Swine Flu

Abstract

Epidemiology: The outbreak began in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. The Mexican government failed to contain the spread of virus despite closing most of public and private facilities. WHO and US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stopped counting cases and in June declared the outbreak to be a pandemic.The initial outbreak was called the "H1N1 influenza” or “Swine Flu by American media. It is officially called pandemic H1N1/09 virus by the WHO[1]. The first confirmed swine flu death occurred at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas[2]. Signs and symptoms: The symptoms of swine flu are similar to other influenzas, and may include a fever, cough (typically a "dry cough"), headache, muscle or joint pain, sore throat, chills, fatigue, and runny nose. Diarrhea, vomiting, and neurological problems have also been reported in some cases[3]. People at higher risk of serious complications include those aged over 65, children younger than 5, children with neurodevelopmental conditions, pregnant women (especially during the third trimester)[4], and those of any age with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or a weakened immune system (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications or infected with HIV)[5].