INFORMATION YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SWINE FLU

What Is Swine Flu? Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Pigs can be infected by avian influenza and human influenza viruses as well as swine influnza viruses. When influenza viruses from different species infect pigs, the viruses can reassort, or swap genes, and new viruses that are a mixture of swine, human and/or avian influenza can emerge. Over the years variations of swine flu have emerged. At this time, there are four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs. They are H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1. However, the most recent isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses. This is not the same as the human H1N1 viruses, and vaccines for the human seasonal flu will not provide any protection from H1N1 swine flu viruses.

How Is It Spread? First, human infections with swine flu occur in persons with direct exposure to pigs. The virus can then spread from person-to-person in the same way as the seasonal flu. Many people become infected by person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing, or by touching something with the flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. More recent illnesses (and the reported death of one individual in Texas) suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S.

Steps Your Can Take To Help Prevent Infection It is very important to emphasize the importance of washing hands frequently throughout the day. Also, It is key to stay in good health. Get plenty of sleep, be aware of your stress level, stay physically active, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious foods. All of these are factors of a healthy immune system. When considering a healthy diet remember to avoid foods that contain high levels of sugar, highly refined carbohydrates, starch vegetables, and all highly processed vegetable oils such as corn, canola, and soy. Obviously, you should avoid hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils. Optimum immune function should be priority. Consider the following protocol to help maintain a healthy immune system: Bio-Immunozyme Forte™, NAC, Ultra Vir-X™, and Bio-FCTS™ Each should be taken 1 tablet/capsule, 3 times per day. Vitamin D is also important in maintaining a healthy immune system. If you or your patients are not already taking Bio-D-Mulsion Forte®, you should consider starting now. It is recommended to get 4000 IU of vitamin D per day. That is just 2 drops of Bio-D-Mulsion Forte® each day! Good digestion is also very supportive in optimal immune function. To maintain good bowel flora consider BioDoph-7 Plus® (2 to 3 capsules 2 times per day) and as a form of hydrochloric acid support and enzymes, take Hydro-Zyme™ (2 to 3 tablets per meal).

Signs and symptoms of swine flu include but are not limited to: fever cough sore throat body aches headache chills vomiting diarrhea lack of appetite lethargy These symptoms are the same as human influenza viruses. To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen would need to be collected and sent to CDC for laboratory testing. For more interim guidance for clinicians and public health professionals please visit: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention