Drugs and Vaccines to Treat The Swine Flu and Its Symptoms
Swine flu is a type A influenza respiratory disease that was first discovered in pigs. There are four subtypes of the influenza virus: H1N1, H1N2, H3N1 and H3N2. Like the spread of the flu in the human population, Swine flu can be found in pig populations throughout the year but is most rampant in the fall and winter months.
Transmission
The virus can be transmitted directly from pigs to humans and usually occurs when humans are in close proximity to the infected animals such as in barns and farmers markets. People can also become infected when they come in contact with other infected persons or contaminated objects. Like the seasonal flu, it is mainly transmitted when an infected person sneezes or coughs.Symptoms of Swine Influenza
Symptoms of the swine influenza are similar to the classic human flu. The symptoms of swine flu are: coughing, chills, Lethargy, lack of appetite, body and headache aches. Some infected persons have reported having runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. I you are having these symptoms it is important that you seek medical attention as a precaution.Drugs and Treatment for Swine Flu
The US has licensed four drugs for the treatment of the swine influenza, namely: Amantadine, Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Rimantadine and Zanamivir (Relenza). While these drugs are quite effective in treating the most recent strain of the swine flu virus, they have been reported to be resistant to Amantadine and Rimantadine. Presently, the CDC recommends the use of Oseltamivir or Zanamivir for the prevention and treatment of the swine flu virus.While vaccines are available to treat the influenza in pigs, presently there is no vaccine available to protect humans from being infected by the swine influenza. However, with legal immunity being granted to manufactures and of the H1N1 vaccines, the way is clear for the rapid development and distribution of much needed vaccines.
Yes
No
Flag
Comments
What an excellently written article that hits on all of the important points of the subject matter! Well done.
You must be logged in and verified to post a comment. Please log in or sign up to comment.