H1N1 SWINE FLU

H1n1 Swine Flu



H1n1 Swine Flu

Introduction

H1N1 Influenza AH1N1 influenza (Swine flu) has become a major concern in the United States today. The Center for Disease Control has declared since June 25, 2009, there have been 27,717 occurrences of H1N1 Swine flu confirmed in the U S (CDC, 2009). Swine flu is defined as a virus that causes illness in people, much like that of the regular seasonal influenza viruses. The World Health Organization's (WHO) central concentration is strengthening and supporting health care system needs in detecting, treatment, and prevention of a pandemic spread in countries with fewer resources than those whose resources are readily available.

Discussion

H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)H1N1 influenza, better known as Swine flu, is a highly contagious respiratory disease which is passed on from human to human through coughing or sneezing and not from eating or handling pork products. The first recorded occurrences of H1N1 Swine flu were reported in Mexico in the spring of 2009 (Bronze, 2009). Occurrences of H1N1 Swine flu have been documented throughout world communities causing the WHO to call for a Phase 6 pandemic alert, demonstrating a global pandemic (WHO, 2009).

The Swine flu can vary in severity from mild to severe. Symptoms of Swine flu are much like the symptoms seen in seasonal flu which are: fevers, sneezing coughing, sore throat, vomiting, body aches, and headaches, and in some cases diarrhea. Pregnant woman, small children, and older adults are most at risk for this disease. Some signs of severe symptoms of Swine flu include apnea, tachypenea, dyspnea, altered mental status, extreme petulance, and dehydration (Bronze, 2009).

The best way to prevent spread of the disease is covering mouth and nose, when coughing, or sneezing, throwing away Kleenex, and good hand washing techniques, along with getting vaccinated for the flu.

Treatment options for H1N1 (Swine flu) InfluenzaDuring this flu season the CDC recommends receiving two vaccinations for influenza, one for the seasonal influenza and one for the H1N1 (Swine flu) influenza A (CDC, 2009). The WHO also has recommendations in the treatment of Swine flu like bed rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and the use of non aspirin pain relievers. Other forms of treatment for Seasonal and H1N1 Swine flu are the use for enzymatic protein, a glycoprotein on the exterior of the influenza virus, inhibitors like Tamiflu and Relenza. Tamiflu and Relenza destroy the receptors on the infected cells and these agents decrease the virus' ability to release from the cells, thus decreasing the spread of the flu (Bronze, 2009). These antiviral agents can be very effectual in the treatment of the Swine flu, but to be effective they must be administered within the first 48 hours of flu onset. The more rapid the antiviral is administered the better the possibility of a good end result.

In many respects, the outbreak of influenza pandemic is becoming just a label. This means it rapidly spreads from person to person in two World Health Organization ...