Pandemic Flu: Swine Influenza Virus

Swine flu is common, it often infects people who have been in contact with pigs. There have been cases, where the disease was spread from one person to another. Symptoms include fever, disorientation, stiffness of the joints, vomiting, and loss of consciousness ending in death.

It is now a pandemic flu because as of April 26, 2009, 22 students from New Zealand were suspected to have the flu like symptoms after their trip to Mexico. In Mexico, there are almost 1000 cases of swine flu in humans and more than 80 deaths in connection with these virus. In Southwestern United States and Kansas, there are 11 laboratory confirmed cases and also several suspected cases in New York Metropolitan area. This was confirmed by the World Health Organization. There are also five cases in Canada, three in Nova Scotia.

As of today, classes were suspended or cancelled in most schools in United States due to possible exposure to swine flu.

Here in the Philippines there are no cases yet of this but according to the news, they advised the public to take precautions by always washing hands, avoid crowded places and if there are symptoms of flu consult the doctor immediately.