What is Swine Influenza – Influenza A (H1N1)?
Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses (H1N1) that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Infected case appears with flu like symptoms which include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.
How do people become infected with Swine flu?
People usually get swine influenza from infected pigs, however, some human cases lack contact history with pigs. Human –to- human transmission has occurred in some instances but was limited
Is this swine flu virus contagious?
It has been determined that this virus is contagious and it spreads between people, although it is not known how easily. (Source HPA, UK)
What is the expected severity of swine flu?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu is not considered to be a critical disease by itself, but it may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people due to the lack of proper medication.
Is there a human vaccine to protect from swine influenza?
There are no vaccines that contain the current swine influenza virus causing illness in human. It is not known whether current human seasonal influenza vaccines can provide any protection.
Is there a drug available for treatment?
Antiviral drugs like Oseltamivir or Zanamivir are used for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in the body. There is enough quantity of drugs stored and available in the UAE in case of pandemic.