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Everything you need to know about swine flu
Some of the questions Küçükusta researched and their answers are below:
What is swine flu? How is it detected?
It is incorrect to call this virus the swine flu virus, because there are other flu viruses that make pigs sick and because it also shares genetic material with human and bird flu viruses. In other words, the swine flu virus is a new type of virus that emerged from a combination of the human and bird flu viruses. This virus is a type A H1N1 virus, but it is more popularly known as the “swine flu virus.” It is impossible to determine whether an illness is the normal flu or swine flu with a simple checkup or by hearing a patient’s symptoms. The only way to determine the type of flu is with a PCR test, which requires a sample from the nose or throat. However, there is no point in getting this test during periods when the epidemic is widespread. The rule of thumb is to assume that everyone with the flu and flu-like symptoms has swine flu.
Why is swine flu dangerous?
The frightening aspect of the swine flu epidemic that began in Mexico and spread across the entire world is that unlike earlier flu viruses, it quickly spread from pigs to humans and from human to human. Almost everyone who comes into contact with the H1N1 virus catches it because their immune systems have not been exposed to it before.
Is it possible for the H1N1 virus to mutate?
Changes that arise in the virus due to antigenic shifts are called mutations. The H1N1 virus began mutating from day one. While until recently there was no major mutation or change in virulence, high levels of mutation in the virus have recently started to be seen in some countries.
What should someone who is sick do? When should they go to the doctor?
First of all if someone has flu symptoms they should not panic or be scared. Hospitals are already at full capacity and doctors already have enough work, so unnecessary trips to the hospital could endanger the lives of people with serious illnesses. There is no need for people who are healthy and do not have pre-existing health problems to go to the doctor’s office or hospital and have a diagnostic test done. The essential thing for a person who realizes he/she is sick is to stay home, rest and avoid contact with others. Staying home will not only help the person to recover but also prevent the virus from spreading.
Should we get the H1N1 vaccine?
As with all medications and vaccinations, people need to be thoroughly and properly informed about the side effects of the H1N1 vaccine. People with serious illnesses should absolutely get the shot; however, it should be known that the vaccine does not provide as high a level of protection to these people as it does to healthy people. Regardless of their age, I believe it is not necessary for healthy people that do not have a chronic illness to get the vaccine. Getting the vaccine is a personal decision. No one should be forced to get the shot.
How can one protect against the flu?
For flu prevention, it is very important to avoid enclosed spaces and shaking hands. It’s a good idea to greet people with your eyes or by inclining your head instead and to wash your hands very frequently during a pandemic. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and ears with your hands, do not wear other people’s clothes and to the extent possible, do not touch surfaces such as tables, door knobs and handrails. Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Opt for single-use tissues and immediately throw them out after use. Hands and fingers should be washed thoroughly at least 10 times a day for 20 seconds with plenty of water and soap. In situation where there is no water or soap, opt for alcohol-based single-use wet wipes or hand sanitizer gels. Alcohol helps to kill viruses. At times when a pandemic is widespread, using a mask and gloves can also be useful.
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