Flu Scare

Known previously as "avian flu", the swine influenza virus has draw global attention on a pandemic level. The 2009 outbreak is noted to be caused by influenza A virus subtype H1N1 a newer strain almost identical with swine influenza. This recently-dreaded disease is characterized by episodes of general discomfort, weakness, myalgia and flu-like symptoms chills, fever and headache.

Zoonotic infection is considered to be the primary mode of transmission, that is placing workers and owners of animal industry at greatest risk. Essential public health measure would include vaccination and careful surveillance of newer strains of the virus.

Contrary to popular belief, swine flu can not be distributed through pork products, since the virus itself is not transmitted in an oral-fecal level. More focus is drawn to droplet infection, as virus is spread from humans through coughing or sneezing. Just like any other contagious disease, experts come to a consensus that hand washing is still the best method in breaking the chain of infection. Social distancing could be another method of prevention.

With the occurence of sporadic human infection, health experts all over the globe are taking careful consideration to every H1N1 situation,closely monitoring and preparing for the possibility that the virus may begin to spread more easily and widely.