Influenza | Pig Flu – Facts About This Terrible Bug

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

Pig influenza virus is a virus that attacks the human immune system and can cause serious secondary illnesses (usually respiratory in nature). In extreme cases the victim can die. This influenza gets its name from a type of flu virus that affects swine. Of course swine influenza resembles that of the one that infects swine. The abbreviation H1N1 is the official World Health Organization name for the virus and comes from the medical terms hemaglutinin type 1 and neuraminidase type 1.

At the outbreak of the disease there was a misconception that humans could contract pig flu through the consumption of pork products and whilst the name is derived from the animal itself, fully cooked pork products are safe to eat .

Pig flu virus is transmitted from person to person in the same fashion as any other type of influenza. You can contract the virus from contaminated utensils, particles in the surroundings, contact with infected persons and their belongings. For this reason, it isn’t enough to wear an N95 face mask alone – you should also wash your hands before eating so you do not pick up the virus. Pig flu virus can stay on fabrics for over 11 hours and on less porous surfaces for about 2 days. The usual emphasis on face masks is due to the fact that you can avoid touching objects but you cannot cease breathing the air around you.

If somebody has N1H1 they will show the symptoms of seasonal influenza. These people will complain of fever and cough. They may not be able to breathe properly and will have a severe headache. In many cases, they will feel cold and may vomit.

For ems personnel in pandemic areas or working closely with infected victims, a mask will provide the most effective protection from airborne contamination as it has small filters to sieve off the virus and neutralize it.

Since N1H1 influenza is principally spread through the air, overcrowding should be mitigated in those areas where there are a number of reported cases. If you are not a part of the emergency response in these areas then you should stay away from such places.

There are many types of surgical face masks used to help prevent contamination. The kind you choose will depend on your particular situation and how comfortable you will be in wearing one. You should go for the style that has two straps for attachment to the head. There are also those with an adjustable nasal bridge. There are yet others that have a 1 way valve to allow you to breathe easily. Another type has a pair of ear loops.

There are numerous ways to pig influenza. The most common are with the use of antiviral medications such as Tamiflu. Many contaminated victims are able to recover without medication at all. A serious effort is being made to develop a vaccine so people can be protected effectively, but that may take many months, as trials are ongoing.

In the unlikely event of swine flu virus epidemic, you need to try to keep calm and keep yourself updated with government updates. Follow any directives given by health officials and stay away from crowded places.

By: Paul Mancini

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Paul Mancini is a first rate authority at trade portals where you will discover numerous trade leads for N95 Masks and N95 Flu Masks.

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