Spreading of Swine Flu Disease: Past and Present

Swine Flu or the Influenza A (H1N1) flu, an highly contagious acute respiratory disease of the pigs, is caused by one of the numerous swine influenza A strains and is highly contagious. The transmission of the virus is from person-to-person and is similar to the manner in which seasonal influenza spreads. Swine flu is a viral infection. It is a present public health problem globally. In the present situation many people infected by swine flu. Occurrence of swine flu has been reported form every part of the globe like mid-western United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Kenya, China, Taiwan, Japan, and several parts of Eastern Asia including India. Seasonal flu is caused by influenza A, B, and C viruses and accounts for about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 2,50,000 to 5,00,000 of deaths annually worldwide. It has been estimated that the total annual economic burdens of seasonal influenza epidemics amounted to $87.1 billion. There is a vaccine available to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Stay home from work or school if you are sick.