What is Swine Flu?

Till date two major types of the influenza viruses have been identified. These are further sub-classified based on their specific protein structures. The influenza viruses have been affecting mainly birds (avian influenza virus), pigs (swine influenza) and humans (human influenza)

 Overview of Swine Flu

The virus H1N1 or the swine flu is been fast spreading since its first appearance in June-2009. People across the globe being infected are on the rise and countries all over the world are trying their best to stop the spread of this influenza. Nevertheless, with all the efforts made by the government and other organizations the occurrence is very rapid than it was thought to be. Currently the swine flu is declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The warning signs of swine flu during the initial stages are not very clear and look a lot like other mild conditions such as common flu or viral fever. Therefore it has led to the spread of the influenza on a swift rate as people tend to ignore the preventive measures, when with one or two such symptoms. Moreover the spread of the swine flu is also due to the lack of knowledge about the preventive steps to be followed since the symptoms are alike of common flu.  Most of the persons affected are also not alert of their illness status or do not know the precautionary measures that can be taken to control the spread of the virus. Also while many people have the knowledge of the swine flu and the way it spreads they are unaware of the exact methods of prevention.

The medications or the vaccines which can destroy the virus are still being developed, and the one which is available is not very effective in targeting the causal virus. This has left with the choice of prevention as the best available option. There are many ways by which the spread of swine flu can be prevented.