “a cocktail of strains”.
The indigenous swine flu vaccines of India are launched. The leading pharmaceutical firms’ Zydus Cedilla, Bharat Biotech, Panacea Biotech and the serum institute are fore runners in vaccine productions.
The Tropical countries (including India) are mutation hot spot of swine flu, as these countries in particular harbor many influenza viruses. Next human in poor tropical often live in close proximity to livestock.
As a highly transmissible virus it spreads quickly in dense populated country where people with limited resources find themselves difficult to combat it.
Prevention from swine flu entails three steps-
First its outbreak is controlled in swine.
Then its transmission is prevented among human.
Next its spread is prevented among human to check the pandemic form.
symptoms of swine flu in human-
Fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting.
How does infection spread?
• By exposure to infected droplets which come in air by coughing and sneezing.
• Through contaminated hands and surfaces.
DO’S-
• Avoid crowded place.
• Use mask when near an infected person.
• Wash hands with antiseptic soap.

What kind of symptoms call for medical attention?
• Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.
• More than three days continued high fever.
• Children with labored breathing and continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).