The current media attention revolving around swine flu had South Africans wondering when cases will be reported in South Africa. Given the HIV/AIDS infection rate in South Africa, a swine flu pandemic can have a severe impact on the South African population. While developed countries are already starting to assess the economic impact of a potential swine flu pandemic, South Africans are wondering about steps that they should be considering in dealing with the swine flu infection that has hit South African shores.
What causes swine flu?
Swine flu is a viral infection that causes a respiratory disease in pigs. This is caused by a type A flu virus (swine influenza virus) that usually does not infect humans. Close interaction with pigs and viral mutation allows the virus to be transmitted from pig to human (zoonotic infection). This human-pig transmission does not mean that this current epidemic is isolated to those farm workers with close interaction with pigs. Swine flu can be transmitted from human to human and it is this human-human transmission that proves to be the most worrying.
Symptoms of swine flu
Swine flu causes symptoms similar to the influenza (seasonal flu) virus. At a time when South Africa is approaching its annual ‘flu’ season, it may be difficult to differentiate an influenza infection from a swine flu infection.
Swine flu symptoms include :
- Fever and chills
- Cough and/or difficulty breathing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Diarhhoea (diarrhea) and vomiting has also noted to be more severe with the current swine flu outbreak.
Picture of an Influenza-like Virus
Treatment of swine flu
Swine flu is caused by a virus and an antiviral, like Tamiflu (oseltamivir), is very effective in combatting the infection. Other antiviral drugs like Relenza (zanamivir) can also be useful in the treatment and prevention of swine flu. As with SARS (Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and avian (bird) flu, Tamiflu is one of the leading anti-viral drugs that has received widespread media attention in treating and preventing these ‘flu’ outbreaks.
While Tamiflu is widely available in South Africa, it is not affordable to every sector of the population. Before allowing panic to set in, it should be remembered that healthy individuals with a strong immune system are likely to manage the infection with proper medical supervision without requiring antivirals. If you are on antiretroviral therapy for HIV/AIDS, do not consider starting any drug, herbal product or related complementary medicine without consulting with your medical practitioner.
Preventing Swine Flu
It is important to practice good hygiene as a means to prevent swine flu and other viral infections spread by droplet transmission. The human-to-human transmission of swine flu is through body fluids and is often spread through mucus when sneezing.
If you are suffering with the flu, strict bed rest is advisable and this will allow you time to recuperate while preventing the further spread of the infection. Always consult with your medical practitioner. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and an antimicrobial soap can be useful. If you are experiencing bouts of sneezing, always discard you used tissues appropriately and limit your contact with others.
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Most importantly, eat well, drink plenty of fluids and ensure strict bed rest until you recover. Refer to the (CDC website) for more information on staying healthy during this swine flu outbreak.
Latest News on Swine Flu
While the current swine flu outbreak is believed to have started in Mexico, it is important to realize that air travel has accelerated the spread of swine flu globally. New cases have been reported or are suspected in nations across the globe including New Zealand, Spain, the United Kingdom and France. More importantly, human-to-human transmission of swine flu means that this outbreak can quickly become a pandemic if left unmonitored.
Governments across the globe are educating their citizens on the importance of identifying a swine flu infection and the need to report to medical authorities should any person be experiencing these symptoms. However, typical of any flu-like outbreak, many laypersons may believe that they are experiencing the flu (influenza) or common cold and opt to self medicate without seeking medical attention.
Recent reports indicate that some European nations are now using infrared cameras at airports to identify incoming travellers with a higher than normal body temperature. This could be indicative of a fever associated with a swine flu infection.
Managing swine flu
If you are experiencing symptoms similar to that of swine flu, it is advisable to seek advice from a medical practitioner. Do not attempt to self-diagnose your symptoms as ‘just another’ flu, the common cold or a case of the gastric flu. Since swine flu can be transmitted from human to human, you can quickly infect those around you.
At the same time, it is important to avoid panic about the current swine flu outbreak. A similar outbreak of swine flu occurred in the United States in 1976 and with proper medical supervision, the infection was contained before a pandemic ensued. The World Health Organization (WHO) is considering stepping up the swine flu pandemic alert thereby compelling governments across the globe to take the necessary measures to contain the outbreak.
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