Orangeburg, NY (PRWEB) August 22, 2009

Growing apprehension around the upcoming flu season has led to infection prevention being a prime topic during the 2009 HIDA MedSurg Conference & Expo™, September 9-11 in Washington, D.C. Professional Disposables International, Inc. (http://www.pdipdi.com), the global leader in wet wipe infection prevention, education and patient care, will place 16 hand-sanitizing stations throughout the conference near eating areas and restrooms in their role as official hand sanitizer provider.

“Especially in the midst of the influenza season, educating distributor partners on the importance of an effective hand hygiene program is of vital importance,” said Joann Reilly, PDI Senior Director of Marketing. “This way they can help their customers towards achieving the goal of zero Healthcare Acquired Infections (HAI).”

Hand hygiene is one of the most significant interventions to decrease the risk for transmission of the novel H1N1 (swine flu) virus. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used.(1)

Recently, PDI partnered with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc. (APIC), and the Safe Care Campaign, a patient advocacy group, to create a comprehensive toolkit for healthcare staff on infection prevention techniques. Samples of “The Champion’s Kit” will be available at PDI’s booth #1016.

PDI is committed to infection prevention in all areas of the healthcare industry as the resource for education and sanitation and disinfection products. PDI® Super Sani-Cloth® Germicidal Disposable Cloth and Sani-Cloth® Plus Germicidal Disposable Cloth are registered by the EPA as effective against Influenza A viruses when used as directed. The individual claims are listed below(2):

Super Sani-Cloth® Germicidal Disposable Cloth: Influenza A2/Hong Kong and Influenza A (H1N1) Virus/Strain A/Malaya/302/54
Sani-Cloth® Plus Germicidal Disposable Cloth: Influenza A2/Hong Kong

For over 30 years, PDI has pioneered the development, testing, manufacturing and marketing of pre-moistened wipes as the optimum delivery system for skin antisepsis, hand hygiene, patient and surface disinfection. With trusted brands including Sani-Cloth®, Sani-Hands® ALC, Sani-Hands® for Kids, Hygea® and Chlorascrub™, PDI serves the healthcare market through hospitals, physician and dental offices, emergency medical services, long-term care, schools and a variety of other healthcare facilities. Professional Disposables International, Inc. is headquartered in Orangeburg, New York. For more information visit http://www.pdipdi.com.

Since 1902, HIDA, the trade association representing medical products distributors, has provided leadership in healthcare distribution.

(1) June 30, 2009 (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm) Image Courtesy of CDC/ C. S. Goldsmith and A. Balish. Sani-Hands® is a registered trademark of Professional Disposables International, Inc. © 2009 Professional Disposables International, Inc. ISO 9001:2008 Certified

(2) Label Guidance for Antimicrobial Pesticides Used Against Avian Influenza A, March 8, 2007, p. 2 & EPA’s Antimicrobial Products Registered for Use Against the H1N1 Flu and Other Influenza A Viruses on Hard Surface, May 13, 2009, p. 1.

###

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Related Influenza Press Releases

Minneapolos, MN (PRWEB) September 12, 2009

Snyder’s Drug Stores has announced the dates and locations of flu immunization clinics in its Minnesota and Illinois retail stores. The influenza vaccine is now available to the general public, and all are invited to obtain their vaccinations at a local Snyder’s Drug Store. Pneumonia vaccines will also be available. To find the nearest Snyder’s flu shot clinic, visit http://www.snyderdrug.com. For those who prefer to find a convenient location over the phone, call your local Snyder’s Drug Store or 1-866-547-2781. No appointment is required.

Each year, as many as 65 million Americans fall victim to influenza and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia. This results in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths. Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated, especially those considered to be at higher risk.

“We believe that everyone who can, should get a flu shot. Providing a convenient location for immunizations is another way that Snyder’s Drug Stores is keeping our community healthy,” said Jodi Ristau, PharmD, Snyder’s Vice President of Pharmacy.

Snyder’s flu vaccination program is offered in cooperation with Maxim Health Systems.

Any participant with Medicare Part B coverage as their primary medical insurance will receive their shot with no co-pay. Some insurances are also accepted, in addition to cash or check.

###

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Related Influenza Press Releases

Palm Beach Gardens, FL (PRWEB) August 31, 2009

As one of the largest providers of Urgent Care walk-in medical services in South Florida, MD Now Urgent Care Centers are traditionally one of the first doctor’s offices to receive the flu vaccine in Palm Beach County. Today MD Now Urgent Care’s staff began administering the seasonal influenza vaccine to local residents.

Peter Lamelas, MD, the CEO and Medical Director of MD Now Urgent Care Centers, is a former ER doctor and Emergency Department Director for over seventeen years. He agrees with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta that this year could be the worst flu season the nation has seen in recent history.

“We have been seeing cases of Influenza A sporadically all summer,” says Lamelas. “Unfortunately, about 90% of these cases were the novel H1N1 influenza virus known as Swine Flu. A new vaccine against novel H1N1 is under production, but we do not expect to have it until October. The seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three seasonal viruses that research suggests will be the most common this coming flu season.”

Although the seasonal vaccine will not protect you against novel H1N1 virus, the CDC is recommending you get your seasonal flu shot early this year, as it is the first and most important step in protecting against the seasonal flu.

“That’s because this year”, says Lamelas, “the CDC expects flu activity to rise ahead of the regular flu period and affect more people than a typical flu season. It’s a serious situation. While the average seasonal flu generally affects and causes the most deaths among the elderly population, the swine flu has been affecting children and young adults most severely.”

According to the CDC, the seasonal flu typically causes about 36,000 death and 200,000 hospitalizations every year, mostly among older adults and high risk groups. On Monday, the White House released a report that included estimates that another 30,000 to 90,000 people could die from the swine flu this season, about twice the number of people who typically die from seasonal flu, because people lack immunity to the swine flu virus. Early estimates from the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology predict swine flu may infect half the U.S. population and hospitalize 1.8 million patients.

Who should get the Seasonal Flu Shot?

“Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu.” says Lamelas. “This year the CDC recommends you get a seasonal flu vaccination and the H1N1 flu vaccination as soon as it becomes available. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of serious flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older.”

Here are three steps you can take to reduce or prevent you and your loved ones from the adverse effects of the flu this season:

Step # 1 – Take the time to get vaccinated. The single best way to protect yourself and others against influenza is to get a flu vaccination each year.

Step #2 – Take everyday preventative precautions.

Wash your hands regularly and frequently with soap and water. Alcohol based hand sanitizers are also effective in reducing the spread of germs. Use disinfectants to routinely clean frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs, keyboards and telephones. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth places where the flu virus enters the body.

Step #3 – Take anti-viral drugs if recommended. Antiviral drugs are not sold over-the-counter and are different from antibiotics. If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. Antiviral drugs work best if started within the first 2 days of symptoms. They may also prevent serious flu complications.

For current updates on influenza and our flu vaccine status, check our website http://www.MyMDNow.com/flu frequently for current updates.

About MD Now Urgent Care Centers

MD Now Urgent Care Centers is one of the largest providers of urgent care walk-in and occupational medical services in South Florida. The company currently has six locations throughout Palm Beach County: West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Lake Worth, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach and Boca Raton, with plans to open two more locations next year. Owned and founded by Peter Lamelas, MD, MBA, the facilities are full service urgent care centers and provide a wide spectrum of services, including occupational medicine, drug and DNA testing, school physicals, work physicals, tetanus shots, flu testing, flu treatments, digital X-rays, onsite lab work, confidential STD testing, car accident and on the job injury medical care.

MD Now’s urgent care centers provide an affordable alternative to the emergency room and a quicker and more convenient option than waiting for a doctor’s appointment. Each location is open 365 days a year from 8:00am to 8:00pm, including weekends and holidays. At MD Now Urgent Care Centers, most patients are seen, treated and released in less than an hour. All major insurance is accepted and no appointment is necessary. A “Certified Urgent Care Center,” by the Urgent Care Association of America.

###

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Orlando, FL (Vocus) November 30, 2009

According to the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, widespread H1N1 influenza activity has been reported in 48 states in the U.S. Millions of American have caught this pandemic flu since it first surfaced in April 2009 and more than 4,000 have died due to complications related to this influenza infection.

2009 H1N1 Influenza infection is thought to occur in the same way as seasonal flu, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu virus on it and then touching their eyes, mouth, or nose.

Follow four simple health habits to help keep yourself—and others healthy:

WASH YOUR HANDS: Frequent hand washing is the single most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick

AVOID CLOSE CONTACT: Particularly with people who are sick

COVER YOUR COUGH AND SNEEZE” Use a tissue and then wash your hands or cough and sneeze into your elbow to keep germs off your hands

STAY HOME WHEN YOU ARE SICK: Do not go to work, school, or travel when you’re sick. Don’t share your germs! If you do become ill , stay home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever (100° F or greater), or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines (such as Tylenol).

ALL CAMPUSES AFFILIATED WITH THE INSTITUTE OF WOMEN’S HEALTH OF NORTH AMERICA ARE NOW OFFERING 2009 H1N1 INFLUENZA VACCINATION. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THIS SERVICE IS AVAILABLE TO ALL INDIVIDUALS 4 YEARS AND OLDER.

TO LOCATE OUR CAMPUS NEAR YOU, PLEASE VISIT THIS WEBSITE – CAMPUS LOCATIONS

“This is an important service that the Institute is offering to the community that we serve” said Abdul Sohail Rao, M.D., M.A., D.Phil., Chief Executive Officer and Chief Research Officer of the Institute. “I encourage people to take advantage of this convenient service and call or visit our affiliated campuses to schedule a visit”.

To learn more about Novel H1N1 (Swine Flu), go to: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

The Institute of Women’s Health of North America, Inc., is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in the State of Florida in 1997. Its mission is to improve women’s health through outstanding clinical care, cutting-edge clinical and behavioral research, education and community outreach. It has affiliated campuses in six cities in Florida and is planning to extend its services to other underserved areas in the state and the nation. It depends on the benevolence of its donors for accomplishing its mission and vision. We encourage you to visit our website and donate generously to our cause – BRIDGING THE DISPARITY IN WOMEN’S HEALTH CARE. To learn more about IWHNA, please visit our website: http://www.iwhna.org

###

Attachments

©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Orlando, FL (Vocus) December 22, 2009

To service the needs of the patients and the community, The Institute of Women’s Health of North America partnered with the FloridaSHOTS to initiate a 2009 H1N1 Influence virus vaccination program in all six affiliated campuses in Florida. This program was initiated under the Medical Directorship of Dr. Abdul Rao, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Research Officer of the Institute. It was expected that residents in Broward, Hillsborough, Marion, Orange and adjoining counties will avail of this opportunity. However, there appears to be a waning interest among Floridians to get vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus.

“Given the urgency of this matter and the endemic nature of this disease, the Institute mobilized a rather expansive infrastructure to effectively implement this program” said Abdul Rao.” However, despite of all these efforts, the Institute did not see an overwhelming response from the community “.

The Institute used all its resources to effectively advertise this program. In addiiton to featuring it online and in monthly newsletters, vaccination was offered to all patients and their caregivers who visited the campuses. Flyers were also distributed to attendees at local churches, synagogues, and various community centers. Experience has suggested that only 10% of individuals offered these services agreed to be vaccinated.

“When inquired, the primary reason for refusal to get vaccinated was the prevailing uncertainty about the safety of this vaccine” said Dr. Abdul Rao “Complications associated with this vaccination were highly publicized without providing any meaningful context”.

Despite continuing deaths due to 2009 H1N1 Influenza viral infection, unsubstantiated information continues to be circulated about the safety of this vaccine. The recent recall by Sanofi Pasteur of 800,000 pre-filled vaccines due to concerns about its efficacy has further deteriorated patient’s confidence in this vaccine program. Lawsuits against the manufacturers of these vaccines and CDC have not helped the ultimate goal of vaccinating as many Floridians as possible in a timely manner.

It is not clear at this stage how this predicament can be resolved particularly in light of the fact that infection from 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus remains a serious threat in the U.S., and over 10,000 patients have already died from complications of this endemic disease.

The Institute is working very closely with the relevant county health departments and community-based organizations to continue to enhance the outreach and effectiveness of this vaccination program. Hundreds of vaccines are still available at Institute’s affiliated campuses and the vaccination is offered on a walk-in basis to all men, women and children over the age of four (4) years. For your convenience, evening and weekend hours are also available. Very knowledgeable staff at each affiliated campus is available to provide any clarification that you may need to make an informed decision. To get directions to a campus near you, please call 1-877-966-3672 or visit the website (http://www.iwhna.org).

###

Attachments

©Copyright 1997-2010, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

anti-flu air purifiers

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) October 29, 2009

Coway ‘s new anti-flu air filter was recently tested for inactivating the flu virus by Dr. Sangheui Seo, a professor at Chungam National University in South Korea. Dr. Seo was given authorization to obtain and research the virus and vaccine from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an officially collaborated institute of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Sao and his research team tested the response by compounding the anti-viral solution and virus in the same ratio and found 100% inactivation of the virus. They found that Coway’s anti-flu air filter coated with the anti-viral solution inactivates 99.99% of the virus. They also compared the removal rate of the virus on two different filters – a Coway anti-viral solution-treated filter and an untreated filter (with a size of 1.18 inches by 1.18 inches). The results revealed a 99.99% virus removal rate from the anti-viral solution treated filter.

Coway’s anti-viral solution, made from the extract of leaves from ginkgo trees and Japanese sumac trees, includes an exclusive element to inactivate the flu virus. According to the company, the compounded natural sterilizing substance from ginkgo and sumac extracts absorbs and destroys protein on the surface of the virus, so that the virus is finally eradicated.

Dr. Seo warns that the flu virus spreads more easily among people during the winter because the virus reacts sensitively to the winter temperatures and humidity and lasts for 12 to 24 hours in the common indoor environment. Air quality professionals suggest using air purifiers to get fresh air and prevent polluted air containing the flu virus. The Coway anti-flu air filter provides fresh air circulation every 20 minutes and can help inactivate the flu virus. Coway USA also launched YouTube video demonstration at http://www.coway-usa.com/technology/02_AirPurifier01.html to explain in details.

“Using an air purifier with an anti-viral solution coated filter to prevent the flu virus is especially beneficial in the winter,” said Hongrae Gim, CEO of Coway USA. “Some customers may choose to have an air purifier instead of receiving vaccinations, to avoid the fear of possible side effects of flu vaccines.”

For more information about Coway’s new anti-flu air filter , visit www.coway-usa.com.

# # #

Related Flu Press Releases

The Lowdown on The 2009 Swine Flu Outbreak

The 2009 outbreak of swine flu or H1N1 virus is recently hugging the limelight due to the potential harm or effects it can have on a patient or on a community. Unfortunately, the source of the virus still cannot be traced.

Before the first case in the United States was discovered, the illness was believed to have started in Mexico which eventually spread to other countries. Recently, the first case of swine flu was reported in

Costa Rica. Alarmed that it could grow into a worldwide flu epidemic, the World Health Organization of the United Nations and the Center for Disease Control Prevention (CDC) in the United States raised its pandemic alert level to Phase 5, which signifies that a pandemic is imminent.

While experts believed that the recent outbreak is not as fatal as previous epidemics, such as the SARS virus, health officials believe that the number of cases could go up as the new flu is expected to make its way throughout the United States.

The new swine influenza strain is apparently a new variant of four strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the strain is endemic in humans and birds and a couple are endemic in pigs.

However, according to scientists the 2009 H1N1 outbreak is of swine origin which is associated with the virus isolated in North America in 1998. To hasten understanding of the current outbreak as well as in coming up with a vaccine, scientists from Canada have completed the full genetic sequencing of the H1N1 virus.

The new strain of H1N1 has become widespread in Mexico and the United States with confirmed cases in 18 countries and suspected cases in 42 others. Travelers have been warned not to travel to affected countries such as Iceland, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, to name a few.

In addition, warnings have also been issued warnings to visitors of countries affected by the outbreak. It is advisable for visitors to see the doctor right away if they experience flu-like symptoms.

In Mexico, schools, universities, and all public events were suspended from April 24 to May 6, 2009. In the United States, over 400 schools were closed as of May 3, 2009, which included schools in Texas and about 250,000 confirmed or probable cases.

Dr. Keiji Fukuda, who is the Assistant Director-General for Health Securiy and Environment of the World Health Organization confirmed that efforts to control the outbreak is already too late and should now focus on lessening the effects of the virus. He also clarified that closing borders or limiting travel to infected areas will do little in stopping the spread of the H1N1 virus.

On April 28, 2009, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggested that as much as possible, people should avoid non-important travel to Mexico.

According to Dr. Ira Longini, who is an expert in the mathematics and statistics of epidemics, staying at home, seeking medical care, closing public venues, and making anti-flu medicines accessible can help reduce the sickness by almost two-thirds.

Finally, according to Dr. Longini, the focus of efforts is to slow transmission until there is a vaccine that can be developed and made available for controlling swine flu outbreaks.

BRIAN LITTRELL DIAGNOSED WITH SWINE FLU

Find More Swine Flu Articles

Research Report Chinese Bird Flu Vaccine Industry, 2009

Zoonosis refers to a kind of infectious disease that plagues between animals and human beings. Some plagues, though discovered, spread widely all over the world. Others are newly found, such as the swine flu.

It may be more difficult to deal with those newly-discovered diseases which often result in big disaster for people know little about it. Zoonosis is usually caused by such close contacts between animals and human beings as husbandry, hunting and eating.

The swine flu has been discovered gradually in Mexico and USA since Mar, 2009 and it represents a trend of outbreak. It is A-type flu virus which contains the DNA gene of bird flu, swine flu and human flu virus.

Man is infected by the swine flu virus in the way that the swine flu virus causes a respiratory disease. After man caught this virus, similar symptoms will appear. At the early stage of this disease, Oseltamivir will be useful but man will show a resistance to Amantadine and Rimantadine.

It is reported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that there is no specific medicine at present. Perhaps the capsule “Tamiflu” produced by Roche and the spray medicine “Relenza” by GlaxoSmithKline will be useful for people to fight against swine flu.

Bird flu refers to an infectious disease among birds which is caused by influenza A virus. Injecting the bird flu vaccine into animals’ bodies may effectively prevent the spread of the virus.

According to records, the first person who was infected by the bird flu virus was discovered in Hong Kong in 1997, when the virus H5N1 made 18 people catch respiratory disease and even caused 6 deaths. Meanwhile, the death rate kept high all over the world, counted by WHO.

As a significant way of medical treatment, vaccines, if provided sufficiently and quickly, will reduce the number of injuries and deaths.

It is forecast that the market size of China’s bird flu vaccine for both animals and human beings will maintain a 10% to 20% annual growth from 2009 to 2012, for the spread of swine flu has caused a panic throughout the world.

To get more details, please visit http://www.shcri.com/reportdetail.asp?id=294

Related Flu Articles

2009 Swine Flu Outbreak and How to Prevent Spread of Swine Flu

In Mexico in April this year, a never-before heard strain of swine flu emerge, turning ill more than a thousand Mexicans and causing the death of 68. Swine flu has spread to other parts of the world such as the US and New Zealand when affected individuals (Mexicans or tourists to Mexico), traveled to those places. Swine flu has spread so far and wide that the World Health Organization fears it will bring about the next pandemic.

This is not the first time the world is threatened by swine flu. Swine flu, which is also referred to as pigfluenza, hog flu, pig flu, or swine influenza, typically affects pigs only. In 1918, an H1N1 virus caused flu pandemic in humans. Scientists speculated that H1N1 was created either when human influenza virus crossed specie boundary and affected pigs, or the other way around.

In 1930, a study confirmed that influenza virus caused the illnesses of pigs; the viral strain was identified as H1N1. Other past outbreaks in humans include the 1976 US outbreak (number of deaths: 5) and the 1988 Wisconsin outbreak (number of deaths: 1).

2009 Swine Flu Outbreak
.
The strain that caused the swine outbreak in 2009, on the other hand, is different from other types of swine flu viruses before. It infects humans only. Pigs show no sign of infection. As such, scientists are having a difficult time establishing the origins of this new disease. The 2009 swine flu outbreak is caused by a strain that combines a single strain of human flu virus, a single strain of avian or bird flu virus, and two strains of swine flu virus.

Transmission

Swine flu virus in pig is transmitted when uninfected animals touch the nose or dried mucus of the infected pig.

Transmission of swine flu from pigs to humans occurs when a person touches an infected pig such as during animal transport or cleaning of pig pens. Swine flu is not acquired by eating pork.

Transmission of swine flu from human to human occurs when airborne viruses (brought about by sneezing and coughing) are inhaled by another person. Touching of contaminated surfaces and bringing one’s hand to one’s nose or mouth.

Symptoms

Symptoms of swine flu in humans are non-specific. They are quite similar to other types of influenza such as common flu and bird flu. People infected with swine flu often the following:

• fever
• chills
• coughing and sneezing
• sore throat
• muscle pain
• discomfort
• fatigue
• vomiting
• diarrhea

In pigs, swine influenza virus cause:

• fever
• lethargy
• decrease in appetite
• abortion
• sneezing
• coughing
• weight loss
• poor growth
• difficulty breathing.

Because swine flu symptoms are non-specific, a laboratory taste of nose or throat swab is needed to confirm viral presence.

How to Prevent Spread of Swine Flu

Among swine: owners should implement facility management and management. Vaccinating the pigs may also help reduce the chances of spreading of the flu.

To prevent transmission of swine flu from pigs to humans, farmers, veterinarians, and other people who come in close contact with live pigs should wear masks and gloves when working with infected pigs.

To prevent spread of swine flu among humans, the following steps are recommended or used in some countries:

• Persons with flu should be quarantined immediately
• Sick people should sneeze on tissue paper, dispose the use properly, and wash their hands.
• People who traveled to Mexico and who are family members of infected persons should be vaccinated with zanamivir or oseltamivir.
• Avoiding contact with sick people and with live pigs
• Many countries including Russia and France issued advise against traveling to Mexico.
• Always wash hands properly.

At the moment, only Tamiflu and Relenza seem to work against swine flu. Many countries have a supply of these vaccines, though not enough to curb a pandemic if the current swine flu reaches that level.

Dunlap’s not feeling to well after his trip to Talladega, but still manages to give Jackie some helpful tips on avoiding swine flu. Music by William Sherry Jr. Let Your Jackie Flag Fly! Join the RSU Community. www.redstateupdate.com Red State Update’s “How Freedom Sounds” 1….

Find More Swine Flu Articles

2009 Swine Flu Outbreak and How to Prevent Spread of Swine Flu

In Mexico in April this year, a never-before heard strain of swine flu emerge, turning ill more than a thousand Mexicans and causing the death of 68. Swine flu has spread to other parts of the world such as the US and New Zealand when affected individuals (Mexicans or tourists to Mexico), traveled to those places. Swine flu has spread so far and wide that the World Health Organization fears it will bring about the next pandemic.

This is not the first time the world is threatened by swine flu. Swine flu, which is also referred to as pigfluenza, hog flu, pig flu, or swine influenza, typically affects pigs only. In 1918, an H1N1 virus caused flu pandemic in humans. Scientists speculated that H1N1 was created either when human influenza virus crossed specie boundary and affected pigs, or the other way around.

In 1930, a study confirmed that influenza virus caused the illnesses of pigs; the viral strain was identified as H1N1. Other past outbreaks in humans include the 1976 US outbreak (number of deaths: 5) and the 1988 Wisconsin outbreak (number of deaths: 1).

2009 Swine Flu Outbreak
.
The strain that caused the swine outbreak in 2009, on the other hand, is different from other types of swine flu viruses before. It infects humans only. Pigs show no sign of infection. As such, scientists are having a difficult time establishing the origins of this new disease. The 2009 swine flu outbreak is caused by a strain that combines a single strain of human flu virus, a single strain of avian or bird flu virus, and two strains of swine flu virus.

Transmission

Swine flu virus in pig is transmitted when uninfected animals touch the nose or dried mucus of the infected pig.

Transmission of swine flu from pigs to humans occurs when a person touches an infected pig such as during animal transport or cleaning of pig pens. Swine flu is not acquired by eating pork.

Transmission of swine flu from human to human occurs when airborne viruses (brought about by sneezing and coughing) are inhaled by another person. Touching of contaminated surfaces and bringing one’s hand to one’s nose or mouth.

Symptoms

Symptoms of swine flu in humans are non-specific. They are quite similar to other types of influenza such as common flu and bird flu. People infected with swine flu often the following:

• fever
• chills
• coughing and sneezing
• sore throat
• muscle pain
• discomfort
• fatigue
• vomiting
• diarrhea

In pigs, swine influenza virus cause:

• fever
• lethargy
• decrease in appetite
• abortion
• sneezing
• coughing
• weight loss
• poor growth
• difficulty breathing.

Because swine flu symptoms are non-specific, a laboratory taste of nose or throat swab is needed to confirm viral presence.

How to Prevent Spread of Swine Flu

Among swine: owners should implement facility management and management. Vaccinating the pigs may also help reduce the chances of spreading of the flu.

To prevent transmission of swine flu from pigs to humans, farmers, veterinarians, and other people who come in close contact with live pigs should wear masks and gloves when working with infected pigs.

To prevent spread of swine flu among humans, the following steps are recommended or used in some countries:

• Persons with flu should be quarantined immediately
• Sick people should sneeze on tissue paper, dispose the use properly, and wash their hands.
• People who traveled to Mexico and who are family members of infected persons should be vaccinated with zanamivir or oseltamivir.
• Avoiding contact with sick people and with live pigs
• Many countries including Russia and France issued advise against traveling to Mexico.
• Always wash hands properly.

At the moment, only Tamiflu and Relenza seem to work against swine flu. Many countries have a supply of these vaccines, though not enough to curb a pandemic if the current swine flu reaches that level.

Related Swine Flu Articles