While we anxiously await the approach of the flu season and look to see which direction the new and troublesome flu will take, it is not too late to begin to take preventative measures and to start to consider home remedies for swine flu, which can be used as an alternative to over the counter medication and which can help to reduce the severity of flu symptoms in infected individuals.

Unknown by most, there are home remedies for swine flu shown to have been effective and which have been used by practitioners for many years to treat and prevent similar cold, flu and viral infections.  For example, and this may be nothing more than common sense, stress reduction can be one of the best home remedies for colds, flu and other infections . This is because, if you are highly stressed, your immune system is compromised and the body finds it more difficult to fight the virus.

A great way to help prevent contracting the swine flu is to include adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals in your daily diet. An adequate supply of nutritional supplements helps strengthen the bodyâ??s internal defense system. Vitamin A, found in fresh oranges and green helps strengthens the respiratory membranes. Superior levels of respiratory membranes diminish the likelihood of a flu attack.  Vitamin C, when taken in sufficient quantity supports the immune system and can be effective in fighting viral infections.  It is recommended to include foods rich in vitamin C in every meal.  Zinc is one of the most significant minerals required by the body to prevent infection and revitalize a damaged immune system. Zinc acts to stimulate antibodies that help in suppressing any viral attack. Potatoes, milk, yogurt, lobsters, clams, pork meat are few examples of zinc rich foods.

Don Anthony
http://www.articlesbase.com/alternative-medicine-articles/home-remedies-for-swine-flu-can-be-safe-and-effective-1100864.html

Swine flu is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. It is believed that this influenza virus is endemic in pigs. The symptoms of the disease are similar to those of influenza with chill, fever, sore throat, headache, coughing and weakness being the common features. Swine flu is normally caused by influenza A sub-types such as H1N1, H1N2, H1N3 and H2N3. Besides persisting in pigs, this has also been circulated in human beings and is presently contributing to world wide influenza.

Further research has revealed that the current outbreak is the result of a new strain which has not been previously found in pigs. The outbreak of swine flu in May 2009 is believed to have links with the pigs at a farm in Alberta, Canada that had links with swine pandemic in Mexico. The initial reports identify the new strain as swine influenza but its origin is unknown. Several countries immediately took up precautionary measures to reduce the chances of global pandemic of the disease.

People working with poultry and swine / hogs are actively exposed and are at increased risk as influenza virus is endemic in these animals. Vaccinating the workers and keeping a close watch on new strain may be an active public health measure to block its spread. Other professionals at risk are veterinarians and meat processing workers. However, the risk element is less for such professionals than the farm workers.

Pigs which are infected with this influenza strain show feverish condition, lethargy and have apparent breathing difficulty. Direct transmission of swine flu virus from pigs to humans is possible, but only occasionally. The 2009 swine flu outbreak has shown acute febrile respiratory illness. The most common cause of swine flu fatality is respiratory failure. Other causes related to the disease and subsequent mortality is pneumonia, high fever, dehydration owing to excessive vomiting and electrolyte imbalance. Elderly people and children are more prone to swine flu deaths.

For diagnosis of swine flu different medical kits like swab test for viral culture and indirect test by detection of anti-bodies. Preventing the disease has been categorized with work centers concentrating on blocking the influenza strain in swine, preventing transmission to humans and preventing its wide spread infection amongst humans.

Methods of prevention of the disease in pigs include facility management, vaccination and herd management. Standard commercial vaccines can effectively control the infection when the virus strains match. Facility management revolves around using disinfectants and temperature control to eradicate the virus in the environment. Herd management includes isolating the sick animals from those who are not infected by the virus.

Using face masks and vaccine may prevent human infection, while wearing gloves also helps to a certain extent. Influenza spreads among humans through coughing, sneezing or touching any virus infected spots. In humans the swine flu is extremely contagious during the first five days of illness while children remain infection prone till ten days.

Standard infection control measures like frequent washing of hands, disinfecting household surface with chlorine bleach, avoiding touching mouth and eyes with infected hands prevents swine flu. It is advised by physicians that anyone suffering from flu like symptoms should avoid public transportation, stay away from public places and social gatherings, while taking vaccines is also helpful.

Treating humans infected by swine flu depends on anti-viral drugs which makes the illness less severe. Other measures for curing the disease are supportive care at home and hospitals that focuses on relieving pain and maintaining fluid balance.

Roberto Sedycias
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/tips-to-prevent-the-spread-of-swine-flu-1255208.html

The world is facing a serious flu threat in the form of swine flu. Currently human cases of swine flu have been reported from Mexico and the US. Swine flu was first reported in Mexico, where several people have died from the new strain of the influenza virus, so health authorities have been put on a high alert to prevent a pandemic like situation from occurring.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by influenza A (H1N1) virus. Its main symptoms are similar to that of a seasonal flu like fever, coughing, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Currently there is no vaccine available for the treatment of swine flu. However, doctors feel that popular anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza can prove useful for treatment as well as preventive purposes.

A popular prescription drug, Tamiflu, can help treat influenza type A infection, which includes swine flu. Not only this, it can also prevent the flu. The main ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir, which stops the further spread of the virus in the body, providing it more immunity to fight back.

Another flu treatment called Relenza, contains the ingredients Zanamivir (5mg) and lactose (20 mg), which effectively treat influenza type A and B infections. This flu treatment comes in a powdered form, which is inhaled twice in a day for five days or at least once daily for up to 28 days.

Apart from taking any anti-viral medication, you can prevent swine flu infection by taking everyday preventive measures and by knowing about the common swine flu symptoms. First and foremost is to avoid a contact with an infected person. You should always try to keep a distance, and if he or she is your closest or dearest one, then use mask whenever you go nearer to that person.

The world is facing a serious flu threat in the form of swine flu. Currently human cases of swine flu have been reported from Mexico and the US. Swine flu was first reported in Mexico, where several people have died from the new strain of the influenza virus, so health authorities have been put on a high alert to prevent a pandemic like situation from occurring.

Andrew
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/information-that-can-help-in-swine-flu-1243756.html

The world is facing a serious flu threat in the form of swine flu. Currently human cases of swine flu have been reported from Mexico and the US. Swine flu was first reported in Mexico, where several people have died from the new strain of the influenza virus, so health authorities have been put on a high alert to prevent a pandemic like situation from occurring.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by influenza A (H1N1) virus. Its main symptoms are similar to that of a seasonal flu like fever, coughing, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Currently there is no vaccine available for the treatment of swine flu. However, doctors feel that popular anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza can prove useful for treatment as well as preventive purposes.

A popular prescription drug, Tamiflu, can help treat influenza type A infection, which includes swine flu. Not only this, it can also prevent the flu. The main ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir, which stops the further spread of the virus in the body, providing it more immunity to fight back.

Another flu treatment called Relenza, contains the ingredients Zanamivir (5mg) and lactose (20 mg), which effectively treat influenza type A and B infections. This flu treatment comes in a powdered form, which is inhaled twice in a day for five days or at least once daily for up to 28 days.

Apart from taking any anti-viral medication, you can prevent swine flu infection by taking everyday preventive measures and by knowing about the common swine flu symptoms. First and foremost is to avoid a contact with an infected person. You should always try to keep a distance, and if he or she is your closest or dearest one, then use mask whenever you go nearer to that person.

The world is facing a serious flu threat in the form of swine flu. Currently human cases of swine flu have been reported from Mexico and the US. Swine flu was first reported in Mexico, where several people have died from the new strain of the influenza virus, so health authorities have been put on a high alert to prevent a pandemic like situation from occurring.

Andrew
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/information-that-can-help-in-swine-flu-1243756.html

What is swine flu?
At any time there are several types of influenza or flu, virus circulating in the human and animal environment. With different strains cuasing illness in humans , birds and pigs.
The most common viruses among human are summed up as seasonal influenza. As we come into contact with these most regularly we have natural immunity to these strains, which can be boosted by a seasonal influenza vaccine.
We will remember the recent stories about Avian flu , which comes from the viruses which have adapted for infection in birds.
Similarly swine flu is caused by flu viruses adapted for infection in Pigs.The symptoms for all strains , in all hosts are similar.
Symptoms
The symptoms and risks are essentially the same as any other type of flu.
As with common flu cases  , symptoms are
Fever
Fatigue
Lack of appetite
Coughing
Sore throat
Some patients with swine flu have also vomitting and diarrhoea
What should do if you have swine flu symptoms?
Stay indoors and take all the precautions for normal seasonal flu to protect yourself and others.
Consult your family doctor for treatment.The treatment would be the same as with normal flu.Basically there is no cure for flu, as it is a self - limiting  illness.Anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu will lessen the severity of the illness and duration if given in the early stages.
The best advice is to stay at home and rest to avoid spreading it around.
How can we stopthe spread of the virus ? 
As with any infectious disease the best way to stop the spread of swine flu is with basic good hygiene.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
Use disposable tissues and throw them in a bin straight away
Turn your face away from other people when sneezung
When preparing food take particular care to wash hands and not to cough or sneeze near the food.
Wipe down all surfaces you or someone in the  family with symptoms - might have touched
Above all WASH YOUR HANDS regularly, particularly after sneezing or coughing and before eating  food .

SOJY SAM MATHEW
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/swine-flu-symnptomsprecautions-medicine-961825.html

COPD And Swine Flu Can Be A Deadly Combination

Some individuals have a higher risk for complications or even death if they are infected with swine flu. Lung conditions like COPD and asthma are a few of the factors that can increase your risk. COPD sufferers have a much higher incidence of severe complications than others.

COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a condition that makes it hard to breathe. Most times, this disease gets worse as time goes on. The symptoms of COPD are: coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms.

Almost 41 percent of individuals hospitalized in New York suffered from COPD, asthma, or some other lung condition. And recently, 7 swine flu deaths were reported in New York. Of those seven deaths, six of the individuals had some sort of lung disease. If you are afflicted with COPD you should speak with your doctor and ask him if he recommends any special precautions regarding the swine flu, even before an outbreak occurs in your area.

The H1N1 swine flu is a virus that induces influenza in humans. The pathogen has gone through a recent mutation into its present form. Due to this mutation, humans have no protection from the illness. This is why authorities are worried regarding the chance of a pandemic.

Like the typical seasonal flu, severe illnesses and even death has happened as a consequence of sickness related to this virus. Worldwide, about 250,000 folks die yearly from influenza related problems.

If you are worried about COPD and swine flu, the safety your loved ones, or know someone that has one or more risk factors, do some early swine influenza preparation. Do what is necessary to guard yourself and your family from the swine flu. Once an outbreak occurs, store shelves will be bare and it may be too late.

For extra info on COPD and swine flu, download my guide on How To Reduce Your Risk of Swine Flu Infection By 98%. You can download my complete system at COPD And Swine Flu !

kyle larsen
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/copd-and-swine-flu-can-be-deadly-966567.html

The world is facing a serious flu threat in the form of swine flu. Currently human cases of swine flu have been reported from Mexico and the US. Swine flu was first reported in Mexico, where several people have died from the new strain of the influenza virus, so health authorities have been put on a high alert to prevent a pandemic like situation from occurring.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by influenza A (H1N1) virus. Its main symptoms are similar to that of a seasonal flu like fever, coughing, lack of appetite, runny nose, nausea, sore throat, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Currently there is no vaccine available for the treatment of swine flu. However, doctors feel that popular anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza can prove useful for treatment as well as preventive purposes.

A popular prescription drug, Tamiflu, can help treat influenza type A infection, which includes swine flu. Not only this, it can also prevent the flu. The main ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir, which stops the further spread of the virus in the body, providing it more immunity to fight back.

Another flu treatment called Relenza, contains the ingredients Zanamivir (5mg) and lactose (20 mg), which effectively treat influenza type A and B infections. This flu treatment comes in a powdered form, which is inhaled twice in a day for five days or at least once daily for up to 28 days.

Apart from taking any anti-viral medication, you can prevent swine flu infection by taking everyday preventive measures and by knowing about the common swine flu symptoms. First and foremost is to avoid a contact with an infected person. You should always try to keep a distance, and if he or she is your closest or dearest one, then use mask whenever you go nearer to that person.

The world is facing a serious flu threat in the form of swine flu. Currently human cases of swine flu have been reported from Mexico and the US. Swine flu was first reported in Mexico, where several people have died from the new strain of the influenza virus, so health authorities have been put on a high alert to prevent a pandemic like situation from occurring.

Andrew
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/information-that-can-help-in-swine-flu-1243756.html

Many people wonder how long swine flu lasts but as with many other disease it does depend upon the strength of the attack and whether other symptoms are present.

Essentially, just remember that swine flu is treatable and the earlier you get a diagnosis the better. Isn’t it better to seek the opinion of a medical professional as early as possible rather than wait a few more days? If it is swine influenza you have caught it early, if it’s not, then nothing lost. The visible basic swine flu symptoms can come and go in a matter of 5 days. However, for victims of the flu who have other complications and symptoms it can take up to 3 weeks or even longer in the very worst cases.

Worth noting is that swine flu if treated early and is free of other health problems (like unrelated respiratory disease) can be cured with regular medications which will also boost your immune system and make it less likely you will suffer a future attack. Although it must be said that since the flu affects various systems in one’s body, some parts of the diseases consequence is not yet fully understood. And as ironic as it may sound, the more cases we see the quicker full treatments will become available - as each case has the potential to advance our knowledge of the disease.

Despite the contraction of swine flu being dangerous to health and indeed life, as stated previously it is treatable. It follows then that at the first sign of symptoms you must seek medical advice.

To learn more about the symptoms of swine flu and swine flu treatment you need to check out www.swineflusymptoms.in.

Andrew
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/how-many-days-does-swine-flu-lasts-1253100.html

What is swine flu?

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?

The US CDC has determined that this swine influenza A virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

Are there human infections with swine flu in the U.S.?

In late March and early April 2009, cases of human infection with swine influenza A viruses were first reported in Southern California and near San Antonio, Texas. Other U.S. states have reported cases of swine flu infection in humans and cases have been reported internationally as well. An updated case count of confirmed swine flu infections in the United States is kept at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm CDC and local and state health agencies are working together to investigate this situation.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How can someone with the flu infect someone else?

Infected people may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

How does swine flu spread?

Spread of this swine influenza A virus is thought to be happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

us drugstore
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-protect-of-swine-flu-931947.html

The recent swine flu outbreak in Mexico has caused much trepidation among the international community, especially because of the increasing number of fatalities. It is important to recognize swine flu symptoms to prevent the spread of infection and illness.

Swine flu or swine influenza is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza type A virus, endemic in domestic pigs. In the past, swine flu has infected people only rarely â?? those infected being ones who have had direct and close contact to infected pigs. But the current swine flu outbreak in Mexico is different, caused by a new strain of the swine flu virus. As per recent health reports, swine flu is being transmitted with surprising speed in humans, spreading easily from person to person, causing serious illness among those infected. It has been reported that the disease has been diagnosed in humans who haven’t had any exposure to pigs.

Among pigs, swine flu symptoms include sudden onset of fever, depression, coughing, sneezing, breathing difficulties, redness or inflammation of the eye, going off feed, and discharge from the nose or eyes.

Like the influenza virus affecting humans, swine flu viruses are constantly mutating. Although the swine flu viruses are not the same as human flu viruses, swine flu symptoms resemble those produced by regular human seasonal influenza. In humans, common swine flu symptoms are fever, chills, sore throat, muscle pain, severe headache, coughing, lethargy, lack of appetite, weakness, and general discomfort. Some may even experience runny or stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

However in humans, self care measures and appropriate treatment in the early stages of infection can reduce the increased risk of these complications. In order to confirm that the illness is the result of a swine flu virus, one must undergo laboratory testing. Antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza are considered effective for the treatment and/or prevention of infection by swine flu viruses.

Eric Kampel
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/swine-flu-symptoms-902688.html