What Is The Swine Flu?

The Swine Flu is the most recent outbreak of the flu that is receiving a great deal of attention by people and the media worldwide. This type of influenza called H1N1, is a type A strain of influenza that can spread from human to human. Even more interesting is although it is called swine flu, it is actually a combination of the swine, avian and human influenza strains.

With the current media coverage and potential impact of the Swine Flu, there has been quite a bit of panic associated with this outbreak. It is critical to understand steps may be taken to not only prevent you from contracting this illness but also reducing the likelihood. Chief among these steps are flu vaccinations.

Avoiding contracting this strain of the influenza virus is the best way to deal with it; however, should you contract it, it is important to recognize the symptoms. With this in mind, here is a list of the primary symptoms that people experience when they have come down with the swine flu:

=> Sore throat => Cough => Fever => Chills => Headache => Fatigue => Aches => Vomiting => Diarrhoea

These symptoms typically appear within three to five days of exposure to the virus. People that contract this type of illness are usually contagious from the day before symptoms of sickness appear and continuing for up to eight days. Methods of passing on the swine flu are very similar to from influenza and are generally passed from a contagious person include: touching, sneezing and coughing or coming into contact with areas and surfaces where this virus exists.

As with any illness, it is smart to contact your doctor if you begin developing flu symptoms (fever, cough). Be particularly certain to seek medical advice if you have recently travelled in an area known to have had an outbreak of the swine flu. The sooner that you see a doctor, the likelier you are to suffer the least amount of problems and will experience peace of mind.

The swine flu is the same as other types influenza, it is primarily contract through cells that line the lungs, throat and nose. Particles containing the virus become airborne through coughing, sneezing or other means and are inhaled into a person's respiratory system.

Anyone working with livestock or animals on a regular basis is smart to receive regular flu vaccinations as a preventative measure.

Severe complications of the swine flu, while rare, can be fatal. Asthma, diabetes and heart disease tend to intensify chronic conditions as a result of this illness. In the most extreme instances, pneumonia or complete respiratory failure may occur. At the onset of symptoms, please consult with your physician.


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Although there is considerable cause for concern regarding the Swine Flu, it is important to note that receiving a flu vaccination is a great preventive measure. Aus Vax are a boutique Flu Vaccination clinic and understands those who protect themselves with an influenza vaccine stand less of a chance of contracting this illness.