We are today (more and more|more} at risk from various mutations of the flu virus. initially we had alarms over the bird flu virus, but more recently swine flu has become the latest concern. Swine flu is more serious than bird flu was. It was feared that bird flu could change into a strain that could effect humans, apart from a handful of cases, this situation did not materialize. Swine flu is a larger concern, swine flu has the ability to spread between humans making swine flu a dangerous threat.

Swine flu, or to be more correct influenza A (H1N1), is a disease that effects pigs and is the result of a flu virus. Swine flu outbreaks in pigs is not uncommon and is rarely fatal. In the past, swine flu has not normally infected humans, although it can occasionally happen.

Swine flu is very dangerous as it is a new strain of the flu virus. This means that no one has been exposed to this particular strain previously, therefore no one has built up any immunity to this flu strain. It is our inbuilt immunity that stops diseases from becoming life threatening, with no immunity to this strain of the virus we are in serious danger from the virus. Absolutely everyone is vulnerable, including healthy adults and teenagers as well as young children and the elderly.

The real worry is what occurs when winter arrives. This is the period when the flu virus may spread quickly causing widespread illness with the possibility of over half of the population being affected.

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu. These include a sudden,sudden onset of fever, cough, shortness of breath. Other symptoms can include headaches, sore throat, aching muscles, chills, sneezing, runny nose, loss of appetite and tiredness.

Precautions First, anyone with cold or flu symptoms should to take a few simple, but most important precautions. The flu virus is passed between humans from the small droplets from the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. This is the way viruses such as swine flu are passed from person to person. Covering your face with your hands when you cough or sneeze isn’t enough. The germs simply sit on your hands, then everything you touch afterwards becomes contaminated. Anyone touching the same place as you will pick up the germs and then risks becoming infected themselves. Always use a handkerchief or a tissue. A tissue is far better, this should be disposed of safely as soon as possible, try to use a fresh tissue if you sneeze or cough again.

At the moment there are no vaccinations to prevent anyone catching the swine flu virus. Swine flu is a new strain of virus and isn’t the same as ordinary flu. Therefore the annual vaccination against the usual seasonal flu isn’t effective against the swine flu virus. Once the strain of flu causing swine flu is identified, it will then take many months to produce. By this time, it may well have mutated into a different strain again.

Currently the only effective precaution against the swine flu virus is Tamiflu. Tamiflu is not guaranteed to prevent flu, but when a person has been exposed to another person who is carrying the flu virus, it can help to stop the virus making a person sick. If Tamiflu is taken within two days of developing flu, it can help stop the virus spreading throughout the body, thereby reducing the symptoms and associated risk. Governments are stocking up on Tamiflu, but these supplies will naturally be used to treat key workers and individuals before the general population.

You can however buy Tamiflu online, so if the situation occurs you can treat yourself and your family. It cannot be emphasized strongly enough, Tamiflu has to be taken as early as possible to be effective, any delays in treating the flu virus will greatly reduce the effectiveness of Tamiflu. If you think you may be at a increased risk because of your situation, such as For example living in a busy city with a large population or working in a busy office, then it may be wise to buy Tamiflu before the winter flu season begins. If you happen live in the country and do not have a close contact with many people then you will be at a lower risk.

Also, remember that swine flu is a global problem. If a pandemic outbreak becomes global it is possible that supplies of Tamiflu may be diminished and may not be enough to meet a huge worldwide demand.

Until a vaccine is found and produced in the large quantities required, Tamiflu is the most effective treatment for the swine flu virus.

Disclaimer: This post is based on information that is freely available in the popular media and medical journals concerned with swine flu. Nothing in this post is meant to be or should be taken to be medical advice. For medical advice you are advised to consult your healthcare worker.