The document discusses swine flu, which has infected at least 257 people across 11 countries according to the WHO. The WHO has raised its pandemic alert level to 5 as it believes the first flu pandemic since 1968 may soon be declared. Hundreds more cases are suspected as health officials check for infections and prepare measures to prevent the virus's spread. The document then goes on to answer several questions about swine flu symptoms, transmission, treatment, vaccination, and protective measures.

1. By John :::: LauermanPresented by :::: Nagendra jain,jaipur

2. Swine flu has sickened at least 257 people in 11 countries, including Mexico, the U.S., New Zealand, Canada and the U.K., according to the WHO.

3. The organization raised its six-tier pandemic alert to 5 and said the world’s first influenza pandemic since 1968 may soon be declared. Hundreds of more cases are suspected, as health officials around the world check to see whether infections have occurred in their countries and ready measures to prevent its spread.

4. Q .1: What is swine flu? Influenza is a virus that infects people, birds, pigs and other animals such as ferrets. Swine flu or swine influenza is a form of the virus that normally infects pigs. There are many forms of flu, and the different varieties have the ability to exchange genes with one another. This form of flu that originated in Mexico is a genetic mixture of viruses that have been seen in pigs, birds and people. It’s being called a Swine flu because the overall structure of the virus is of the type that affects pigs.

5. Q 2: How do people catch swine flu?Flu is generally transmitted through the respiratory tract. Droplets of infected body fluids may carry flu when people cough or sneeze. Studies indicate that masks called N95 respirators,when properly used, filter germs from the breath and hamper the spread of flu. Neither contact with pigs nor eating pork has been linked to the spread of the flu.

6. Q 3: What are the symptoms of swine flu?Symptoms are coughing, sneezing, headaches and body aches, fever, chills, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Swine flu causes the same symptoms and may be difficultto distinguish from other strains of flu and respiratory illnesses. Severe cases of flu that lead to death are normally seen in very young and very old people whose immune systems are too weak to fight off the virus. Adults with severe illness may also have difficulty breathing, dizziness, confusion or severe vomiting and diarrhea.

7. Q 4: Is there a vaccine against the swine flu that’s now spreading? There is no vaccine currently that exactly matches the swine flu. The seasonal flu vaccine isn’t effective against swine flu.The vaccine prepares the body’s immune system to fend off a true infection. For the vaccine to work, it must match the circulating, “wild-type” virus relatively closely. Vaccine makers have contacted the WHO about obtaining samples of the virus needed to make a vaccine. Making flu vaccine can take three to six months. No decision has been made to order a vaccine against swine flu.

8. Q 5: How can I tell if my child is sick? Children who are breathing abnormally fast or slowly may have respiratory illness. Bluish skin indicates a need for quick attention.Children who are abnormally sluggish and sleepy, irritable or have fever or rash may also need attention.

9. Q .6 Are there drugs that treat swine flu?Tamifluand Relenzaboth react against swine flu. The drugs should be administered within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, according to the CDC.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has released 25 % of its stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza. Flu viruses sometimes develop resistance to antiviral drugs. The human form of H1N1 seasonal flu that’s currently circulating is resistant to Tamiflu (not Relenza).

10. Q 7: How else can I protect myself from swine flu?Personal measures such as avoiding people who are coughing or sneezing and frequent hand-washing may prevent flu infection. Those who aren’t health professionals should avoid contact with sick people. People who get sick with flu symptoms should stay home. Studies have suggested that closing schools, theaters, and canceling gatherings in the early stages of a pandemic can limit its spread.

11. Have a safe & secure health and be aware to keep it allrightNagendra Jain (Happy)