Swine flu - see the tips of the WHO
This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.
Through official statement to the press, the director of the World Health Organization, Dr. Margaret Chan, said the WHO has decided to increase the level of alert of swine influenza in the light of an increase in the probability of a pandemic - epidemic of major proportions - which does not mean that the risk of disease is inevitable. The decision was guided in the discovery of transmission of the virus between people and not only from pigs to humans. The organization recommends that sick people try to postpone travel abroad and those that show symptoms after returning from abroad to seek competent medical authorities. The director noted that there is still no vaccine for humans, but all decisions necessary to facilitate the development of a new vaccine against the virus will be taken.
As reported, the WHO released a list of key questions about the flu.
What is the swine flu?
The swine flu is an acute respiratory disease of pigs, highly contagious. The virus spreads in pigs by direct contact and indirect. Cases of the disease in pigs are reported throughout the year, with higher incidence in autumn and winter in temperate zones. Many countries systematically their animals vaccines against swine flu.
The most common virus is the H1N1 type, but other types can also be found (H1N2, H3N1, H3N2). Typically, swine flu viruses are species-specific, infecting only the pigs, occasionally, however, they exceeded the barrier of species, causing disease in humans.
What are the consequences on human health?
Sporadic cases of swine influenza have been reported previously. Clinical symptoms are similar to a common flu, but the picture varies, and can go from one asymptomatic infection to a severe pneumonia, leading to death. Whereas the symptoms look like those of common flu and other infections of the upper respiratory tract, most cases were off. Benign cases end up going unnoticed and thus true extent of disease in men is therefore unknown.
Where the cases occurred in humans?
Since the implementation of the IHR - International Health Regulations in 2007, WHO received reports of cases of swine influenza in the United States and Spain.
How people can contract the infection?
In general people get the flu from pigs infected pigs, but some reported cases showed no such contact. The transfer took place between humans, but limited to close contacts between groups or closed.
You can eat pork or pork products without risk?
Yes There is no evidence that influenza can be transmitted by ingestion of meat or other products derived from pork, properly handled and prepared. The virus can not resist the temperatures of cooking from the 70th C, recommended for the preparation of meat.
What is the risk of a pandemic?
It is unlikely that people who have no contact with pigs have immunity against the virus of swine influenza. If a virus can establish an efficient transmission between humans, a pandemic can occur. The effects of a pandemic caused by this virus are difficult to predict since it depends on the virulence of the virus, the immunity of individuals, etc..
Is there any vaccine against the virus?
When there is no vaccine against swine flu. It is unknown whether the vaccines for seasonal flu may have some effect against the virus. Viruses evolve very quickly and therefore is very important to develop a vaccine against the current outbreak to protect the most of the vaccinated individuals.
What remedies are available for treatment?
Anti-viral against influenza are available in some countries and can effectively prevent and treat the disease. Physicians should decide the treatment according to clinical and epidemiological assessment of cases and on the advantages and disadvantages of prophylaxis / treatment for patients.
How is it possible to protect against people infected with swine flu?
In the past, cases of human infection by the virus of swine influenza were generally benign, but it is known that the virus caused severe diseases like pneumonia. The clinical pictures are different in the current outbreak. None of the confirmed cases in the United States showed the most severe form of the disease and patients are restored without the need of specific medical care. In Mexico, however, some patients showed a more severe form of the disease.
(Source: World Health Organization)
In Brazil, the Ministry of Health and National Sanitary Surveillance Agency - Anvisa also disseminated information about the disease in its pages.
Source: Consumer Portal
This article was translated by an automatic translation system, and was therefore not reviewed by people.
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