vIndianz.com (Aug. 14, 2009) — H1N1 A also known as swine flu hit in April but continues to wreak havoc locally and globally.
Researchers say that usually influenza is most dangerous for the very young and the very old—groups that have weaker immune systems and are unable to fight off infections.
Primarily, influenza is airborne, and both viruses enter your body through the mucous membranes of your nose and mouth.
Seasonal flu makes its round every year, with outbreaks at their worst in the fall and winter months, when more people are cooped up inside. The viruses that cause seasonal influenza have been infecting people for many generations, so the human body knows these invaders and is usually able to quickly recognize and mount an efficient response to fight off this common infection.
The new H1N1 swine flu virus emerged early in the spring of 2009, as a changed animal virus that are so dangerous because the human immune system has no previous experience battling them.
Once infected with a new infectious agent, such as a virus or bacterium, the human immune system needs about two weeks to completely respond to the point that it can work to battle the infection. A lot can happen in two weeks. With particularly virulent and dangerous infectious agents, a person can become severely ill, or even die, before the immune system is able to launch a counter attack.
But the question is how do the symptoms of H1N1 differ from those of the regular flu?
Symptoms for both H1N1 and seasonal influenza seem to be quite similar and include:
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle ache and soreness
• Congestion
• Cough
• Vomiting and diarrhea linked more closely to H1N1 but can be experienced with either bug.
The very important thing is to keep your hands germ-free with frequent washing. In addition to washing hands frequently, there are other ways to take everyday actions to stay healthy, including:
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throwing the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Staying home if you get sick.
• Seeing your general practitioner as soon as possible if you experience symptoms to avoid further spread of the illness.
In late July, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices said those first in line for the H1N1 vaccine should be in order of importance.
• Pregnant women
• Health care workers in contact with infants under 6 months old and emergency medical services workers.
• Children and young adults, ages 6 months through 24 years of age.
• People under 65 years old with underlying medical conditions.
• The remainder of the population.
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2 Comments
Swine flu is for sure the deadliest virus of this decade.
thanks for very important article and information.