I have a biology degree from Temple University and was wondering why everyone was making such a big deal about it. It is similar to any other flu, being an H1N1 strain. It induces the same symptoms and less lethality. In a bad year on average, 100,000 people in the U.S. alone die from some sort of flu. It only has one difference that it spreads more quickly. This spreading usually only has any effects on babies, toddlers, and the elderly. Which brings me to why people think wearing masks help. The virus is smaller than the pores in any medical mask. These masks are ineffective in every way, other than letting everyone else know that you’re paranoid. Why do so many people cower when the words “swine flu” are spoken?
Tags: 000 People, Babies Toddlers, Biology Degree, Elderly, Flu, Lethality, Many People, Mask, Obsession, Pores, Swine, Swine Flu, Temple University, Virus, Wearing Masks, What's, with
You forgot to mention…less than 60 people in the US have gotten it and there are over 300 MILLION of us here. Chances are very slim.
WHO today says…only 7 in the world have died from it…from BILLIONS around the world.
It is a type A virus…can’t survive in the humidity so it isnt’ going to be around much. NO ONE in the US has died from it…just some girl they brought over from the border to get medical help.
Symptoms are of a cold…WHO would not lie to you…..
Good grief…the media has everyone going nuts.
thank god , brilliant mate , I have been saying the same thing ,whats wrong with these people ,i just read in answers a bloke ate some pork rinds , and has convinced himself he has swine flu,, what a wanker, bloody hell ,honestly the paranoia , and the rot these people are carrying on with ,I suppose its a bit like the old saying ,I have a black cat , then some one will say ” that’s ok I have a black panther ” gotta go one better , so matt ,you are on the ball ,good onya
This strain of flu is different than the regular type of flu because it is more likely to kill young, healthy people (possibly through a cytokine storm).
The group that is normally safe from flu complications is in the most danger here.
funny u should say that, wait till it strike ur area, then u’ll know.
in the mean time it is a big deal, in my area a city away from where i live closed down a school yesterdsay, and two kids in my area tested postive, and off course that is scary
obsessed with being safe
the CDC & WHO are making a big deal out of it (not as big as the media though), so I’m just staying informed
Because the media likes to blow up things so they get higher ratings.
It might be a weaponized gov. created carrier flu.
http://www.infowars.com
The problem is what would happen if the virus mutates…
Then there would be a real problem.
too many people are worried
I don’t know, but I’m racking up points by simply pasting the same answer to all the Swine Flu questions because they all require the same answer.
For starters it’s important for all of us to be aware of this virus outbreak & the precautions we need to take. For all of our safety, we should actively track the developments and ensure all recommended health and safety measures are implemented.
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?
CDC has determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
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 does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) 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.
Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.
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.
What should I do to keep from getting the flu?
First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. Try not touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you 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).
How long can an infected person spread swine flu 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 surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
How long can viruses live outside the body?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Frequent handwashing will help you reduce the chance of getting contamination from these common surfaces.
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.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
If