 Swine flu is a new strain of the influenza type A virus. Originally found and contained in pigs, swine flu has of recent started to infect humans. This new strain of the influenza virus, H1N1, shares common symptoms of regular seasonal flu, but can be fatal is left untreated and is easily transmissible between humans.
Basically, the influenza virus has the ability to mutate and evolve, as well as swap genetic components with other flu viruses. Because of this, new strains of the influenza virus are formed. Swine flu (H1N1) is a new strain of influenza type A, and has been developed and evolved within pigs. It has only been recently that swine flu has been contracted and spread by humans.
Should we be worried about swine flu?
While human contraction of swine flu is still relatively limited, cases in Mexico, Canada, the UK, New Zealand and several other countries have been reported. Generally, most cases of swine flu reported are of people who come into direct contact with pigs.
More recently however, more and more cases of the virus being spread from human to human have been reported, and thus the virus could potentially become more contagious in similar ways as regular flu, i.e. sneezing and coughing. Because of this, it is crucial to remain aware of your health or putting yourself at an unnecessary risk to contracting the virus.
A popular query is whether pork and eating pork can spread the disease. There is as such no evidence to support that pork can contaminate you, but to be safe, it is suggested that before eating pork, you should cook it thoroughly at 70C (158F).
Is there a swine flu treatment available?
Because swine flu is a new strain of the influenza type A virus, and has only recently been reported to be spread between humans, there is no complete cure for it yet. There are however, two credible and effective treatments that can help cure and prevent the symptoms of influenza type A strains, called Tamiflu and Relenza.
Tamiflu and Relenza are both being considered effective methods of swine flu treatment. Both treatments work to attack the virus head on and inhibit it from spreading. Recent research has found that the aforementioned swine flu treatments can reduce the cross contamination of swine flu in humans as well.
What's more, the government has begun to stock pile around 33 million doses of Tamiflu and Relenza in means of preparation in case there is an outbreak. This highlights the government's faith in the two medications potential as swine flu treatments.
While there are vaccines for regular influenza, there are none yet developed strictly to combat swine flu. Medical experts are currently attempting to develop a new one which could potentially become the most effective swine flu treatment.
What are Tamiflu & Relenza and how do they work to combat swine flu?
Tamiflu and Relenza are both effective treatments that make up part of the neuraminidase inhibitors group. As a characteristic of the medications in this particular group, Tamiflu and Relenza both work effectively to attach themselves to the neuraminidase preventing newly formed, viral particles from being released into the body. In doing so, both swine flu treatments attack the virus head on before it spreads into the body, preventing it from causing any major damage or affect.
The active ingredient in Tamiflu is oseltamivir phosphate, which belongs to the neuraminidase inhibitors group. Tamiflu appears to be a more effective swine flu treatment the closer it is administered to the initial symptoms being observed.
How should Tamiflu or Relenza be taken and is it suitable for children?
Tamiflu is an oral treatment that comes in the form of a five day treatment, with two pills administered daily throughout the treatment. Tamiflu can be taken with or without food, although it is generally better when taken with food, as it limits stomach cramps. Tamiflu should be taken for the entire duration of the 5 days course, thus all ten capsules, whether or not the swine flu symptoms decrease or not. The medication should be stored at room temperature, and is not suitable for children under the age of 12.
Relenza is an inhalant and comes in the form of a medicine disc called a ROTADISKS®. Relenza is inhaled by the mouth using a device called a DISKHALER®. On receiving your treatment, you will be given very clear and precise instructions on how to use your inhaler. Before using the inhaler you must be familiar with the instructions and understand them, or it is important to contact a health provider. If using Relenza, the specified dose is 10mg twice daily, which is taken through the inhaler. Children below the age of 7 should not take Relenza, nor should women who are breastfeeding.
Can I get swine flu treatment online?
In the first instance, we recommend that you consult with your family doctor before considering ordering online. If you want to place an order, you are advised to complete the consultation form found on this website, answering all medical questions accurately.
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