Swine flu is as indicated by its name is a viral infection. Swine flu is caused by Swine Influenza virus (SIV) which has many strains like H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3 etc.

Swine influenza virus is very common in pigs throughout the world. Generally these virus infections are limited to pigs only. But there are many some incidents in past history when these swine influenza viruses have passed through pigs to humans and have caused flu like symptoms in human beings too. Though in past the viral infection was not too strong and the infection was limited but now in 2009 the infection has spread like epidemic and thousands of human beings have lost their life by infection of deadly H1N1 swine flu virus. The infection has spread like forest fire. Many countries have lost their citizens including developed countries like America and UK.

Mode of infection

The infection of swine flu can spread through pigs or swines to humans and humans to humans. Airborne transmission through aerosols produced by coughing or sneezing is the most common method of transmission of swine flu virus. Apart from this shaking hand, sharing common handkerchief or towel etc and direct contact with infected person or pig can cause swine flu in a healthy person. The risk of spreading infection from eating pig`s meat is very very low if c the meat is cooked properly.

Signs and symptoms of swine flu

The signs and symptoms of swine flu are very much similar to common flu. The major signs of symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and it is very important to diagnose the deadly disease by history of patient and laboratory tests.

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• General body aches and weakness
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting and nausea

Diagnosis of Swine Flu

Proper and timely diagnosis of swine flu is necessary to save the patient`s life. The diagnosis of swine flu can be confirmed by laboratory testing of respiratory samples.

The differential diagnosis with common flu can be done by symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea which are not very much common in common cold or seasonal flu.

Apart from this the travel history of patient helps in suspecting swine flu cases.

Treatment of Swine Flu

Tamiflu and Relenza are most common antiviral drugs used in the treatment of swine flu worldwide. These medicines help in making illness milder and the patient feels better faster if treatment started timely.

Herbs for swine flu treatment

Swine flu has spread in many countries and has coasted many lives worldwide. But the spread of this deadly virus is not so fast in India. This is just because the Indian's habit of using herbs in their foods and drinks. Indians use Turmeric in cooking vegetables etc. Holy basil and Ginger is used in tea. These herbs are also very common in home garden. These herbs have high medicinal properties. These have potent antimicrobial and immunity booster properties.

Prevention and precautions

Prevention is the best treatment and we can avoid the deadly virus of swine flu by some simple steps-

• Cover nose and mouth while going out with thick mask or three four folds of cloth.
• Avoid shaking hands and coming in contact of unknown people.
• Wash hands with antiseptic soap frequently and avoid touching nose, eyes, mouth with hands.
• Stay away from crowded places like cinema halls, schools, shopping malls etc and especially if one is sick.
• Pregnant women and children should take very good care as they are at high risk.

Prognosis

Swine flu is not self limiting like other common flu or influenza infections and needs immediate treatment. If not diagnosed and treated in time swine flu can cause respiratory failure and death. The deaths in swine flu infections are mostly caused due to respiratory failure only. Apart from this high fever, diarrhea, vomiting and electrolyte imbalance can cause casualties in patients suffering from swine flue.