Facts about Swine Flu

The recent awareness towards swine flu is in fact not-so-new in existence. It has been around, but monitored well to lessen the instance of transmission of swine influenza from pigs to pork-consuming humans and those who work in close contact with the animals. The virus, on transmission, does not always culminate in influenza. It manifests in the form of antibodies in the bloodstream. The virus can only be detected via laboratory tests. Zoonotic swine flu or the virus transmitted from animal to man mostly affects people who are exposed to intense work with the animals.

How is the Swine Flu Transmitted?

Swine flu transmissions have been on record since the 1950s. The influenza subtypes identified are not commonly passed on from one human to another. Swine flu is quite common in pigs. The main transmission takes place through direct contact with the infected animal. Those involved in animal transport and/or exposed to pig mucus contract the infection. The consumption of partially cooked or rare pork also increases the risk of transmission of the virus strain.

Swine Flu Facts

• The earliest record of swine flu was in 1918. A pandemic again surfaced in 1976, 1988, 1998 and now in 2009. The 2009 swine flu epidemic is transmitted by a Influenza A virus new subtype referred to as H1N1. The World Organization for Animal Health research reveals that the virus strain identified is not isolated to contact with infected pigs and can also be transmitted between humans.
  
  
• Swine flu was first researched upon and studied extensively in 1918. However, the first identification of the virus strain did not surface till 1930. Between 1997 and 2002, research revealed three subtypes and five genotypes.
  
  
• Influenza virus A is a common virus strain observed in pigs, while Influenza virus C is relatively rare. These viruses are responsible for transfers across swine herds, avians and the human species. While the Influenza C virus infects humans and pigs, it does not affect birds. The Influenza A and its subtypes, mainly H1N1, H3N2 and H1N2 are most common.
  
  
• The instance of direct transmission from animal to humans is rare, however, the retention of the virus strains in pigs is a matter of concern. The fear is that swine may be a reservoir for influenza viruses and the outbreak of the flu in swine is common.
  
  
• With a preference for pork, the world over, the instance of swine flu not only causes major economic losses within the industry that breeds and markets the flesh and products, but also takes a toll on the marketability of the meat, thereafter.
  
  
• In the case of swine, swine flu manifests in the form of fever, cough and common cold, lethargy and a loss of appetite. Infected pigs are known to lose more than 10 pounds of body weight within a month. The symptoms of swine flu in humans include ague, fever, muscle pain, strep throat, headache, anemia and general discomfort.

Pigs can also be infected with influenza strains that infect birds and humans. They play host to influenza viruses that could be responsible for gene exchange and the development of dangerous, new virus strains. Swine influenza can be prevented through timely and effective management of the facility and herd and vaccination. The primary aim is the elimination of exposure to secondary-infection-pathogens. Vaccination strategies need to compliment facility management through extensive use of disinfectants and maintenance of ambient temperature within the pens or piggery. Wearing of a face mask, washing of hands with alcohol-based sanitizers after interacting with the animals or meat and social distancing helps in dealing with the ordeal. The treatment options available include antivirals, maintaining fluid consumption and genuine palliative care.