What is Swine the H1N1 Virus?
Swine flu (which is often called the H1N1 Virus) is not a new virus, although in recent years it has become more dangerous. in 2009 a new strain of the virus appeared and, unlike earlier strains, became contagious between humans. How is the swine flu transmitted? This can happen by touching an area that has been sneezed at or touched by a person who has contracted the virus.
Although the mortality rate has been relatively low, and in fact, it is expected that a vaccine will be created within the next few months, there is a great concern that the virus will mutate, not only rendering the treatment ineffective, but also potentially becoming far more hazardous.
The symptoms of swine flu resemble standard influenza: high fever, sore throat, fatigue and chills. Consequently, it is possible many people have been infected and overcame this disease and are unaware of it. Although some healthy people have died, the people most susceptible are those with damaged immune systems as well as elderly or children.
The best way to avoid swine flu is basically identical to preventing any virus: wash your hands with soap whenever possible, sanitize them, try and stay away from places where infected people have been reported. It is also necessary to cook any infected pork meat for it to not be infectious anymore (though ideally it should not be eaten at all).
As for treatments, as mentioned, a vaccine is on its way. Until then, if any swine flu symtoms are in fact apparent and swine flu is confirmed, the CDC recommends Tamiflu or Relezna, though it is likely that most infected people will not require any treatment at all.