Swine flu the name being given to the outbreak of the H1N1 influenza virus, which is a mutated virus that has parts of swine, avian and human flus. It is also the name commonly given to the strain of more common influenza that usually infects pigs. It is caused by type A influenza viruses and there are many different types of swine flu. While humans do not catch the more common forms of swine flu, this current strain of the H1N1 virus does infect humans because during mutation it was combined with parts of a human flu virus. The virus is supposed to have originated from Mexico.
Experts believe it spreads in the same way as seasonal flu - through coughing and sneezing. The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of a regular human seasonal influenza infection such as fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and a sore throat. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that the swine flu is spreading among humans. The WHO declared a pandemic alert level 5 (out of six) for the swine flu. This is not good news for travel and hospitality sectors. International flights are being cancelled and tours/travels are being postponed.
In India, Health Ministry declared that it is ready with the control and containment measures. Surveillance and vigilance in airports are in place for any signs of passengers affected by Swine flu. As on today, the officials said that there is no swine flu case in India. The government is in touch with the pharma companies to produce adequate quantity of antidotes for the virus. The government has decided to stockpile three million doses of “Tamiflu”, the only known effective drug against the virus. The hospitals are ready with the necessary preparedness to handle affected persons.
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