What is SwineFluTrends.com?This site has frequent updates with the number of confirmed Swine Flu cases in the United States and throughout the world and the number of confirmed deaths attributed to Swine Flu in the United States and throughout the world. Unfortunately, in July 2009, the World Health Organization decided to stop publishing the number of cases by country. The trend has obviously not reversed and the virus is continuing to spread worldwide.
What is Swine Flu?Swine Influenza is a new strain of influenza virus (flu) that has not been seen previously in either humans or animals known scientifically as influenza A (H1N1). There are many different forms of influenza virus and new strains are found each year. Some strains of influenza cause sickness in humans and some cause sickness in animals such as chickens and pigs. Swine Flu refers to strains of the virus which infect pigs. Avian Flu refer to strains which infect birds. Sometimes, but not always, a virus which infects an animal can also infect humans.Where did this Swine Flu outbreak come from?There have been many documented cases of outbreaks of Swine Flu, such as the 1976 Swine Flu Outbreak which began in Fort Dix, New Jersey.In March of 2009, two cases were found in Southern California. By April, health officials realized that this was a new strain they had not seen before. After hearing about the discovery of a new virus, officials in Mexico suspected a link to an outbreak of late-season flu cases they were finding. What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2009 Swine Flu H1N1 virus has been reported to cause a wide range of flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In addition, many people also have reported nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea.How dangerous is the Swine Flu?This virus appears to be more contagious than seasonal influenza, but many scientists believe this strain of the influenza virus is no more dangerous than the seasonal outbreak each flu season. Scientists are concerned about possible changes that could take place as the virus spreads to the southern hemisphere and encounters currently circulating human viruses as the normal influenza season in that hemisphere begins. A new variant of the virus has been discovered in Brazil.Is this outbreak a pandemic?Yes. Webster's Dictionary defines a pandemic as an outbreak of disease occurring over a wide geographic area and affecting an exceptionally high proportion of the population.The World Health Organization (WHO) defines different phases in pandemic preparedness. Prior to the 2009 Swine Flu outbreak, the WHO worldwide pandemic alert was set at Phase 3 due to H5N1 Avian Flu. On April 27, 2009 the WHO raised the pandemic alert level to Phase 4. On April 29, the WHO's Emergency Committee met again and raised the alert to Phase 5. On June 11, the WHO raised the pandemic alert to the highest level--Phase 6. Click on the following links for a chart displaying the rapid spread of confirmed cases in the United States or throughout the world. What can I do to prevent catching Swine Flu?The same basic procedures to prevent colds and flu virus are used to prevent Swine Flu. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures. Take everyday actions to stay healthy:
Is there a vaccine to prevent Swine Flu?Not yet, but Baxter International Inc. has launched full-scale production of a commercial vaccine for the A/H1N1 flu virus and initially said it might be ready for use as early as July, 2009, but now they say it will more likely be available by October, 2009. |