Beware and be careful of the recent outbreak of swine flu in India. Most of the parts of India are coming under the death zone of swine flu. In India till now, six people have died of swine flu. There is great panic among Indians after the reports of growing number of HIN1 cases and ofcourse the recent death of a school girl in Pune. Swine flu first started in Mexico, then the virus spread in US and European countries and then entered India probably through the body of some IT professional. This flu is actually a H1N1 virus that is combination of bird, pig and human viruses. It is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A strains of influenza virus. It affects people when he or she is on close proximity or in contact with infected pigs or contaminated areas.

The most dangerous feature of swine flu is that the infected human can transfer to another human too. Its symptoms are regular flu, fever, lethargy, runny nose, coungh, sore throat, lack of appetite, vomitting, diarrhoea. The World Health Organization (WHO) has already declared swine flu as a pandemic. This organization has said that more than 1,150 people have died from swine flu, and the virus is in 168 countries.

Q.How do people become infected with influenza A (H1N1)?

Ans. When infected people cough or sneeze, infected droplets get on their hands, drop onto surfaces, or are dispersed into the air. Another person can breathe in contaminated air, or touch infected hands or surfaces, and be exposed.

Q.What are the signs and symptoms of infection?

Ans. Early signs of influenza A (H1N1) are flu-like, including fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

Q.How to protect Yourself from swine Flu ::

• Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water after you cough or sneeze.
• Try to avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• When you are sick, stay at home