the flu, or swine flu as it was recognized until April 30, 2009, is caused by Influenza virus type A/H1N1 modified, denominated A/CALIFORNIA/04/2009. This, resulting from the union of genetic material from human, avian and swine flu strains; it went beyond the species barrier and started to reach human beings.
On March 18, 2009, the World Health Organization announced the occurrence of cases of this flu in Mexico and, shortly thereafter, in the United States. Spain and Canada. Other regions of the globe, such as Brazil itself, also entered this list. For this reason, the WHO (World Health Organization) declared such incidences a Public Health Emergency of International Importance (ESPII), creating the Permanent Office of Public Health Emergency (GPESP), in order to monitor the virus, taking the necessary and appropriate measures - such as treatment of cases and search for the feasibility of vaccine against such strains. Such measures are necessary to avoid a possible pandemic, which could be capable of infecting a third of the population.
although it is more transmissible than the virus of the bird flu, and like any other flu, contact with saliva containing viral particles, mainly eliminated by sneezing or coughing; or secretions from infected people are the most common forms of Contamination.
You symptoms of this disease include the presence of sudden fever and above 38°C and cough, which may be accompanied by diarrhea, difficulty breathing and headaches, in the joints and muscles. O incubation period can range from 24 hours to two weeks.
People with such manifestations, and/or who have been in any of the countries whose incidence has been confirmed - in addition to those who had close contact with them - should seek medical help in order to diagnose the disease. The kits used provide the results within 72 hours, requiring respiratory secretion samples within a maximum of seven days after the onset of manifestations. Blood collection may be necessary for differential diagnosis.
Despite the high transmissibility, some relatively simple measures can avoid, significantly, the contamination by A/CALIFORNIA/04/2009. Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, preferably with a disposable handkerchief; wash your hands frequently with soap and water; do not touch eyes, nose or mouth after contact with surfaces; avoid agglomerations; not using over-the-counter drugs and seeking medical help in cases of symptom onset are extremely important. In addition, a balanced diet and good fluid intake strengthen the immune system, reducing the chances of the incidence of this and other diseases. In Campo Grande, the Municipal Health Department is distributing doses of homeopathic medicines at health posts and municipal schools such as preventive measure, based on the premise that this remedy can, in the case of individuals infected with H1N1, reduce the complication rates of the disease.
Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
O treatment it is done with the administration of drugs Tamiflu or Relenza, sold or given under medical supervision. As with any other flu, rest, drinking plenty of fluids and a balanced diet help the patient to recover.
Relevant informations:
• There are no records of the incidence of this virus in other animal species.
• The consumption of pork or pork products, as long as they are cooked previously, does not provide any chance of contamination.
• The majority of confirmed cases are adults or young people, which may indicate the relative effectiveness of the annual vaccination campaigns, until then indicated for children and the elderly.
• The use of masks and personal protective equipment is recommended for healthcare professionals and family members who deal directly with infected people. It is also suitable for individuals who are in affected areas.
• Sudden fever, cough, headache, muscle pain, joint pain and runny nose? See a doctor or health service.
THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH WARNS:
Self-medication can have unwanted and unanticipated effects, as the wrong medicine not only does not cure, it can worsen your health.
By Mariana Araguaia
Graduated in Biology
