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Source: www.saglikpaneli.com
Swine flu, which originates from the A (H1N1) virus, was first seen in Mexico and in the USA and then spread to many other countries. It is a viral disease that causes people to fall ill. The reason it is called “swine flu” is because its virus is similar to flu viruses encountered among pigs. This new virus is described as a combination of human, swine and bird viruses. 
Is swine flu contagious? The virus of swine flu is contagious, spreading from human to human What are the symptoms of swine flu? The symptoms are similar to those of the common flu. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, widespread body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. In some cases they also include vomiting and diarrhea. How does flu spread? Swine flu is believed to spread like seasonal flu. Flu viruses spread from person to person by coughing and sneezing. If a place contaminated by flu viruses is touched and then the mouth or nose is touched, the disease can spread as well. Can swine flu spread from water? Swine flu has not been observed to spread in utility water or pool water. Are there medicines to cure swine flu? Yes. There are medicines that can be used under a doctor’s supervision to cure or prevent swine flu. These medicines should absolutely not be used unless recommended by a doctor or without a prescription. For how long are people who have caught the disease contagious? People are contagious from one day before symptoms begin until 7 days after. Which surfaces are the main sources of contamination? Particles of saliva of a patient can contaminate surfaces such as chairs and tables through coughing and sneezing. If a person touches a surface contaminated by the virus and then touches his or her own mouth, eyes or nose, the virus spreads. How long the virus will remain alive on these surfaces depends on many factors such as temperature, humidity and surface characteristics. One should avoid touching surfaces touched by patients and if they have been touched, hands should be washed. What should be paid attention to in house cleaning and in the cleaning of other objects? In order to prevent the flu virus from spreading, surfaces (tables, door handles, bathroom surfaces, kitchen counters, toys, etc.) need to be cleaned with daily cleaning detergents. In addition to daily cleaning substances, some chemical substances such as chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, iodine antiseptics and alcohol are also very effective. There is no need to wash sheets, laundry, towels and dishes used by the patient separately, but these objects should not be used by others without being washed. Hand contact should be kept to a minimum when sheets are carried and washed. Once the sheets and clothes of the patient have been changed, hands must be washed with soap and water. Dishes used by the patient should be washed in the dishwasher or by hand, using dishwashing detergent. What should I do if I fall ill? If within 7 days of contact with a person thought to have swine flu you feel the above listed symptoms, call 112, do not leave home and wait for medical teams to reach you. What are the symptoms that require emergency treatment in adults? Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, frequent and long-lasting bouts of vomiting. What are the symptoms that require emergency treatment in children? Rapid breathing, difficulty in breathing, paleness or darkening of skin color, inability to eat, slower response time to stimuli and tendency to fall asleep, fever accompanied by rashes.
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Swine-flu | H1N1 | contagious | symptoms | PROTECTION | FLU | contamination |