Swine Flu, officially known as A(H1N1) is a respiratory disease. It is caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract. By June 2009 this flu has reportedly reached 74 countries across all continents except Antarctica. It was detected in early April 2009 in Mexico and has spread at an alarming speed, making the World Health Organization declare it a global pandemic. People eating pork and pork products are unlikely to get the flu as compared to people who are closely associated with pigs, like farmers and pork processors. The symptoms of swine flu and its treatment are similar to that of the seasonal flu.

Though millions of people die of the seasonal flu every year, swine flu is feared to be lethal because the virus consists of human, avian and swine influenza strains. So humans have no immunity to this virus. The symptoms of swine flu may be fever, cough, nasal secretions, fatigue, headache, body aches and chills. Some patients may also suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. If the viral infection escalates, it may result in pneumonia and seizures. Swine flu can be diagnosed by having a throat swab clinically tested at a government approved laboratory. There is no vaccine available to protect from this flu and though several laboratories are busy trying to develop one, it will be available only around the end of 2009.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to the regular flu and so is the treatment. It spreads very fast, from nasal secretions of an infected person when he even coughs or sneezes.
In the absence of a vaccine the only way to combat this deadly virus is to exercise caution and undertake all preventive measures. Especially children, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with chronic ailments like diabetes or asthma are more prone to develop serious complications if they contract the swine flu virus. It is of utmost importance to maintain hygiene, wash hands frequently, avoid crowded places, wear facial masks and keep all surfaces clean with the help of a disinfectant like Smittstop.

Smittstopp is a Swedish product. It is formulated on the latest invention, cationic polymers. Smittstopp is available in a spray form. Once sprayed, it forms an invisible film of positively charged cationic polymers. All virus and bacteria are negatively charged. So they get attracted towards the polymers, only to stick to the film and die. All that is needed is to spray Smittstopp once and wipe it. A second spray will be needed only if the surface is very dirty or if any other cleaner is used on the surface after spraying Smittstop. The film is water resistant and thus makes for a cost effective measure against the spread of swine flu virus.

Smittstopp can be used on all surfaces which are known to be touched by many people frequently, such as doorknobs, desks, workstations, kitchen counters, toilets, utensils and even clothes. The efficiency of simple surgical masks can be enhanced by spraying Smittstopp on the outer surface, making it up to 97% virus proof. Smittstopp works better than any regular disinfectant and is very effective in killing all germs. It can prove to be the most effective weapon against swine flu, combined with other preventive measures like personal hygiene.