For the past few days, I've been following closely to the news for updates on Swine Flu. The more I know about it, the more afraid I am. Let me share on what I know about Swine Flu.
It is a respiratory disease normally found in pigs and caused by type A influenza viruses. While outbreaks of this type of flu are most common in pigs, human cases of Swine Flu do happen.
Humans with direct exposure to pigs are those most commonly infected with Swine Flu. Just as the common flu is passed along, Swine Flu is thought to be spread by coughing, sneezing, or touching something that has the live virus on it. If infected, a person may be able to infect another person one day before symptoms develop; therefore, a person is able to pass the flu on before they know they are sick. Infected individuals may spread the virus for seven or more days after becoming sick. Those with Swine Flu should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are showing symptoms, and up to seven days or longer from the onset of their illness. Children might be contagious for longer periods of time.
Symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to those of a regular flu: fever and chills, sore throat, cough, headache, body aches, and fatigue. Diarrhea and vomiting can also be present.
Symptoms in Children:
1) Fever with a rash
2) Dehydration
3) Fast breathing
4) Bluish skin coloration
5) Slow to wake or sluggish interaction
6) Flu-like symptoms improve, but then return and cough worsens
7) Severe irritability
Symptoms in Adults:
1) Difficulty breathing
2) Dizziness
3) Confusion
4) Severe or persistent vomiting
5) Pain or pressure in the chest or stomach
Those individuals who received the seasonal flu vaccine do not have added protection against the Swine Flu. The human H1N1 viruses are very different from the H1N1 viruses responsible for the recent outbreaks of Swine Flu. Therefore, a seasonal flu vaccine would not protect against the Swine Flu.
I suppose we cannot treat this issue lightly. I've just been informed that I need to wear a mask and gloves when working at the clinic. I think a discussion is going on to see if a gown is necessary. Boyfriend seems quite worried as I tend to fall sick easily, I am starting to get worried as well after knowing how contagious this Swine Flu is. Since the flu vaccine is not going to help, I think there's no point even if I get 10 jabs.
Let's just pray that it'll never come to Singapore!
