[Animad]

Right, seen as there seem to be a lot of threads recently around RYL re. Swine Flu I thought it'd be a good idea to write something quickly.

So what is Swine Flu?
Swine Flu is a form of the Influenza ('flu) Virus that no-one has 'seen' before. Because it has not been around before no-one has immunity to it and so it is spreading quickly around the world. It has a name which you may hear around as H1N1; this is a medical classification due to it's structure and says nothing more than that.
It first started in Mexico but the origin of which is unknown as of yet. It was first thought to be from pigs as it is similar to a flu virus they can get but it has been shown that this is not the case; it IS safe to be around pigs/ eat pork

What are the symptoms?
The Symptoms are the same as any other flu and if you have a temperature, cough, or sneezing then that is enough for you to be suspected of having Swine Flu. Others are achey muscles, headaches, shivery, lack of energy, vomitting. A symptom which appears unique to Swine Flu compared to other 'flu's is that it seems to cause diarrhoea in a lot of patients.

What do I do if I am showing these symptoms?
Generally stay in the house and get someone to make sure you're ok. It is strongly advised that you don't go to the doctor as this can increase its spread. If you feel really ill then the best thing to do is contact your doctor or a medical helpline. Also, cold/ 'flu remedies may help with the symptoms but won't make you fight it quicker; a drug called Tamiflu may be prescribed to those showing the worse symptoms or people with any and are in high risk groups. This is an anti-viral drug, anti-biotics will not work against it. Make sure you stay warm and drink plenty of fluids and try to take in food is the best thing.
Also it is a good idea to stay off work/ school and don't go out to meet people to reduce the risk of spreading it further.

What are "High-Risk Groups"?
People over 65, those who are immuno-suppressed (which can include those with a restrictive ED), diabetics, those with a long-term respiratory (breathing) problems inc asthma, those with a heart problem, those with a neurological condition, children younger than five years old and pregnant women.

How dangerous is it?
Basically compared to influenza viruses seen every year, as a percentage, it hasn't killed as many people and most people recover fully in less than 1-2weeks. 'Flu is more than a cough/ cold, it does put people in bed and often does kill and it's just here people are taking more notice of the numbers; it must be noted that VERY few people have died from the illness and most of these have had pre-existing conditions.

How do you reduce the risk of getting/ Spreading it?
The same as any other cold/ flu, keep your hands clean and wash them before you eat. If you sneeze/ cough cover your nose and mouth preferably with a tissue that then should be binned straight away; if you use your hands wash them ASAP. It is spread easily through droplets in the air so if you sneeze in the same room as someone else then they can catch it if you have the virus in your system.
Also it is advised if you have it not to use public transport as that can increase it's spread.

I've heard it being called a Pandemic; what is this?
This is when a disease spreads quickly around a large area, often several countries/ continents and it is now found in almost every country in the world, spreading so fast as it hadn't been seen before





For now can people keep this bumped