swine flu

A great fear is there in the mind of people of India. i would like to tell you in elaborated manner about SWINE FLU.
H1N1 is caused by a new influenza virus that causes illness in people. Genetic studies have shown that the viral strain is an amalgamation of genetic materials from at least three viruses affecting humans, birds and pigs, and hence is feared to be deadly.
why is it called H1N1 virus?
Influenza A virus are named on the basis of two characteristic prteins found on the surface of the virus- haemaggluttin(H) and neuraminidase(N).
why is it so dangerous?
Public health experts are worried that this virus has the potential of becoming a global killer.
from a mere 38 cases 20 were from the US.the virus has spread to 74 countries.
as it spread from pork and pork products.so a simple question is that whether
should you eat pork or not?
Although the virus originated in pigs, it is not known to move to people through pork and related products that are consumed. And flu viruses are not known to survive cooking temperature 70-80*C.
How do people become infected with H1N1 flu virus?
outbreaks in humans are now occurring from human to human transmission. when infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands and nearby surfaces and are dispersed into the air. people who breathe in this contaminated air becomes susceptible.Hence people should cover their face or bear mask in infected area.
what are the signs and symptoms of swine flu?
Early signs of influenza A(H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea.
Is there any effective vaccine against the new virus?
No, but work on such a vaccine is underway. Making vaccine for a completely new variety of influenza can take five to six months.
How serious is it in India?
India is the last country to have reported H1N1 infections. Till june 12, there are 16 confirmed H1N1 flu cases in India. Most of them contracted the infection while travelling abroad.The cases involving kin of the infected indicate that human-to-human transmission is taking place in India too.

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