BY: Dr. GHAZAL SABREEN
PHARM: D
SWINE FLUE/ SWINE INFLUENZA
What is swine influenza?
It is the type of influenza that is caused by those strains of influenza virus,(swine influenza virus) that usually infect pigs.
SYNONYMS:
It is also called as: swine flu, hog flu and pig flu.
CAUSATIVE AGENT:
As of 2009 these strains are all found in Influenza C virus and the subtypes of Influenza A virus known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3. Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.[2]
Of the three genera of influenza viruses that cause human flu, two also cause influenza in pigs, with Influenza virus A being common in pigs and Influenza virus C being rare.[7] Influenza virus B has not been reported in pigs. Within Influenza virus A and Influenza virus C, the strains found in pigs and humans are largely distinct, although due to reassortment there have been transfers of genes among strains crossing swine, avian, and human species boundaries.
Swine influenza was first proposed to be a disease related to human influenza during the 1918 flu pandemic, when pigs became sick at the same time as humans.The first identification of an influenza virus as a cause of disease in pigs occurred in 1930. For the following 60 years, swine influenza strains were almost exclusively H1N1. Then, between 1997 and 2002, new strains of three different subtypes and five different genotypes emerged as causes of influenza among pigs in North America. In 1997-1998, H3N2 strains emerged. These strains, which include genes derived by reassortment from human, swine and avian viruses, have become a major cause of swine influenza in North America. Reassortment between H1N1 and H3N2 produced H1N2. In 1999 in Canada, a strain of H4N6 crossed the species barrier from birds to pigs, but was contained on a single farm.The H1N1 form of swine flu is one of the descendants of the strain that caused the 1918 flu pandemic.As well as persisting in pigs, the descendants of the 1918 virus have also circulated in humans through the 20th century, contributing to the normal seasonal epidemics of influenza.However, direct transmission from pigs to humans is rare, with only 12 cases in the U.S. since 2005.Nevertheless, the retention of influenza strains in pigs after these strains have disappeared from the human population might make pigs a reservoir where influenza viruses could persist, later emerging to reinfect humans once human immunity to these strains has waned.
Swine flu has been reported numerous times as a zoonosis (The simplest definition of a zoonosis is a disease that can be transmitted from other vertebrate animals to humans. A slightly more technical definition is a disease that normally infects other animals, but can also infect humans). in humans, usually with limited distribution, rarely with a widespread distribution. Outbreaks in swine are common and cause significant economic losses in industry, primarily by causing stunting and extended time to market. For example, this disease costs the British meat industry about £65 million every year.
The 1918 flu pandemic in humans was associated with H1N1 and influenza appearing in pigs
After 1918 several outbreaks of swine flue in different years occur but the most current is of 2009
The 2009 flu outbreak is due to a new strain of subtype H1N1 not previously reported in pigs.In late April, Margaret Chan, the World Health Organization’s director-general, declared a “public health emergency of international concern” under the rules of the WHO’s new International Health Regulations when the first cases of the H1N1 virus were reported in the United States. The outbreak, on May 2, 2009, it was reported in pigs at a farm in Alberta, Canada, with a link to the outbreak in Mexico. The pigs are suspected to have caught this new strain of virus from a farm worker who recently returned from Mexico, then showed symptoms of an influenza-like illness.These are probable cases, pending confirmation by laboratory testing.
The new strain was initially described as apparent reassortment of at least four strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, inluding one strain endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in swine. Subsequent analysis suggested it was a reassortment of just two strains, both found in swine.Although initial reports identified the new strain as swine influenza (ie, a zoonosis originating in swine), its origin is unknown. Several countries took precautionary measures to reduce the chances for a global pandemic of the disease
HOW IT IS TRANSMITTED:
TRANSMISSION IN HUMAN?
Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always cause human influenza, often only resulting in the production of antibodies in the blood. The meat of the animal poses no risk of transmitting the virus when properly cooked. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of catching swine flu. In the mid-20th century, identification of influenza subtypes became possible, this allows accurate diagnosis of transmission to humans. Since then, fifty confirmed transmissions have been recorded, Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human.
HOW IT IS TRANSMITTED? (CONTINUE)
TRANSMISSION IN PIGS:
Influenza is quite common in pigs, with about half of breeding pigs having been exposed to the virus in the US Antibodies to the virus are also common in pigs in other countries. The main route of transmission is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals. These close contacts are particularly common during animal transport. Intensive farming may also increase the risk of transmission, as the pigs are raised in very close proximity to each other.The direct transfer of the virus probably occurs either by pigs touching noses, or through dried mucus. Airborne transmission through the aerosols produced by pigs coughing or sneezing are also an important means of infection .The virus usually spreads quickly through a herd, infecting all the pigs within just a few days. Transmission may also occur through wild animals, such as wild boar, which can spread the disease between farms.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLUE?
SYMPTOMS IN HUMANS:
In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever- Sudden fever above 38 degrees (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), aching joints, nasal congestion, general fatiguesore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort
The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting.[65] The 2009 H1N1 virus is not zoonotic swine flu, as it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, but from person to person.
In pigs influenza infection produces fever, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and decreased appetite.In some cases the infection can cause abortion. Although mortality is usually low (around 1-4%),the virus can produce weight loss and poor growth, causing economic loss to farmers. Infected pigs can lose up to 12 pounds of body weight over a 3 to 4 week period
IS THERE ANY VACCINES AVALABLE FOR SWINE INFLUENZA????
There are no any vaccine uptil now avalable which contain swine influenza virus causing disease in humans. It is not known too that current seasonal influenza vaccines provide the protection. Influenza viruses change very quikly . It is important to develop vaccine for current circulating virus strain, to provide the people maximum protection.
HOW THE SWINE INFLUENZA CAN BE TREATED?
If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Beside antiviral, palliative care, at home or in hospital, focuses on controlling fevers and maintaining fluid balance. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses, however, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs.The virus isolates in the 2009 outbreak have been found resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.
TREATMENT In confirmed cases: Mexican authorities have provided patients with flu drugs Seltamivir or Zanamivir under strict medical supervision, and warn against side effects in misuse.
The Mexican government said that the antiviral drugs would only be administered if infection is confirmed.
HOW THE HUMAN CAN BE PREVENTED FROM SWINE INFLUENZA?
Prevention of pig to human transmission
Swine can be infected by both avian and human influenza strains of influenza, and therefore are hosts where the antigenic shifts can occur that create new influenza strains.
The transmission from swine to human is believed to occur mainly in swine farms where farmers are in close contact with live pigs. Although strains of swine influenza are usually not able to infect humans this may occasionally happen, so farmers and veterinarians are encouraged to use a face mask when dealing with infected animals. The use of vaccines on swine to prevent their infection is a major method of limiting swine to human transmission. Risk factors that may contribute to swine-to-human transmission include smoking and not wearing gloves when working with sick animals.
Prevention of human to human transmission
Influenza spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth. Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food. The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days. Diagnosis can be made by sending a specimen, collected during the first five days for analysis.
Recommendations to prevent spread of the virus among humans include using standard infection control against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public. Chance of transmission is also reduced by disinfecting household surfaces, which can be done effectively with a diluted chlorine bleach solution
HOW THE SWINE INFLUENZA BE DIAGNOSED?
DIAGNOSIS: Clinical examination of secretions from the nose and mouth in the first 24-72 hours after presenting symptoms, and a study of blood samples to detect existence of influenza virus.
HOW LONG THE INFECTED PERSON BE THE SOURCE OF INFECTION TO OTHERS?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
FIVE TIPS TO KEEP YPURSELF AWAY FROM SWINE INFLUENZA?
1.Stay home if you’re sick.
2.Avoid close contact with people who are sick
3.Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
4.Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
5.Keep up with health information in your own community
TOPICS COVERED:
1 Definition
2 Synonyms
3 Causative agent
4 History
5 Mode of transmission
6 Sign and symtoms
7 Treatment
8 Vaccines
9 How long the person be source of infection
10 Diagnosis
11 Prevention
12 Health Tips
“Try to cover every thing in the simple language even the non medical student / person can easily understand”
REFERENCE: FROM INTERNET SITESTop of Form
Click here to view rest of article from original site
|
|
|
To do a successful ROFL COPTER, the player must actually score a kill
Thanks for such a kick but post, you rock!
I emenselyenjoyed your site on albino leopard geckos I found it very informative and will be coming back soon
How incessantly you feed your leopard geckos will vary relying on their age. Most of the mature leopard gecko should be fed between four to 10 insects each two to three days. While a hatching or growing leopard gecko needs 4 to 8 insects or worms daily.
Before you adopt a leopard gecko as a pet it’s essential to ensure you could supply them with the meals that they need. This just isn’t a joke, because you’ll waste a leopard geckos life if you happen to don’t take into account this carefully.