By: Dr. Ansam Sawalheh, the Director of Poison Control and Drug Information Center

Facts about Swine Flu, and ways of Protection:

After the rapid continuous increase in the number of those infected by this disease, and the variety of geographical areas where it has spread, it became necessary to spread awareness for citizens and medical crews.

What is Swine Flu?

Swine Flu is a disease that infects the respiratory system. It is caused by the Flu Virus type A. This outbreak is cause by a subtype (H1N1), which was discovered in 1930. It always infects Pigs, especially in the winter and fall.

How many types of the disease are there nowadays?

This Virus is constantly changing. Pigs can be infected by the Human Flu virus, Bird flu and Swine Flu. When the infection happens, by more than one kind of viruses, the genetic material of these viruses could mix up producing a new kind of the virus that combines features of the three viruses. So far, four types of this virus have been isolated: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. It’s worth mentioning that H1N1 is the one that has been isolated from the patients infected by the Swine Flu this year.

Do humans get infected by the Swine Flu?

Usually, it doesn’t infect humans. But considering the continuous genetic changes, in this virus, it became capable on infecting humans, especially those working in Pigs barns, and the people who approach pigs for any other reasons.

How much is the virus widespread?

In the past, this disease used to infect one person every two years, mostly those who are around the pigs. But in 1988, the first documented infection took place between a patient and the members of the medical crew, who were watching over him.

What are the symptoms among humans?

The symptoms are very much like the traditional flu. It leads to high temperatures, lethargy, losing appetite, cough, sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and pain in the joints and muscles.

Does a person get infected by eating the pig meat?

No, it can’t be transferred through food or food products.

How does the virus transfer?

The virus can transfer directly from pigs to a humans, from one person to another and from humans to animals. The infection usually happens as in traditional flu cases, such as the drizzle of coughing or sneezing from the infected people. People can get infected by touching things contaminated with the virus, and then touching their noses or mouths.

What’s used for the treatment of Swine Flu?

There are four kinds of medications used for the treatment of this disease. But in the strife of this kind of infection, there are: Tamiflu^®, Relenza^®, which contain Oseltamivir and Zanamivir, respectively. They both can be used for prophylaxis and/or treatment.

What are the methods followed for protection from this disease?

One of the most important practices is to wash hands very well, more than once a day. Personal stuff of the infected person must not be used. Handkerchiefs must be used when a person coughs or sneezes. Try to stay away from infected people and animals, and put a muzzle of mouth and nose to breathe through it. In case a person was infected, s/he should stay at home or revise a hospital for treatment and not to get mixed with people.

Is there a vaccine for human protection from the virus?

There is no vaccine to protect humans from this disease, and it might take four months or more to develop the vaccine.