Swine flu (also known as H1N1) is a new strain of the influenza virus which attacks the upper and lower airways. It is one of the Type A influenzas, which cause mass pandemics and the most serious symptoms.
It probably originated in pigs in Asia, but it is now uniquely a human disease. It is spreading very quickly nationwide.
As of yesterday 29 July 2009, 47 new cases had been reported nationwide and all these were locally transmitted.
The new cases have brought the total number of cases so far to 1,266 including four deaths. Of the figure, 574 or 45 per cent are imported cases while 692 were locally transmitted. 1,233 cases or 97 per cent had recovered, and 24 cases receiving anti-viral treatment at the hospitals and nine at home.
On the global situation, 169,753 cases with 1,125 deaths had been reported in 159 countries as of yesterday morning, an increase of 6,038 cases with 100 deaths since day before yesterday.
Anyone can catch swine flu, but the majority of cases are mild — many people may already have had swine flu without even knowing it.
HAVE YOU GOT IT?
The symptons of swine flu are broadly the same as those of ordinary flu, but might cause more serious complications. The first thing to do is check if you are running a fever ( a high body temperature of 38c/100.4F or above ).
If you also have two or more of the following symptons, you are likely to have swine flu.
1. NEW COUGH
2. HEADACHE
3. LIMB OR JOINT PAIN
4. DIARRHOEA OR VOMITING
5. SORE THROAT 6. RUNNY NOSE
What should I do if I get it?
Go and check with your doctor or go to the nearest hospital, whom should be able to confirm whether you are likely to have the flu or not?
No comments:
Post a Comment