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Swine flu is a very real threat to the world ? only urgent measures can help contain it

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Swine flu is a very real threat to the world ? only urgent measures can help contain it

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease found in pigs. It is caused by one of the swine influenza A viruses. Swine flu results in high morbidity and low mortality of about 1-4%. Amongst the pigs themselves, the virus spreads through aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and through asymptomatic carrier pigs. Although the pigs are prone to regular infections, incidences increase in the fall and winter months in the temperate zones. Therefore, pigs are routinely vaccinated against swine influenza in many countries.

Swine influenza viruses though commonly belong to the H1N1 subtype, other subtypes like H1N2, H3N1, H3N2 are also known to be circulating in pigs. Pigs, on the other hand, are more susceptible to being infected with avian influenza viruses, human seasonal influenza viruses and swine influenza viruses, allowing the genes from the viruses to mix and result in an influenza virus containing genes from a number of sources; this is called a “reassortant” virus. Although swine influenza viruses are species specific, they can in extreme conditions make a crossover to cause disease in humans.

How is swine flu diagnosed?

When a person is under the weather, many symptoms may be present. However, symptoms of swine flu are very similar to normal cold and flu symptoms, and may include:

Headache Fever Cough Appetite loss Fatigue Sore throat Runny nose Chills Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea

Fatigue, appetite loss and diarrhea can be dangerous. If the symptoms are persistent, it becomes imperative that you see a doctor. In order to diagnose your illness, the doctor may order:

Chest x-rays Respiratory specimen Blood work

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen must be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of the onset of the illness as this is the time when the infected person is most likely to be shedding virus; however, children especially, may be shedding the virus for 7 days or longer. In order to identify the swine influenza A virus, the specimen must be sent to the CDC for laboratory testing. Only RT-PCR or viral culture has the potential to confirm infection with swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus. The test performance of rapid antigen tests and immunofluorescence tests for detection of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus is unknown. Persons who are suspected of having swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus and who test positive for the same using one of these tests should then have confirmatory RT-PCR or viral culture testing to confirm the presence of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus. A negative rapid antigen or immunofluorescence test cannot be used to rule out swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. The results of this test from nasopharyngeal or nasal swab, along with other information, will in all probability help your doctor take better care of you. Knowing the test results will help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

The Swine Influenza Test Kit is a sensitive test to detect the swine flu virus; however, the FDA has not cleared or approved this test. But it has been agreed by the FDA has agreed that this test can be used under an Emergency Use Authorization.

How is swine flu different from bird flu?

The swine flu and the bird flu viruses do not have a twin-like similarity but are however quite similar. The virus that causes bird flu in humans first mutated from a virus that birds had so that it could then be passed on to humans; once established, it now passes from human to human contact. Same is the case with swine flu. It started among pigs as a virus but then soon mutated to spread to humans. Viruses have the ability to replicate rapidly; these viruses are able to mutate very quickly thereby creating new strains that then move on to multiply in other areas and susceptible hosts. Avian flu so far has found it difficult to infect humans unless they were exposed to birds intensely. This is because the virus has not mutated in a way that makes it transmissible by one human to another. However, the swine flu virus has genetic origins from both pigs and birds. The biggest difference here is that the swine flu virus has mutated to an extent where it can readily be transmitted on human to human contact.

What drugs are available to treat swine flu and bird flu?

Antiviral treatment is normally the first line of treatment for the confirmed, probable or suspected cases of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, prioritizing treatment of hospitalized patients and patients with high risk for complications. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with actively works against influenza viruses, including the swine influenza virus. Antiviral drugs are generally used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses. These medications are prescribed by a health care professional.

As of today, four influenza antiviral drugs are approved for use in the United States. They are:

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) Zanamivir (Relenza) Amantadine Rimantadine (Flumadine)

Laboratory testing conducted on the swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses so far has indicated that the viruses are susceptible (sensitive) to oseltamivir and zanamivir. Antiviral drugs can make the illness milder as well prevent serious influenza complications. However, these antiviral drugs work best when they are started within two days of the onset of the illness. Antiviral drugs can also be used as a preventive measure to protect a person who has been or may be near a person with swine flu. Antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective in preventing the flu.

Antiviral doses recommended for treatment of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in adults or children 1 year of age or older are the same as those recommended for seasonal influenza. Oseltamivir use in children less than 1 year of age was recently approved by the U.S. FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

Moreover, there are vaccines available that can be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza from spreading. Nonetheless, there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu yet. It is believed that the seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.

Through this article we tried to provide you few facts about Swine Flu and other necessary information related to influenza. Know what swine flu symptoms are, how swine flu is different from Bird Flu, Oseltamivir Tamiflu to treat swine flu.

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Swine Flu: Natural Cure and Home Remedies for Swine Flu

Friday, July 30, 2010

Swine Flu: Natural Cure and Home Remedies for Swine Flu

Swine flu has been creating a terror effects all round the globe and has been declared epidemic in most part of the world. This is caused by influenza A (H1N1) virus. Swine Flu is H1N1, or pig influenza – an acute respiratory infection, usually affects pigs, but the ability to pounce and man. Presumably, the disease appeared after the animal is picked up one of several varieties of the virus – a new strain, scientists have found traces of the North American pig flu or swine flu, the North American avian influenza, and swine and human virus commonly found in Asia and Europe. The first cases of human infection by virus reported on 18 March in Mexico.

What are Swine Flu symptoms?
• High temperature
• Cough
• Shortness of breath, Feel Trouble in breathing

The most significant symptoms of a swine flu infection are the fever with chills, body ache and fatigue, a cough and sore throat, nausea, and diarrhea.

Ayurveda: It has the best form of herbal remedies for swine flu. Ayurvedic medicines are pure natural substances made of herbs and it’s very effective in the prevention of swine flu. Ayurvedic medicines used as a remedy to reduce swine flu symptoms contain herbs like neem (Indian lilac), elderberry, ginger and pepper extracts. Once the symptoms have reduced, herbs such as triphala, Divya Giloy Sat or Guduchi or Tinospora or Amrita etc used to eliminate all the symptoms completely. Swine Flu Herbal Medicine boosts the immune system against the H1N1 virus. Divya Giloy Sat or Guduchi or Tinospora or Amrita is an important ayurvedic medicine used to treat all kinds of flu symptoms and it is natural swine flu prevention medicine. It works by treating infections and increasing the body’s resistance against organisms.

Herbal Remedy and Supplements
Strong dietary and vitamin supplements like vitamin C, vitamin D, etc. and certain probity’s can be useful in the treatment and prevention of swine flu. The Herbal remedies strengthen the immune system, to fight against the viruses and organisms causing swine flu.

Swine Flu Home Remedies and several natural ways to treat these swine symptoms that can be effective in relieving swine flu symptoms, along with the natural remedies for swine flu:

- A mixture of 1 tbsp of honey with 1/2 tbsp cinnamon powder can be consumed. This relieves swine flu symptoms like cold, nasal congestion and sore throat.
- Steam inhalation with basil leaves added to the water, it helpful in relieving swine flu symptoms & relieving lung congestion.
- Chewing fresh garlic cloves: Another effective home remedy as garlic, Good antiviral.
- Consuming lemon tea: Relieve symptoms like cough, headaches, etc.
Swine flu can be treated effectively using the above mentioned herbs and remedies, and is a healthier option compared to the treatment with allopathic medicines and antiviral.

Swine flu prevention naturally is the best remedy to stop the rapid spread of swine flu.
-Regularly ventilated area, do wet cleaning, wash your hands frequently.
- Strengthen your immune system, more often outdoors, move more.
- Before going out into the street or in public places cover nose – it has antiviral activity against influenza.
- Try to avoid communication with ill people. If this is unavoidable, wear respirators or gauze dressing.
- After working with raw meat, Wash your hands carefully. Do not eat raw or half-meat. Porcine influenza virus, like any virus is destroyed at a temperature of 65 degrees. Disinfectants kill him instantly.
- If you did not spring a flu shot, you can raise the immunity of special preparations. Usual onion and garlic increase the protective forces of organism.

If you have found a host of influenza symptoms (fever, muscle pain, coughing, sneezing, weakness, dizziness, nausea), be sure to contact the clinic. They clarify the diagnosis and treatment will designate.

How to protect yourself from it?
The best means of prevention – it is your common sense and hygiene. Washing hands regularly and cover mouth and nose, while venturing out, it is an important to swine flu prevention. Along with the treatment for swine flu, consume as much as liquids, taking adequate rest and sleep. If sick, do not need go to work or school – better to rest at home, do not aggravate their condition and do not infect others.

If you keep these common sense measures in mind, you should be well on your way to equipping your body to deal with your swine flu.

Swine Flu Herbal Medicine is 100% pure natural remedies for swine flu remedies. Use Home Remedies for Swine Flu to uprooted this virus and its symptoms completely.

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Know About the Swine Influenza

Friday, July 30, 2010

Know About the Swine Influenza

Swine influenza also known as the pig or hog flu is a disease of the pigs spread through any one of the several strains of the influenza virus. The virus known as SIV or Swine Influenza Virus has many sub-types of its strain. These are known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, H2N3 and H3N1.

The virus gets transmitted from pigs to human beings and gets assimilated in the human blood to create antibodies. Swine flu is common among the pigs that are human-bred world over but it does not always cause influenza or sickness in humans. Many from the pig population die through the virulent swine flu and even vaccinations are injected to protect the home-bred pigs that are bred in huge quantities.

The symptoms of Swine flu are similar to the normal influenza in human beings, therefore detection in some cases take some time. Though his strain of the swine flu virus is not as dangerous as a few others, it is deadly enough to kill a person if not detected early. Some of the symptoms of Swine flu in human beings include chills, coughs, body aches, diarrhoea, headache, sore throat, temperature, vomiting and tiredness.

To protect yourself from the H1N1 virus you should maintain some personal protection and precaution like you should try to maintain health and fitness and get enough of sleep, try to manage stress and do exercise, eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fibre and liquids. You should most importantly be careful in public and not get in touch with sick people and should wash your hands regularly with antiseptic soap or alcoholic hand sanitizers.

Besides, there are other precautions to be kept in mind if you or your friend gets infected like you should cover your mouth while sneezing, clean all surfaces since sometimes small droplets containing the influenza virus can remain behind and also to maintain minimal social contact. The virus also can be stubbed by vaccinating the pigs in the pig farms properly.The farmers who look after them and remain in regular direct or indirect contact with the pigs are more susceptible to acquire the virus and should therefore maintain certain measures like smoking the area and wearing gloves since they are the ones who come in contact with the infected pigs on a daily basis and may lead to human to human transmission of the virus.

The H1N1 virus had spread to many countries and had taken many lives in the past from 1976 to 2009 and will continue to do so in future since the virus can mutate and remain dormant for several years to again emerge in the form of a different strain. Pigs can be infected by both human and avian influenza strains which in turn create new strains. The best way is to ensure your own protection by being aware of the influenza virus and its workings. You can gain information from online health care information. A health guide can also bail you out, if you are confused about the Swine flu and its virus.

Peoples-Health.com is a health information site where you can find information on several diseases like allergies, blood disorders, cancer, children’s health, digestive disorder, liver diseases etc. and tips on dieting, nutrition and improving lifestyle has been provided.

Peoples-Health.com is a health information site where you can find information on several diseases like allergies, blood disorders, cancer, children’s health, digestive disorder, liver diseases etc. and tips on dieting, nutrition and improving lifestyle has been provided.

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Swine Flu – Alternative Medicine Solutions

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Swine Flu – Alternative Medicine Solutions

Swine Flu – Alternative Medicine Solutions

Swine flu cases are set to grow exponentially over the next few months. The chief medical officers have been predicting and warning us all about a flu pandemic for a number of years now. This flu not only brings the same aches and pains but comes with a ‘cytokine storm’ that causes symptoms that may lead to pneumonia. This may be fatal so all asthmatics beware. This time the warnings are real.

In this article I will set out some natural medicines you should be taking to stop getting infected by swine flu and also some remedies to treat it if you do. All of these suggestions are based on modern scientific research. However, if you suspect you have swine flu you must go to your doctor to be on the safe side, especially if you are having breathing difficulties and having chest pain. Best thing overall is to try and make yourself less susceptible. In pandemics like this, large groups of people do not get infected as there are less susceptible.

There are more than 200 viruses that can cause the common cold and flu, and usually the signs of infection strike, 18 to 24 hours after the virus enter the body. So here are some very simple and effective ways of both boosting your immunity so we escape infection and self-treatment if you do catch the swine flu. These will help bring about a quicker recovery. All natural medicine interventions must focus on not only boosting the immune system but rather a balance between stimulating the immunity and reducing the production of cytokines causing a storm and its harmful life threatening effects.

What Is Swine Flu?

Swine flu is the flu that is causing the latest flu pandemic worldwide. The flu is a respiratory disease that affects pigs. However it is now affecting humans at massive levels. Flu normally affects vulnerable people like the very young and old however swine flu attacks the healthy person – the 18 to 50s section of the world. One disturbing feature of this virus is that it causes a ‘cytokine storm’ in the body. A cytokine is a biochemical that normally responds to infections and directs the immune system. However in swine flu they are over produced causing harm to the body organs and causing fluid to build in the lungs. As well as all the regular flu symptoms such as headaches, aches, pneumonia can also develop as a result of swine flu.

The Cytokene Storm – Damage Control

The cytokine storm that is created by the body in response to the swine flu is caused by the swine flu being unaffected by the body’s immune response. This causes an over production of cytokines ( TFN-a and IL-6) by the body. This is what killed many people during the Spanish flu in 1918 in the USA. Foods such as; honey, chocolate, spirulena algae and particularly elderberry need to be avoided as they increase the production of cytokines in the body. Try and drink lots of apple, lemon and cranberry juice who have all shown an ability to decrease cytokine production in the body. . Cut out all mucous forming especially diary foods as the respiratory system is the virus breeding ground.

So it’s not just the virus you have to watch out for it’s actually the cytokine storm. The more people that become aware of this the better for both its treatment and outcomes.

Natural Medicine

Natural medicine has been practiced for centuries and moreover in the prevention of disease as well as the treatment of it. Over 80% of the world use herbal medicine as the first method of medical treatment. Natural medicine has been used very successfully when there has been a major health crisis taking place. Especially during the Spanish flu epidemic where you had a better survival rate if you went to a homeopathic hospital

Neurominidase Blockers

The swine flu virus needs neurominidase enzyme in order to replicate. An enzyme is a biological catalyst. The first thing you must do is to decrease you susceptibility to the virus. In order to do this a vitamin and mineral supplement is necessary as part of your diet. Drink the juices of apple, lemon and cranberry juice. Vitamin C and vitamin E has been shown to reduce flu virus loads and also a reduction in cytokines by blocking neurominidase. Green tea has also a very good effect in reduction of cytokine production.

Vitamin Supplements

You should also be taking a proper vitamin and mineral supplement to guard you against flu and also a whole load of other diseases. However this vitamin and minerals you should be taking must be in a food form and not isolated synthetic chemical like ascorbic acid that is sold internationally as vitamin C. The real nutrients that you are looking for can be found at StarGate Nutrition Vitamin website. All their nutrients are in a nature form that your body will understand. They provide the full spectrum of required vitamins and minerals. You should be focusing on lemon juice for vitamin C and also to alkalize your blood to make it more inhabitable for the swine flu virus. The mineral zinc needs to be also consumed and the best way is by eating oysters and sunflower seeds which are foods naturally high in these minerals.

Homeopathy

Popular for years in Asia with over 250,000 doctors qualified as homeopathy in India alone, homeopathy has recently become Europe’s fastest growing form of alternative medicine. Last year sales of homeopathic medicines in Europe topped £3billion. Debate about how it scientifically works are heated, but most Europeans are now going to a homeopath as their first course of treatment and 20 per cent of Scottish GPs currently practice the specialty. Many scientific studies have been carried out to proves its efficacy medically and especially in flu outbreaks such as this.

Critics of homeopathy say that the medicine is no more than the placebo effect psychological factors causing improvement unrelated to drug therapy. However, Dr David Reilly of The Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital led a team of scientists who compared placebo and homeopathy in four trials conducted over 15 years in patients with allergies such as hayfever and asthma. All four studies showed a greater effect from the homeopathic medicine than from the placebo. Overall there have been over 200 trials and over 70 per cent of these conclude that homeopathy is better than placebo. Private European insurers cover homeopathic treatments, and The World Health Organisation recommends them. A few years ago Spain took an initiative to incorporate homeopathy into its national health service.

A report to the American Institute of Homeopathy in 1921 documented the dramatic success of homeopathy in the worst flu pandemic in history. The death rate of 24,000 flu cases under conventional medical care in that study was 28.2 percent, while the death rate of 26,000 cases treated with homeopathy was a nearly miraculous 1.05 percent.

When a similar strain of bird flu, misleadingly termed Spanish Flu, spread around the world in 1918, there is no doubt that it had catastrophic consequences. 50 million people died.  Nevertheless, American hospital statistics from the time show that homeopathic treatment gave a far better chance of survival than conventional treatment did.  The statistics are reported in Randall Neustaedter’s excellent book “Flu:  Alternative Treatments and Prevention”.

For at least the past 150 years homeopathic practitioners have used the medicine Influenzinum as a flu preventive. Influenzinum is a homeopathic medicine made from flu viruses. A proprietary preparation is produced by homeopathic pharmacies each year using the flu virus strains recommended by the World Health Organization for the year’s vaccine production (Dolivaxil – containing Influenzinum 9C). The typical dosage is once per week for four weeks beginning in October or later, followed by another dose three weeks later.

You should have Gelsemium 30c in your house and take when someone sneezes in a bus or your office. This can stop the virus taking root in the body and acts as a preventative.

The first medicine used in France to treat flu is Oscillococcinum made by Boiron and sells 7 million euros annually. Boiron was bought recently by the Bayer group.

Oscillococcinum Alternative Medicine To Tamiflu

This remedy recently toped pharmacy sales list and sales in the US alone are in the region of £20 million. A course costs of Oscillococcinum costs £6, which is used regularly by 5 million French for the prevention of colds and flu’s every year. Lets face it five million French can’t be wrong?

Oscillococcinum was first studied in France during the 1987 flu epidemic caused by an H1N1 virus similar to the bird flu of today. This multi-centre study examined the effect of Oscillococcinum (200C) on the early symptoms of flu. Results were published in the peer-reviewed British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. More patients in the treatment group recovered completely in the first 48 hours than the control group (17 percent of patients with active treatment compared to 10 percent of controls). More patients in the treatment group also judged the treatment as favorable compared to the placebo, 61 percent vs 49 percent (Ferley, 1989).

In 1990 German scientists replicated the French study of Oscillococcinum. They used the same criteria as the previous study and enrolled 372 patients. After 48 hours of treatment with Oscillococcinum the treatment group had considerably milder symptoms than the control group, and the number of patients with no symptoms from day two onward was significantly greater in the treatment group (17.4 percent) compared to the control group (6.6 percent) (Papp, 1998).

Both of these studies show a significant curative effect of a homeopathic medicine in the treatment of flu in carefully conducted, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Conventional antiviral drugs reduce the duration of flu by about one day if taken within the first 48 hours of illness (Cooper, 2003). These studies shows that homeopathy carries the potential to make a dramatic difference in any flu epidemic without the risk of drug side effects.

However, is anyone planning to stockpile homeopathic medicines proven to effectively treat the flu for over one hundred years?

St Johns Worth & Goldenseal NOT Echinacea.

Many people might be reaching for the herbal remedy called Echinacea to treat their swine flu or prevent it by boosting the immune system. Stop. In swine flu treatment Echinacea will cause the production of cytokines which will further damage your body.

The best herbs to use during this flu are St Johns Worth which is a potent antiviral as well as a famous antidepressant. The herbs adaptogenic qualities may help the body adapt to the cytokine storm making it have less an impact.

Turmeric, the spice, has an ability to be more powerful the pharmaceutical cox-2 inhibitors. Turmeric works in swine flu by blocking the production of cytokines. One herb I have been personally using over the past few years is Goldenseal which reduces colds and flu’s symptoms quite dramatically. Very little is written about it. Garlic is essential to include in your diet and has an affinity for the lungs as a herb. This can assist in blocking the development of pneumonia and reduce any lung infection by taking at least one clove mashed a day. Parsley will reduce the odour if you need it.

Aromatherapy

Tea tree essential oil from Australia that is very popular world wide is really important in terms of it being the only essential oil that is anti – viral bacterial and fungal. Lavender is very useful in the production of white blood cells. Tea tree oil may reduce the viral load causing a reduction in cytokine load.

Probiotics

Natural bacteria in the gut are essential to maintaining proper health and digestive functioning. Antibiotics not only kill the organisms that cause colds and flu’s but also kill the good gut bacteria. In order to reintroduce the effects of the bacteria you reintroduce them by eating bioactive yoghurts made with strains of gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus. This may also help to reduce any thrush symptoms caused from antibiotics.

Ralph Quinlan Forde the author and Holistic Medicine Consultant has contributed to the following publications over eight years, The Independent on Sunday, The Sunday Herald, IVENUS, Tescos Magazine, The Irish Examiner and The Sunday Tribune. He is also the founder of www.medicinebuddhafoundation.org

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How to Protect Your Children From Bird Flu

Thursday, July 29, 2010
Flu
by mugley

How to Protect Your Children From Bird Flu

Children are particularly susceptible to infection, and therefore are most at risk from catching it if it’s spreading through your area and from dying of it once they do catch it.

It’s significant that the first known victim of the current A/H5N1 strain of bird flu, back in May 1997 in Hong Kong was a three year old boy.

Despite receiving great medical treatment from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, he died of multiple organ failure in 12 days, because they could not keep him breathing.

Children have immune systems that are relatively undeveloped, just as their hearts, brains and other parts of their bodies are not fully developed. Because they’re children, not adults. In technical terms, they have “naive” immune systems.

Also, children tend to spread the infections in their bodies to each other simply through playing. Younger children especially have little sense of social distance and propriety. They hit, wrestle, hug, crawl over and drool on each other.

This is why it’s so well-known that if one child in a day care center or classroom is ill, all the other children, their teacher and their parents and siblings will also catch the same “bug.”

Many of the known victims of bird flu have been children. It’s quite likely that this is not only due to their lack of immune protection.

Children who live in rural villages where chickens wander freely are more likely to play with these chickens than adults, who’re too busy working. Also, the ground is littered with chicken droppings full of viruses, and children play on this ground.

It’s striking and sad that one of the bird flu deaths in Turkey was of a little girl whose relatives described her as very loving — even toward chickens, whom she liked to kiss.

I sometimes worry about my local park, which has a small pond with many ducks. I walk around and just ignore the ducks. But many small children love to approach and try to pet the ducks.

Therefore, my first advice is — once bird flu reaches your country, don’t let your children play with either domesticated chickens or turkeys, or wild birds of any kind.

Also, stay out of zoos, especially the petting zoos where children have direct contact with animals.

Once bird flu reaches your area, keep your pets in your house or yard. We know that bird flu can infect cats and we suspect it can infect dogs. If you think your pet has been infected, get rid of it before it can infect your child.

If your child becomes sick, Tamiflu has been approved for the use of children over 1. However, it may not be available, and nobody really knows how much Tamiflu is needed to stop a bird flu infection in adults, let alone in children. Plus, in Japan Tamiflu is associated with causing neurological disorders, including committing suicide, in 12 teenagers.

Do not give your children regular aspirin or other pain relievers, because this could cause Reyes Syndrome, a rare but little known fatal inflammation of the brain.

Clean your children well after they’ve been playing. You must especially make sure they wash their hands. It should even be more often than the traditional after using the bathroom and before meals.

That’s because the most common way for both cold and flu viruses to spread is by getting on people’s hands, and then people rub their eyes and mouths with their hands. Children do this even more than do adults.

Once bird flu reaches the contagious pandemic stage, keep your children away from day care centers, schools and even other children in the neighborhood. You just don’t know who could have the virus.

I know they won’t like that, but the fewer people they come into contact with, the more likely they are to avoid the disease. They can relearn their social skills after the pandemic’s over.

So it’s also a good idea to plan to keep your children busy at home during the pandemic. They can play outside in their own yard, but should not leave it unless they’re with you.

Have them bring their school books so they keep up with their studies. Have plenty of games and toys on hand — including many nonelectrical toys and games. You can’t depend on having electricity available, so include board games as well as computer games. You should save extra batteries for your radio and flash lights.

When you store food, concentrate on protein, vegetables and fruit. The sugar snacks that children love will reduce the strength of their immune systems.

They can take the same vitamins and minerals as adults, but of course in reduced amounts.

Still, if you are caring for a child sick with bird flu with Vitamin C, it’ll be difficult to give them too much. Vitamin C is used up in fighting the infection, and bird flu is a powerful enemy that will require a lot of Vitamin C. Give them as much as you can get them to swallow.

Ordinary flu shots protect kids only against the 3 strains of ordinary flu authorities believe will be most common during that particular flu season. This includes the inhaled Flu Mist. No vaccine is yet available against bird flu, and it will take 6 months before there is one against a contagious form of bird flu. And by that time, the virus will have mutated some more.

If children must go out where other people will meet, it’s a good idea to buy them a child-sized Nanomask. Ordinary surgical masks or even the N95 masks will not be effective.

And of course, consult with your children’s doctor, especially if your child has any chronic medical conditions.

c 2006 by Richard Stooker

Richard Stooker is the author of How to Protect Yourself and Your Family From Bird Flu and
Bird Flu Blog

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I have symptoms of H1N1 Swine Flu

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

I have symptoms of H1N1 Swine Flu

How do I know if I have symptoms of Swine Flu? Are the swine flu symptoms of children the same as H1N1 symptoms adults? Let us know the answer to the question “Do I have symptoms of Swine 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 swine 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 Swine 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 of getting swine flu.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

In children, the symptoms of swine flu 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 swine flu 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 swine flu.

How do I catch swine flu?

H1N1 Swine Flu 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 swine 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 swine flu?

There is no vaccine that can protect you or be prevention against H1N1 Swine 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 swine 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 with swine flu. 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 swine flu 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 H1N1 virus.

What are the medicines and treatment options for H1N1 swine flu?

Taking oseltamivir(Tamiflu) or zanamivir(Relenza) can treat swine flu or 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 (Swine flu) in high risk areas?

If you live in places where people have been infected with H1N1 (Swine Flu) 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 between HI1N1 Swine Flu and Seasonal Flu 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 for swine flu, especially when you have to figure out if it is swine flu or season flu. Swine Flu 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:

Wash your hands properly before having a meal, not just with soap and water. 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. Drink lemon balm tea because it has anti-viral properties. Chew fresh garlic cloves because they have antiviral properties as well. 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

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How to Protect Yourself From Bird Flu and Other Infections by Washing Your Hands — the Right Way

Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Flu
by Eneas

How to Protect Yourself From Bird Flu and Other Infections by Washing Your Hands — the Right Way

OK, so I sound like your mother — I accept that. Only I’m worse than your mother, because I want you to wash your hands more often than your mother did.

And for a longer time and more thoroughly.

If and when bird flu mutates into a virus that’s contagious between people, we can expect it to spread as easily as ordinary influenza, and the same way ordinary flu does

Ordinary flu (and colds too) spreads primarily in two ways: contact spread and airborne spread.

Airborne spread means that somebody sheds virus by coughing or sneezing, and the small droplets containing the virus hang in the air, and you breath them in. They can hang there for fifteen minutes or more before drifting to the ground.

Experts disagree about whether contact spread or airborne spread causes more new infections of colds and flu.

It’s a fact that you can dramatically reduce your chances of catching bird flu, ordinary flu, colds and other commons infections such as caliciviruses which causes nausea (stomach flu) by washing your hands to eliminate the risk of contact spread.

It’s true washing your hands won’t help you if a bird flu patient sneezes into your face, so avoid that!

Contact spread means the passing along of germs by simple touch. Influenza viruses can live outside a human body for hours. H5N1 bird flu can possibly survive on the outside for days.

So it’s entirely possible that one of your co-workers can be infected but not even know it yet. They work at a computer keyboard. They shed some H5N1 viruses onto the keys. You sit down at the keyboard several hours later and do some work. You don’t know it, but bird flu is on your hands.

Now, at this stage, the H5N1 is harmless. It cannot pass through the skin of your hands. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that most of us touch our hands to our faces every 30 seconds or so. You put your hand on your chin to think. You scratch your nose. You rub your eyes. You chew your fingernail.

That’s when the bird flu virus can infect you. It goes from your hands into your body through your mouth, nose and eyes. Then infects your respiratory tract and in a few days you’re coughing.

That’s why it’s so important to wash your hands often in the best of times, more often during ordinary cold and flu season, and compulsively during a bird flu pandemic.

You may think there’s no need for this article. Think again. Researchers once ran an experiment in the public restrooms of Grand Central Station. They installed cameras to observe how many people washed their hands after doing their business. They observed hundreds of men and women of every social class, economic class, race and ethnicity — from the homeless to the wealthy.

60% failed to wash their hands at all!

Under 10% washed their hands thoroughly.

Almost nobody washed their hands thoroughly and then avoided touching the rest room surfaces before leaving.

You should wash your hands after using the bathroom and before meals, as your mother taught you. You should also wash your hands occasionally during the day. Especially after shaking hands with someone (when it’s polite to do so, of course), after you’ve been handling anybody else’s things (such as using someone else’s pens or computer keyboard), after you’ve coughed or sneezed, after preparing dishes while cooking — and even more often during the regular flu and cold season and throughout a bird flu pandemic.

Don’t become as crazy as Howard Hughes in old age, but do wash your hands often, the proper way.

Use soap and water. Water should be a comfortable temperature. When it’s too cold it won’t dissolve the soap as easily. Too hot and of course it’ll burn you.

Lather up well and rub the soap all over your hands and fingers, including under your fingernails, for twenty to thirty seconds. Rinse. Repeat.

In public restrooms, don’t touch any surfaces with your now clean hands. Turn off faucet with paper towel. Push door open with paper towel.

In some places (such as where I work), there’s no soap available, only a lotion of the germicide triclosan.

Scientists disagree about using triclosan. Some believe it’s a harmful chemical. Some believe it encourages resistance to germicides in the germs. Some believe it upset the balance of natural germs on our skin.

If you have a choice, scrub your hands thoroughly with soap and water. If you have no choice, just use the triclosan. Chances are you won’t even notice.

Some of the same arguments apply to germicide hands lotions made from isopropyl alcohol, which you find stores full of during the Fall beginning of flu season. Except that some people say that when the alcohol evaporates it dries the skin of your hands creating small cracks that allow more dirt inside your skin.

Therefore, I use my hand lotion of isopropyl alcohol only when I feel my hands are so dirty that I want some extra protection besides a thorough scrubbing of soap and water. Hey, sometimes that happens after I use the toilet.

And during a bird flu pandemic — I’m applying that germicide hand lotion ten times a day, cracks in the skin or no cracks in the skin. Especially if I’ve touched anyone or handled any objects that may have been exposed to anybody else.

c 2006 by Richard Stooker

Richard Stooker is the author of How to Protect Yourself and Your Family From Bird Flu and
Bird Flu Blog

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Plan Ahead to Avoid the Legal Problems of Bird Flu

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Plan Ahead to Avoid the Legal Problems of Bird Flu

Any event that holds the potential of causing millions of deaths obviously holds the potential of causing millions of lawsuits.

A bird flu pandemic would be a disaster on every front. If one does happen, it’s likely that the survivors will look for someone to blame — someone to pay out a lot of money. For compensation of the loss of loved ones. To make up for losses of jobs and businesses.

That’s the new American way.

A bird flu pandemic would likely qualify as a force majeure — an act of God (or the Devil) that nullifies contracts.

It’s also possible that post-pandemic courts could determine that, given the enormous amount of publicity given to bird flu in this period, that all responsible people should have prepared for the eventuality of a pandemic.

It’s also possible that so many lawyers and judges will succumb to bird flu and so much wealth will have been wiped out that the government will declare some kind of blanket “we all suffered, now let’s just rebuild” amnesty on all bird flu lawsuits.

But don’t count on it. It’s better to be prepared.

After all — given the enormous amount of media attention given to bird flu, all organizations and individuals and families should be planning for a pandemic.

Governments and politicians around the world understand this. That’s why everybody from President Bush to Zambia is coming up with pandemic action plans, stockpiling Tamiflu, increasing surveillance of sick chickens and people, attending international conferences and so on.

That is why Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt is holding meetings in every state and telling everybody who’ll listen: Don’t count on the federal government. We’re doing what we can, but we don’t have the resources to rescue every city and town in the United States.”

They understand the “CYA” Principle.

1. Build a cash reserve to get you through bad times.

This applies to families, businesses, non-profits and governments. Bird flu will not be business as usual. A bird flu pandemic will cause enormous economic problems as well much loss of life.

2. What would be the role of your organization during a bird flu pandemic?

If you’re a hospital, you’ll play a crucial role.

If you own a small bake shop, you may as well close down for the duration and stay at home — isolated from the virus.

Or, perhaps, you could contribute your cakes to the Meals on Wheels distributing food to families confined to their houses.

(Actually, it’s nutritional idiocy to eat sugar and white flour when you need to keep your immune system strong, but I’m sure most people will ignore this, even while they’re dying of bird flu.)

However, you’ll still need to make plans to compensate your employees for the down time and to secure your business against looters.

Don’t be so sure you have no role to play. If you own a small bicycle shop when there’s a gasoline shortage, you may have do a tremendous business helping people get around without a car.

3. How can you perform your most important functions with a greatly reduced staff?

It’s estimated that a pandemic could mean up to 40% absenteeism because employees are dead, sick or caring for sick family members. (Personally, I think that in an all-out pandemic 40% would be an optimistic figure, but that’s just me.)

For instance a city government could transfer everybody in the marriage license department to administrative jobs in the police department, to keep more police on the streets to maintain law and order.

4. What measures can you take to prevent the spread of the virus within your organization?

Every employee who feels sick or who has a sick family member should get paid leave — and stay home. No if, ands or buts. Nobody is so valuable that their work justifies risking the lives of everybody else — yet every such employee could transmit the virus to other employees or customers, even if they feel fine. But the business should pay the wages for all regularly scheduled work times, to prevent employees from feeling forced to work due to the need to pay bills.

As much as possible, conduct business by telephone.

Provide masks, germicidal lotions, alcohol wipes to employees. Give them as much physical space or isolation as possible. Keep the physical premises clean and disinfected. Encourage employees to wash their hands frequently.

Sick customers could be a special problem. If you sell something they need, do your best to accomodate them with as little exposure to your employees or other customers as possible. Maybe they would wait outside your door while an employee put their items in a bag for them.

Failure to provide a safe work environment could result in OSHA sanctions and worker lawsuits.

5. Medical facilities will have their own special requirements and liabilities.

I can’t replace the advice of lawyers who are specialists in this area.

I do suggest that at a minimum, you figure out how to physically separate the bird flu area of your hospital — and do not allow any contact between the two. Even doctors should stay on one side or the other.

If you can control the air flow so that no air from the bird flu area can seep into the rest of the hospital, so much the better.

Also, educate all your employees — even some doctors need this, unfortunately — on the need to thoroughly disinfect their hands between patients. Provide a germicidal hand lotion. Make it a requirement they use after completing work on every patient that they see.

As a general rule — protect the lives of yourself and your family, your employees and your customers above all else. Take proactive steps to handle the threat of a bird flu pandemic.

Where the function of your organization is necessary for health and safety — take all necessary proactive steps to perform your function . . . which don’t risk lives and safety.

You will probably take a financial hit. That’s why my first piece of advice was to put aside as much cash as possible in preparation for the extra expenses a pandemic will impose.

Remember that it’s cheaper in the long run to pay for an employee’s pandemic sick leave and to provide employees on duty with germicidal hand lotions — than to pay for a post-pandemic lawsuit.

There’s no such thing as a vaccine that will give you total immunity from a pandemic of lawsuits. But bird flu will decimate the ranks of trial lawyers along with everyone else. Those left alive will most likely go first for the easy targets — the many businesses who made no pandemic preparations.

If you’ve maintained good relations with employees and customers by looking out first of all for their health and safety, you aren’t immune, but you’ve considerably reduced your exposure to catching the bird flu lawsuit virus.

c 2006 by Richard Stooker

Richard Stooker is the author of How to Protect Yourself and Your Family From Bird Flu and
Bird Flu Blog

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Tamiflu ? The most functional influenza treatment drugJohn is one of the good article writers having much experience in writing health articles. He ha

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Tamiflu ? The most functional influenza treatment drugJohn is one of the good article writers having much experience in writing health articles. He ha

Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate) is one of the most prescribed oral antiviral medications for the treatment and prevention of influenza. Tamiflu works effectively against both the influenza A and B viruses. In addition, Tamiflu can also be used for the treatment of avian flu (bird flu). During the outbreak of swine flu in 2009, the FDA approved the use of Tamiflu for the treatment and prevention of swine flu as well. Tamiflu oseltamivir combats the influenza virus and prevents it from spreading inside your body. Hence, Tamiflu treats influenza at its source and provides you relief from the symptoms of flu. Besides, Tamiflu also shortens the duration of the disease.

How does it work?

Tamiflu oseltamivir isn’t a cure for influenza; however, it does help to reduce the intensity as well as the duration of the symptoms. Oseltamivir – the active ingredient in Tamiflu belongs to a class of medications called antivirals. The influenza virus has a gene that is responsible for making a protein called neuraminidase; this helps the virus escape the cell it has just infected and attack another cell in your body. Tamiflu blocks the action of neuraminidase, thereby inhibiting the spread of the flu virus from one cell to another, as well as preventing the influenza virus from spreading. By preventing the cell to cell spread of the virus, the symptoms and the duration of an influenza infection are significantly reduced. Tamiflu can also be used to prevent the flu following exposure to the virus. To get the best results, you should use the medication within 48-hours after your symptoms occur. In case, you have been exposed to the virus but have not yet received any symptoms you can still take Tamiflu to prevent the flu from occurring.

What is the need for Tamiflu?

Tamiflu plays a significant role in the influenza prevention and influenza treatment, especially the bird flu and swine flu. This is because there is no cure for either the flu or bird flu. Though, there is a vaccine for the A and B strains of the human flu, there is really no guarantee. The strain of the virus changes every year through mutation and therefore the scientists who develop the vaccine sometimes get the strain wrong for a particular flu season. Tamiflu, which is an antiviral drug, is therefore found extremely helpful as it can fight bacteria and prevent it from spreading.

Side effects of Tamiflu

Like most other prescription drugs, Tamiflu also comes with certain side effects. However, most side effects of Tamiflu are mild to moderate and are not likely to affect everyone who uses this drug. Some of the commonly reported minor side effects of Tamiflu include nausea, diarrhoea, bronchitis, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness and vomiting. By taking Tamiflu with food, you can reduce nausea. Some of the rarely reported major side effects of Tamiflu include chest pain, anaemia and unexplained rash. In very rare cases, sufferers have reported self-injury and delirium due to the use of Tamiflu. Please report to your doctor in case you experience major side effects of Tamiflu or if any of its side effects become bothersome.

John is one of the good article writers having much experience in writing health articles. He has written many articles on Tamiflu Oseltamivir for influenza treatment, Tamiflu Online can be got from an online pharmacy over internet

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Questions About H1N1 Influenza and Pets

Monday, July 26, 2010

Questions About H1N1 Influenza and Pets

The H1N1 influenza virus infection has caused a great stir worldwide. It has generated concern for our own health as well as the health of our loved ones. In addition, it is becoming increasingly evident that the H1N1 virus is capable of causing illness for our pets and many pet owners have questions about their pet’s health in relation to the flu virus.

What is the H1N1 influenza virus? The H1N1 influenza virus is the virus responsible for the flu strain originally known as “swine flu”. The infection has been diagnosed throughout the world. Flu-like respiratory symptoms are the most common sign of the disease. However, complications can occur with this influenza strain and it has been deadly for a great number of people worldwide.

Which species of pets can become infected with the H1N1 virus? As of December 1, 2009, the H1N1 influenza virus is known to be able to infect dogs, cats, ferrets, pigs and turkeys. Other species may also be found to susceptible in time. This is an emerging disease with new information becoming available on a regular basis.

What signs will my pet show if he is infected with the H1N1 virus? Flu-like respiratory symptoms are characteristic of H1N1 infection. Sick pets may cough, sneeze, breath heavily and/or have a runny nose. As with people, it is possible for complications to occur causing the virus to be fatal to pets. For this reason, it is vital that your pet be examined by a veterinarian if any of these symptoms are noted. Because there are numerous other diseases which may cause similar symptoms, diagnostic testing may need to be performed to properly identify the cause of your pet’s illness.

Should pet owners consider getting rid of their pets? No, there is no need to panic. It is obvious that the H1N1 strain of virus can be passed from people to pets. Infections have occurred in this manner for most if not all of the sick pets. However, we do not know whether the virus can be passed from pets to people or how likely this is to occur. Either way, the danger of exposure to the virus from your pet is no greater than the danger of exposure from other people.

How can pet owners protect their pets? Pet owners should monitor their pet’s health closely and have their pet examined by a veterinarian if respiratory symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing or a runny nose develop. Adequate hygiene and sanitation, including washing your hands frequently and covering your cough, will help protect your pet in the same way it helps protect other people. If possible, avoid contact between your pet and sick people, especially those with flu-like symptoms.

Is it safe to eat pork or poultry since these species have been found infected with H1N1? Yes, there is no reason to believe that there is any danger from eating pork or poultry which is properly prepared and thoroughly cooked. Proper preparation of the food and hygienic food handling techniques remain important, as always, to prevent food-borne disease of any type.

I’ve heard some wild animals may be infected. Are wildlife parks and zoos safe for people to visit? There is a report of a cheetah which may have been infected with the H1N1 virus. However, there is no need to avoid visiting wildlife parks or zoos.

What else is known about the H1N1 virus? The H1N1 virus was originally dubbed “swine flu” because of its resemblance to the influenza virus that infects pigs. It also bears similarities to other strains of influenza viruses which infect people and avian species. However, it is distinctly different than other strains of virus and is unique.

Why is it so worrisome that this virus can infect so many different animal species? Researchers and health officials are concerned that the ability to infect many different species will give this strain of influenza virus access to an extremely wide gene pool which could increase its ability to mutate into a much more virulent strain of influenza, potentially becoming more deadly than it is currently. Influenza viruses in general are well-known for their ability to mutate easily and quickly.

As a practicing veterinarian since 1986, Lorie Huston is an expert in pet health and pet care. She is the National Pet Health Examiner for Examiner.com and the pet care feature writer for Suite101.com. She also publishes her own blog, the Pet Health Care Gazette.

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