Recent advancements in Swine Flu Treatment

SWINE FLU

Harish Kumar Arora

PhD Research Scholar

What is swine flu?• Swine flu is a respiratory

disease of pigs caused by influenza A viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.

• Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person, but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained beyond three people.

Structure of swine flu (influenza A) virus“Quadruple reassortant" virus.

Strains of influenza A virus• H1N1 Swine flu H-Heamaggultinin

N-Neuraminidase• H1N2, H1N3…….H1N8

• H2N1, H2N2…….H2N8 Common flu• H3N1, H3N2…….H3N8

• H4N1, H4N2…….H4N8

• H5N1, H5N2…….H5N8 Bird flu• …………………………

• H10N1…………...H10N8

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?• Fever• Cough• Sore throat• Body aches• Headache• Chills• Fatigue• Diarrhea• Vomiting.• Lack of appetite

Warning signs that need urgent medical attention • Fast breathing

• Difficulty breathing

• Bluish skin color

• Fever with a rash

• Vomiting

• Dizziness & confusion

• Pain in chest & abdomen

How does swine flu spread?

• Same way that seasonal flu spreads.

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Touching something with live flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

How long can viruses live outside the body?• Some viruses & bacteria can live 2 hours

or longer on surfaces like cafeteria

tables, doorknobs and desks.

• Frequent hand washing will help you

reduce the chance of getting

contamination from these

common surfaces.

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or N95 mask when you cough or sneeze.

• Wash your hands often with soap.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can spread this way.

• Avoid close contact with sick people.

What is the best technique for washing my hands.• Wash with soap water.

• Alcohol-based cleaners.

• Gel sanitizers may be used.

If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work, the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.

How are human infections with swine influenza diagnosed?• A respiratory specimen would

generally need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness.

• Children may shed virus for 10 days or longer.

• Sending the specimen to a hospital laboratory for testing.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

• The US CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir

(Relenza) • Tamiflu sales for 2009 were $3.1 billion and

Relenza had sales of $1.1 billion.• FDA has approved Peramivir iv recently.

Is there a vaccine for Pandemic Flu?

• Because the virus is new, there will be no vaccine ready to protect against pandemic flu.

• Vaccine against Swine Flu virus H1N1 needs at least 6-12 months to be produced.

• Seasonal flu vaccine or past flu immunization will not provide protection.

‘Made in India’ H1N1 vaccine

• Swine flu vaccine in India was launched

by Health minister Gulam Nabi Azad. • Given by I/M or intranasal route.• Vaccines manufactured by• Zydus Cadila• Serum institute of india• Panacea biotech• Bharat biotech

INDUSTRIES & RESPECTIVE VACCINES•

References

• www.cdc.gov• www.albinipharmacy.com• www.treatbacteria.com• www.healthnews18.com• www.google.com/images• www.flu-n95masks.com• www.cadilapharma.com