SWINE FLU (INFLUENZA A H1N1)

WHAT IS INFLUENZA A H1N1?

Influenza AH1N1 is a contagious respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of the influenza virus - H1N1 Virus. It is also called “swine Flu”. A new strain of H1N1 is a deadly mixture of viruses from pigs, birds and humans. Over 2000 cases and 160 deaths have already been reported. During March/April 2009, a new strain of influenza AH1N1emerged in Mexico and started causing illness in humans.

HOW DOES IT SPREAD?

The influenza AH1N1 virus is thought to spread in the same way as seasonal flu; in tiny droplets, expelled from the mouth and nose of an infected person when they talk, sneeze, and cough. People may get infected if they breathe in those droplets or if they touch someone or something that is contaminated with the virus and then touch their nose, mouth or eyes.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The symptoms in influenza AH1N1 is usually similar to the symptoms of normal seasonal influenza. These include sudden fever, coughing, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, sore throat, tiredness, and lack of appetite. Also, diarrhoea and vomiting are present more than in normal flu.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED OR CURED?

There‘s no vaccine for humans as also in common cold and AIDS. Modern medicine has found out some medicine like Tamiflu and Relenza which are to be effective when taken in early stage. According to Natural way of treatment, the same method for influenza (flu) can be adopted. Beside, Homoeopathic treatments can be well adopted, such as Allium cepa, Allium sat, Aconite, Bell, Bap, Bry, Eup.perf, Puls, Verat.alb, and Zingiber.

IS IT SAFE TO EAT PORK?

No, it is not safe to eat pork. It is forbidden animal and an unclean animal. Bible says in Leviticus 11:7-8 “And the swine, though he divides the hoof, and be cloven footed, yet he cheweth not the cud, he is unclean to you”. “Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcase shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you”.


OTHER MEASURES:

Good hygiene is one way that can protect you and your family from wide range of infection including influenza AH1N1. These are the golden hygiene rules that everyone should follow to prevent the spread of infections:
When you /others cough or sneeze, cover your nose mouth with handkerchief/tissue. Dispose them after use.
Wash hands after you come in contact/ shake hands with a person who has flu and touching hard surfaces which are used by people very often eg. Door handle, toilet flushes etc. Thorough and frequent hand washing is an important method of preventing infections.
Avoid being in public places or crowed area like theatre, club, restaurant etc.