Pig Flu Facts

You might think that inter-species diseases are a thing of the movies, but in reality viruses, bacteria, and fungus jump between the species they attack. The recent H1N1 pig flu virus had genes from bird flu, and when it migrated to humans, it acquired human genes.
Vaccines try to prevent inter-species viruses and include immunity against variations of H1N1, H3N2, H1N2. Viral mutations are not fiction, and vaccination and potent anti-virals are some of our weapons.

What is the Pig Flu or Swine Influenza?

The pig flu or swine influenza is a virus specific to pigs or porcine species; it doesn't usually infect humans, although it has happened in history.

What is different this time about the Pig Flu?

The CDC believes this time (April 24, 2009), that the strain is a mix between bird, pig, and human virus.

Can the current virus spread to humans?

Yes, it has already infected people in Mexico, California, and Texas.

Can the virus spread from human to human?

Yes. In previous occasions the virus has only been contacted by those who work with pigs, this time, the virus is believed to have spread from human-to-human.

What are the symptoms?

Typical influenza symptoms: Fever, cough, fatigue, lack of appetite.

What to do if I believe I or Somebody close to me has Pig Flu?

Go to the Doctor, a Walk in Clinic, and Ask to be tested for Influenza.

Will the typical Flu Vaccine protect me from this virus?

It is not clear yet if the human vaccine can protect from the swine influenza. There is currently no vaccine for this virus.

Tags: swine flu facts

Biotechnology advances have allowed us to understand viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens better than ever before. We use genetic engineering, DNA sequencing, microarrays, PCR, and other genomic and proteomic tools to understand pathogens better.
We've also developed vaccines and potent antivirals and antibiotics that fight diseases. A proof of this is how much longer life expectancy is Today than it was before the 1940's when antibiotics were invented.

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