Swine flu: symptoms, treatment, prevention, vaccine

Swine influenza - a disease that is transmitted through the respiratory tract in pigs. It is caused by influenza virus type A, which regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. People swine flu strikes rarely. However, the current outbreak of flu triggered a new type of virus A/H1N1, with the most genetic similarity to swine influenza and transmitted from person to person.
Ways of transmission of new influenza (H1N1), presumably the same as for other influenza viruses. Seasonal flu viruses spread from person to person by airborne droplets. Transmission requires close contact between source and recipient - about 3 meters. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, infected people are starting to spread infectious agents on the day before the first symptoms of the disease. Contact with contaminated surfaces - another possible source of transmission. Subsequently, touching your eyes, mouth or nose, the infection can penetrate into the body.
Estimated incubation period is unknown and can vary between 1-7 days, most likely 1-4 days.
Swine flu in humans causes symptoms typical of influenza and SARS: fever, runny nose, cough, loss of appetite, fever. Less commonly, patients are marked with swine flu and sore throat, nausea and vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms may be caused by several other factors. It is very difficult to determine whether a person is infected with new virus. To establish an accurate diagnosis is necessary to hold a series of laboratory tests.
The first symptoms of a new influenza, regardless of whether the people at heightened risk (the country where the reported cases of swine flu), you should consult with your doctor. In the case of coughing or sneezing should cover his mouth and nose with a tissue bandage, which subsequently have to throw it away and wash your hands. Recall that a doctor can not determine whether a person is ill with swine flu, so the tests will be sent to inspect the laboratory.
Treatment of diseases caused by most strains of swine influenza by using drugs Amantadine, Zanamivir, Rimantadine and oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which, however, have limited effectiveness declines with time after the first symptoms.
World Health Organization experts and doctors in different countries are working on a vaccine against the virus H1N1. August 6th began clinical trials of vaccines produced in Russia. In the near future vaccine should go to the regions. According to the forecast chief health officer of Russia Gennady Onishchenko, Russia plans to produce 40 million doses of vaccine. First, vaccinations given to children and representatives of the professions "at risk".
Prevention of infection new virus is carried by the same measures, as well as during outbreaks of influenza and SARS. Avoid crowded places, not to travel to regions where outbreaks of disease of swine influenza. Also you should regularly wash their hands with soap (or the use of alcohol based), especially after coughing or sneezing, avoiding touching the mouth, nose and eyes. Also, it should be noted that the virus infected by eating pork, with proper heat treatment of meat, it is impossible - from the high temperatures kill the virus. Another preventive measure can be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. Normal vaccination directly protect against A/N1N1 can not, but if not vaccinated against ordinary flu, the risk of contracting swine influenza will increase significantly. Vaccinated only healthy people. Before vaccination, the physician makes the inspection and a permit to grafting, or give a medical disqualification.