THE SYMPTOMS..AND HOW TO FIGHT THEM.THIS latest outbreak of swine flu is a new strain of influenza A influenza An. Influenza caused by infection with a strain of influenza virus type A. influenza A Infectious disease An avian virus, especially of ducks–which in China live near the pig reservoir and 'vector'; virus, H1N1 - a mix of human and animal variants. While humans have some natural immunity natural immunity n. See innate immunity. to ordinary seasonal flu they do not have such immunity to H1N1. Experts believe this strain is closely related to strains that caused the 1918 pandemic pandemic /pan·dem·ic/ (pan-dem´ik) 1. a widespread epidemic of a disease. 2. widely epidemic. pan·dem·ic adj. Epidemic over a wide geographic area. n. which killed up to 40 million people worldwide. People born before 1920 may have some natural resistance. Symptoms include fever, coughing, aching limbs, chills, fatigue and sore throats. Some have reported vomiting and diarrhoea. Severe respiratory symptoms may develop in to pneumonia. Good hygiene such as washing hands, disposing of dirty tissues and cleaning door handles is advised. Anyone suffering flu-like symptoms should call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or call their GP but NOT visit. Anti-flu drugs will be available at a collection point. |
|
||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion