Swine Flu

What you need to know about swine flu influenza virus spread

One month after the outbreak of the new swine flu (influenza) virus, there are more than 11,000 cases in 41 countries, out of which 85 have died. These are the numbers according to the World Health Organization - WHO.

Most swine flu cases are in the USA, 5710, out of which 10 have died. Most deaths, 75, have occurred in Mexico, where the swine flu epidemic started.

June 11th, 2009 update: There are now nearly 28,000 swine flu cases worldwide in 74 countries. The most affected countries are the USA, Canada, Mexico, Chile and Australia. 141 people have so far died from H1N1 - swine flu influenza virus.

Current WHO pandemic alert

The current WHO pandemic alert is at phase 5. This phase is characterised by human to human spread of the virus in at least 2 countries. This is a strong signal that pandemic is imminent and that the planned mitigation (fighting the epidemic) measures should be implemented in the shortest possible time to prevent possible pandemic.

The highest level is phase 6, which is the pandemic phase. This phase indicates that a global pandemic is on the way.

June 11th update: World Health Organization has today raised swine flu pandemic alert to the highest level - phase 6. This does not mean that swine flu has become more dangerous - it's simply the means to get the most effective pandemic-fighting measures implemented as soon as possible. No need to panic - just take some sensible precautions against flu.

Swine flu virus

The experts warn that Swine Flu is no more serious than for example normal flu epidemic, which usually takes thousands of lives every year.

While there are 4 different swine flu viruses identified, most of the current cases seem to originate from H1N1 virus. This is subtype of influenza A virus - a hybrid of swine, avian, and human flu viruses.

Scientists believe that the virus was "born" on pig farms in Mexico, where pigs that got normal swine flu, also ended up being infected with avian or bird flu, as well as human flu. This resulted in mixing of genetic material, mutating into a new virus, which then transferred over to humans and spread further via human contact.

Swine flu facts

Swine flu symptoms are similar to those of common human influenza virus, such as: fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. People affected with swine flu virus have also reported symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, nausea, womiting and diarrhea.

You cannot get swine flu from eating pork. Cooked pork and pork products are safe to eat. By cooking pork, all bacteria and viruses are killed at
high temperatures, which includes the swine flu virus.

As general prevention against Swine Flu, implement the following precautions:

• wash your hands often
• avoid crowds or large gatherings of people
• cover your mouth when sneezing or caughing, or when someone near you does that
• desinfect your living and working area and surfaces
• if you experience what might be flu symptoms, immediately go to your doctor or a hospital
• avoid being long in enclosed areas at airports or bus and train terminals

More facts about swine flu here: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm.

Swine flu vaccine

There's no swine flu vaccine yet, although a number of large pharmaceutical companies are working on it. The vaccine should be available in 4-6 months time.

Antiviral drugs

In the meantime if you live in affected areas or want to protect youself against flu, there are antiviral drugs available, such as Amantadine, Relenza and of course Tamiflu. There are 4 different antiviral drugs licensed to use for the treatment of influenza: amantadine, rimantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir. Generally all swine flu viruses are susceptible to these antiviral drugs. However, H1N1 virus seems to be most susceptible to oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).

Both Tamiflu and Relenza are in stock currently. But demand is high and future supplies cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, if you wish to use these antiviral drugs as the prevention against possible swine flu spread in your area, or against flu in general, we suggest you order one of these now, to avoid being left without.

	Amantadine  Influenza medication used against type A virus.  Amantadine is also used as an aid in early  stages of Parkinson's disease treatment, as well  as in management of herpes infection.  more info about Amantadine	100 × 100mg tablets Price: $49.99
	Relenza  Antiviral drug with Zanamivir, used in treating  and prevetion of influenza type A and B viruses,  which includes bird flu and swine flu. Comes  packaged in blister on diskettes with inhaler.  more info about Relenza	20 × 5mg diskettes Price: $69.99
	Tamiflu  Antiviral drug with Oseltamivir, used to fight flu  viruses, including bird flu and swine flu. Tamiflu  fights viruses by attacking them, rather than  just treating the symptoms.  more info about Tamiflu	10 × 75mg capsules Price: $79.99