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This is a question that everyone around the world is currently asking.
In late April of this year, at the end of what would normally be the flu season – Mexico began reporting a large number of cases of flu like illnesses. Because of the number and the lateness of the year for these types of symptoms, Mexican health professionals began testing patients and identified a new strain of swine flu. The majority of these cases were reported in the area of Mexico City which is currently the largest city in the world.
Swine flu is a common respiratory illness among pigs and is caused by Type-A flu viruses. Pigs are vaccinated each year against this flu. Most swine flu viruses do not infect humans. But this new swine flu is unique and different. This flu virus known as H1N1 is a virus which has DNA from pig flu, bird flu and human flu. This combination forming the new virus does spread from person to person and because humans have no immunity, it can spread worldwide rapidly. The World Health Organization has raised its pandemic alert level to 5 meaning that this virus spreads between humans and has spread to at least two countries and that a worldwide epidemic is imminent. But as of now they have been unable to determine the severity or fatality rate with this virus. It currently seems to be less potent than the normal seasonal flu seen each year.
The symptoms of H1N1 or swine flu or very much like the normal flu – fatigue, aching muscles, fever, sinus problems, respiratory problems, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms usually run their course after a few days. If a patient has further problems or fever over 101 degrees, they should call their primary physician. Anti-viral drugs Relenza and Tamiflu have both proven effective in helping to relieve symptoms. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while ill with any type of flu.
In Mexico City, health professionals have taken measures to isolate those who are sick. Furthermore, many events and gatherings have been cancelled such as church, schools and other activities and recent reports are that the city is virtually closed down. Non-essential government offices have also been closed for five days. The latest reports are that government offices will open soon as well as schools. In Mexico it seems that this flu might have reached its peak. They have currently confirmed 590 cases of H1N1 flu with 25 deaths. In the United States, there have been confirmed 286 cases with one death.
The following countries have reported confirmed cases with no deaths – Austria (1), Canada (101), China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (1), Costa Rica (1), Colombia (1), Denmark (1), El Salvador (2), France (4), Germany (8), Ireland (1), Israel (4), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (6), Portugal (1), Republic of Korea (1), Spain (54), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (18).
The World Health Organization currently advises no restrictions on travel or border closings. H1N1 virus is not transmitted by food. Humans can not get this virus from eating pork or pork products. This virus is not a food born disease.