Swine Flu!

Posted by Yakuti in Archives | | 0 comments

Hi Toyin,

What can you tell us about swine flu? Info and advice I live in one of the areas that may be affected.

Inga

Hey Inga,

Great question especially in the times we currently find ourselves.

The scare of swine flu has travelled far and wide in a matter of weeks and it is vital to be aware of the situation.

The swine flu is a different variant (type) of influenza (big name for the flu virus). Did you know that there are different strains of influenza (human flu, avian flu, swine flu etc)? Every year, doctors try and determine the most likely strain of human flu of the season and give shots based on this assumption. This is why you might get the human flu even though you had a flu shot. The swine flu is quite unique in that it should only be found in pigs and humans who have direct and long contact with them but it seems a strain has developed that is infectious to other humans.

How do I know if I have a common cold or the flu?

Common cold

The common cold can be caused by viruses known as the rhinovirus or the Coronavirus and the type you get is dependent on the season. A typical cold comes with the stuffy nose, fever, sneeze etc. it relatively lasts 5-7 days and then you are free for another few months…lol. If you are a regular reader, you will remember me saying there is no cure for viruses. They may lay dormant, but they never leave.)

Influenza Virus

On the other hand, the influenza virus is a completely different virus. The symptoms include the same fever, stuffy nose, sneezing etc but include myalgia (muscle ache), cough, chills, vomiting and diarrhea, headache severe fatigue and fevers that might go above 100F (completely different from your common cold right?)

Notes on the Swine Flu

Let’s get some things clear

You cannot get the swine flu from eating pork.

You are not immune to it just because you have gotten your flu shot

Wearing small paper /cloth masks might make you feel better mentally but won’t help protect you. (Unless you can get hospital industrial masks which I have only seen in the hospital)

Is there a treatment?

Yes and No. The swine virus seems to be responding to drugs known as Tamiflu and Relenza. Note that I said “responding to” not “treated/cured by”. If you get the flu, you are still going to have to ride it out just like any other virus infection; these drugs just make the “ride” milder.

Some basic tips on keeping yourself healthy

Don’t Panic- This is the first tip I will give. Not EVERY cold or cough is a possible swine flu case. Differentiating between a simple cold and the flu is vital.

Wash your hands- You might have heard this all your life but keeping the hands clean is one of the most simple yet life saving things we can do. If you don’t like washing your hands, at least sanitize them with gel sanitizers after using public facilities or things you share with other people outside of your home.

Protect yourself- Stay clear of possible contaminants. Now is not the time to be kissing babies or sharing food especially with people whose health status you can’t account for.
I hope this has made the picture a bit clearer and I pray health for you and all our other readers.

Stay blessed

T

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