Swine flu and some interesting views on the subject along with precautions a person has to take to prevent and treat the discease.The links below give important details on the issue.
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/05/01/swine.flu.children/index.html
http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/138798/the_swine_flu_crisis_lays_bare_the_meat_industry%27s_monstrous_power/?page=entire
The following view of the Indonesian Minister is something one must look with careful thought.
Indonesian minister says swine flu could be man-made 28 Apr 2009 Indonesian Heath Minister Siti Fadilah Supari said Tuesday the deadly swine flu virus could have been man-made, as she urged calm over its spread around the world. The minister did not elaborate but in the past she has said Western governments could be making and spreading viruses in the developing world to boost pharmaceutical companies' profits. "I'm not sure whether the virus was genetically engineered but it's a possibility, " she told reporters at a press conference called to reassure the public over the government's response to the swine flu threat.Container of swine virus explodes on Swiss train 29 Apr 2009 container of flu virus samples packed in dry ice exploded on a Swiss train, injuring one person but posing no other risks to humans, police said on Tuesday. The box held vials of swine flu virus, although a different strain than the H1N1 variety that has caused about 150 deaths in Mexico and infected people in the United States, Canada, Spain and Britain. A technician was transporting the container on Monday night to the Swiss national flu centre in Geneva, where scientists are developing a flu test for humans, police said.Swine flu: Baxter seeks swine flu sample to begin work on vaccine --Baxter has a speedier way to make vaccines than old method 27 Apr 2009 With world health officials worried about the global outbreak of another deadly virus, Deerfield-based Baxter International Inc. once again finds itself involved in the action. Baxter confirmed over the weekend that it is working with the World Health Organization on a potential vaccine to curb spread the deadly swine flu virus... In the past, Baxter has developed vaccines and worked with countries to stockpile vaccines even while they undergo experimental testing. Three years ago, the Bush administration awarded about $1 billion to vaccine makers as a way to increase and speed production. Several vaccine makers, including Baxter, GlaxoSmithKline and others, were awarded multimillion- dollar contracts. See also:Sanofi-Aventis, Blackwater of bugs: Sanofi Aventis Invests 100 Million Euros In New Facility In Mexico to Produce Seasonal and Pandemic Influenza Vaccine 19 Mar 2009Baxter working on vaccine to stop swine flu, though admitted sending live pandemic flu viruses to subcontractor By Lori Price 26 Apr 2009Swine flu fear a boost for Gilead --The biotech's bottom line could benefit from sales of Tamiflu, one of the only treatments for the influenza strain.. 29 Apr 2009 As governments formulate their responses to the deadly swine flu outbreak, Gilead is one of the drugmakers that could benefit. That's because its antiviral pill Tamiflu, which is marketed by Roche, is one of two drugs that is effective against this strain of influenza. Gilead collects royalty payments from Tamiflu sales, which peaked at $2 billion in 2006 as countries rushed to stockpile the drug against the threat of avian flu.
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I thought i will add this to my post on Swine flu.
What can I do?
Updated 11 June 2009
What can I do to protect myself from catching influenza A(H1N1)?
The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to
be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by
speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding
close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to
maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following
measures:
avoid touching your mouth and nose;
clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an
alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth
and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious
food, and keeping physically active.
What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?
If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.
If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in
close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after
contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.
When and how to use a mask?
If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and
nose.
Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use
actually increases the chance of spreading infection.
How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?
You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and
influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are
similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches,
sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health
authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).
What should I do if I think I have the illness?
If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:
stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
rest and take plenty of fluids;
cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues,
make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after
with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your
mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;
use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around
others, but be sure to do so correctly;
inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with
other people;
If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health
facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.
Should I take an antiviral now just in case I catch the new virus?
No. You should only take an antiviral, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, if
your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy
medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and
they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the Internet.
Warning on purchase of antivirals without a prescription [pdf 35kb]
What about breastfeeding? Should I stop if I am ill?
No, not unless your health care provider advises it. Studies on other
influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for
babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of
respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for
babies and increases their defense factors to fight illness.
When should someone seek medical care?
A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or
difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For
parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast
or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).
Supportive care at home - resting, drinking plenty of fluids and using a
pain reliever for aches - is adequate for recovery in most cases. (A
non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and young adults
because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.)
Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?
No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should
stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is
a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.
Can I travel?
If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not
travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your
health care provider.
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html
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