What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease found in pigs. It is caused by one of the swine influenza A viruses. Swine flu results in high morbidity and low mortality of about 1-4%. Amongst the pigs themselves, the virus spreads through aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and through asymptomatic carrier pigs. Although the pigs are prone to regular infections, incidences increase in the fall and winter months in the temperate zones. Therefore, pigs are routinely vaccinated against swine influenza in many countries.

Swine influenza viruses though commonly belong to the H1N1 subtype, other subtypes like H1N2, H3N1, H3N2 are also known to be circulating in pigs. Pigs, on the other hand, are more susceptible to being infected with avian influenza viruses, human seasonal influenza viruses and swine influenza viruses, allowing the genes from the viruses to mix and result in an influenza virus containing genes from a number of sources; this is called a “reassortant” virus. Although swine influenza viruses are species specific, they can in extreme conditions make a crossover to cause disease in humans.

How is swine flu diagnosed?

When a person is under the weather, many symptoms may be present. However, symptoms of swine flu are very similar to normal cold and flu symptoms, and may include:

• Headache
• Fever
• Cough
• Appetite loss
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Fatigue, appetite loss and diarrhea can be dangerous. If the symptoms are persistent, it becomes imperative that you see a doctor. In order to diagnose your illness, the doctor may order:

• Chest x-rays
• Respiratory specimen
• Blood work

To diagnose swine influenza A infection, a respiratory specimen must be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of the onset of the illness as this is the time when the infected person is most likely to be shedding virus; however, children especially, may be shedding the virus for 7 days or longer. In order to identify the swine influenza A virus, the specimen must be sent to the CDC for laboratory testing. Only RT-PCR or viral culture has the potential to confirm infection with swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus. The test performance of rapid antigen tests and immunofluorescence tests for detection of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus is unknown. Persons who are suspected of having swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus and who test positive for the same using one of these tests should then have confirmatory RT-PCR or viral culture testing to confirm the presence of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus. A negative rapid antigen or immunofluorescence test cannot be used to rule out swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. The results of this test from nasopharyngeal or nasal swab, along with other information, will in all probability help your doctor take better care of you. Knowing the test results will help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

The Swine Influenza Test Kit is a sensitive test to detect the swine flu virus; however, the FDA has not cleared or approved this test. But it has been agreed by the FDA has agreed that this test can be used under an Emergency Use Authorization.

How is swine flu different from bird flu?

The swine flu and the bird flu viruses do not have a twin-like similarity but are however quite similar. The virus that causes bird flu in humans first mutated from a virus that birds had so that it could then be passed on to humans; once established, it now passes from human to human contact. Same is the case with swine flu. It started among pigs as a virus but then soon mutated to spread to humans. Viruses have the ability to replicate rapidly; these viruses are able to mutate very quickly thereby creating new strains that then move on to multiply in other areas and susceptible hosts. Avian flu so far has found it difficult to infect humans unless they were exposed to birds intensely. This is because the virus has not mutated in a way that makes it transmissible by one human to another. However, the swine flu virus has genetic origins from both pigs and birds. The biggest difference here is that the swine flu virus has mutated to an extent where it can readily be transmitted on human to human contact.

What drugs are available to treat swine flu and bird flu?

Antiviral treatment is normally the first line of treatment for the confirmed, probable or suspected cases of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection, prioritizing treatment of hospitalized patients and patients with high risk for complications. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with actively works against influenza viruses, including the swine influenza virus. Antiviral drugs are generally used to treat swine flu or to prevent infection with swine flu viruses. These medications are prescribed by a health care professional.

As of today, four influenza antiviral drugs are approved for use in the United States. They are:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• Zanamivir (Relenza)
• Amantadine
• Rimantadine (Flumadine)

Laboratory testing conducted on the swine influenza A (H1N1) viruses so far has indicated that the viruses are susceptible (sensitive) to oseltamivir and zanamivir. Antiviral drugs can make the illness milder as well prevent serious influenza complications. However, these antiviral drugs work best when they are started within two days of the onset of the illness. Antiviral drugs can also be used as a preventive measure to protect a person who has been or may be near a person with swine flu. Antiviral drugs are about 70% to 90% effective in preventing the flu.

Antiviral doses recommended for treatment of swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in adults or children 1 year of age or older are the same as those recommended for seasonal influenza. Oseltamivir use in children less than 1 year of age was recently approved by the U.S. FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

Moreover, there are vaccines available that can be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza from spreading. Nonetheless, there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu yet. It is believed that the seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.

Hayden Eck
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/swine-flu-is-a-very-real-threat-to-the-world-only-urgent-measures-can-help-contain-it-994001.html

Have you felt vaginal pimples on the inside of your vagina or spotted them on the outside. Are you concerned over this, if so, then you shouldn`t be unless you`re sure that it is pimples you feel and see, as it could be nothing more than a regular vaginal rash. A vaginal rash can occur from a material allergy or from tightness of genital covering. Nevertheless if your 100% certain it is not a vaginal rash then have it checked out by your doctor.

First let us settle your nerves and clarify that vaginal pimples are not life threatening and neither are genital warts; however, if your concern is connected to an untreated.STD then health complications can rise. You are not alone in your suffering. Wherever there are pores on the body you can get pimples. Vaginal pimples are usually caused by a blocked infected sebaceous gland or from an ingrown hair. Primary section of the body for pimples is the face.

Genital acne is easily confused with particular sexually transmitted infections due to similarity in symptoms, and, is “not” alike to ones on the face; but treatment is pretty much the same. This is not thumbs up to use face cream on vaginal acne.

Most common causes recognized for vaginal pimples:

Bacteria in the pores

Lively sebaceous glands

Hormonal swings

Tight underwear garments or other

We see vaginal pimples affect teenage girls more at the time of puberty. They are easily removed with proper treatment. When we speak proper treatment it means we have to ascertain that there is no mix up between genital warts/herpes and vaginal pimples. Aside from the treatment you might have been prescribed by your GP or suggested by your pharmacist, there are other ways for stabilizing the condition.

Moist and sweaty body spots are most favorable for bacteria to grow their colonies. Water and soap is all you need for vaginal freshness. Prescriptive medication comes mainly in oral form (Tetracycline, erythromycin or tretinoin.) Birth control pills are another method, as they regulate unbalanced hormones. Wear loose clothing round the genitals, “tight is not right,” and neither is it healthy. Change you`re washing powder in case you`re allergic to harsh ingredients contained in the substance.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by a type of human papilloma virus found on genital skin which shows up as white/pink smooth bumps, or lumps shaped like cauliflower florets. We have over 100 recognized different subtypes of HPV, and around thirty of them directly affect the vaginal area. Even though a person is infected with HPV they may not see actual warts because; their particular infection might be a strain that does not create warts resulting in being asymptomatic, even though the virus remains. Genital warts form on the vulva, inside the vagina, and on the cervix which can cause bleeding. It is uncommon to see a change in vaginal discharge, however not to be ruled out. Anything is possible with any condition. Genital warts can bring itch but best not scratched if possible – and are normally painless. Genital warts can be suffered without the human eye ever seeing them. If this is the case then how can a doctor possibly treat what he/she cannot see? Simple, your GP will apply a vinegary solution in the location of the suspected warts which will then whiten the area and the warts then become visible.

What is Herpes simplex and if what I have heard is right, does it only affect the mouth. First, no matter what you hear it should never be taken for a diagnosis to whatever problem you have. People mean well when they share their experiences with you, but, it really is dangerous to take heed of what they have to share. It is a medical expert that you need listen to. Herpes simplex is a viral infection what affects both the face and genitals. Character symptoms appear as cold sores on the mouth. Either of two viruses can cause the infection i.e. herpes simplex virus type 1 or herpes simplex virus type 2. Type

1 is the familiar sort for cold sores or fever blisters, and type 2 the major of the two, is behind genital herpes. Although both lookalike they however differ in other ways. Tell tale signs of difference show up in the proteins on the outside of the viruses. Symptoms of herpes vary in each individual. Genital herpes are blister type sores and because of this they are easily mistaken for vaginal pimples. Herpes is not known for any unfamiliarity in vaginal discharge. Having genital warts can be emotionally upsetting and traumatic for the patient. Quite alarmingly this infection is with you for life, yes that’s right, it never goes away. Even after treatment it continues to sleep in the nerves. Time and time again we are asked Is genital warts common, well figures show that about 500,000 US citizens are diagnosed with herpes annually, and over 50 million cases currently are estimated to exist in either the active or dormant stage, so I would say far from uncommon. Genital herpes is usually transmitted by sexual intercourse. Although this is a medical pointer it does not mean refrain from sexual activity and turn celibate, it just means be extra careful when you do couple. Unprotected sex is the chief problem why we have so many vaginal concerns. Herpes simplex occurs through contact with infected secretions or mucosal surfaces. The main issue that people confuse themselves over is the actual catching of the disease. Some useful facts for you on genital herpes that will enlighten you on the matter and ease your worries.

Transmission is caused by oral, anal, or genital contact including – sexual intercourse and scarily kissing, or direct skin-to-skin contact which permits transfer of bodily fluids.

The infection is considered contagious if i.e. active sores and healing lesions are still present on a patient. Herpes is still contagious when no symptoms show, so be weary, whether with, or without noticeable signs.

Each individual differs and with some – they may not get the usual blister-like sores but still harbor active virus in their saliva, vaginal, or penile secretions, These people unfortunately unknown to themselves can shed the virus without any knowledge of having herpes.

Herpes wounds can happen inside the vagina where they cannot be seen or felt, but still unsafe, as it doesn`t alter virus transmission from occurring.

Oral herpes can be transmitted to the genitals, and vice versa.

Auto-inoculation - An infected individual can spread the virus to other body parts by touching the shedding virus and then touching, scratching, or rubbing other vulnerable body parts.

As this is a much contagious infection it is imperative to use your own personal bathroom wash and dry items. Towels are particularly favorable for spreading herpes.

Vaginal pimples can at times be painful and sting, however if treated early before the pimples mass will lessen treatment time and rid discomfort. See your doctor to be on the safe side in case the pimples become severe and develop into abscesses. Poor hygiene can encourage vaginal pimples. Use warm water to treat - but soaking with a hot compress is more preferred as an ideal solution for soothing. The hot compress will help reduce inflammation and irritation. Aside from thorough cleansing, bacterial infection is a known fundamental cause of vaginal pimples.

Swollen hair follicles could be your problem. Hair follicles on your genitals, for example, can clog and form pimples just as they do on your face-maybe even more so, given the extra chafing and sweating down there. People ask do you pop a pimple on your genitals the same way you pop a pimple on your chin. You shouldn`t squeeze a pimple full stop. Warts must be treated by a physician before they spread.

Contact dermatitis can be the cause of genital rashes it is said, Latex condoms are a little more obscure source of contact dermatitis, but they can goad a itchy red rash. If your consider using another type condom then remember only latex offers the best protection from the virus that causes AIDS.

Kacy Carr
http://www.articlesbase.com/women’s-health-articles/how-to-treat-genital-herpes-are-vaginal-pimples-more-painful-than-genital-warts-718752.html

A few years back, a friend told me about a website that had the different options for Virus Protection. These options were free and were rated by other people. I used this site before and it was great but I forgot it.

http://www.consumersearch.com/antivirus-software/reviews

Thats a pretty good one. I’ll tell you right now that nothing beats Microsoft Security Essentials. Its 100% free and it works better than anything out there. I work at a computer repair shop and once we put this software on a clients machine, they never come back in for a virus problem.

When we begin our computer journey and jump aboard the internet we are told we need to buy anti-virus security software. Often a trial program will be packaged with your new computer that is set to expire a short time later. Then the program will ask for payment to keep you protected. The most common two programs that come preinstalled on new computers are: Norton and McAfee. While both of these programs are well respected by many users they are also quite pricey.

There is no doubt that you need antivirus software on your computer, but there are some effective products out there completely free that compare to those high priced programs. Yes, you read that right. Free antivirus software products that are just as superior as the expensive well known brands.

As the internet evolves and so will the types of threats. There are now more problems and ways to infect your computer than ever. This is a trend likely to continue. Our job as an internet user is to become familiar with common threat types and keep our computer systems protected from them.

There are many types of security issues. These problems can come in many flavors and change rapidly so including them in this editorial would prove pointless. In a short time from now the threats could be much different than they are today. Trying to keep up with those details would be a full time job. Not to worry, we do not need to be security experts to stay safe.

There are some common wide based categories that most threats fall under. Knowing this we can learn how to protect ourselves from each category rather than each threat individually. The most common areas that need to be addresses are as follows:

Microsoft vulnerabilities

These are exploits to the code inside your Windows, IE browser and Office products. The way to keep these risks to a minimum is by keeping your Windows up to date using the Windows update service. I keep my Windows updates on automatic and they are downloaded and installed as released. This is free to Windows owners and can be found in your control panel.

Viruses

These come in many types. From worms to trojans they can cause huge problems on the users system. This is where free antivirus software can keep you protected. At the time of this writing, AVG, AVIRA and AVAST are three of the top place award winners for free antivirus software. I have used all three and settled with Avast as my protection software of choice. I also trust it enough to install it on the computers I assemble for clients.

Spyware and Malware

Items that fall into this category can vary from - chaotic as viruses or simple tracking cookies from an advertiser wanting to see where you came from or where you left to. These buggers can sneak in from website graphics and invisible code often with no warning at all. While Avast is one of the better anti-virus programs to also guard from spyware, it is not truly the software’s purpose.

Again there are free choices for spyware protection that work just as well as the high priced alternatives! One feature that is harder to get in the free spyware software is “real time protection”. I use Spyware Terminator which does offer real time protection and seems to be doing a great job on my Vista work machine. You can do a search for “free spyware protection” and look for review sites that evaluate several different programs available to choose from.

A frequent trick used by many *not so nice* software companies is to force a pop up that looks like a System Message announcing the user’s computer is infected by a virus. The box offers only one button, a link to remove the infection. This is actually a link that leads the clicker to a website that cleverly requests payment to solve the problem. Many times there is no virus other than the one asking you to pay to remove it!

With all these free protection tools available for personal use it is frustrating to see so many people who are lead to believe that they must pay for safety. We may not be able to stop viruses and other malicious codes on the internet but we can do our part to protect ourselves and thanks to a few great companies out there, we can do it for free.

Dawn M Wentworth
http://www.articlesbase.com/security-articles/you-do-not-have-to-pay-for-antivirus-protection-670958.html

A free scan is available to detect current threats to your system, as well as a free thirty day trial to determine if Ad ware plus is the right anti virus and anti spy ware system for your personal needs. Ad ware Tool is free that is installed with your permission and can be in a form of a small tool that helps you remember all the details for online forms. An effective Virus Protection program can ensure the longevity of your computer network by helping to keep it free from dangerous viruses that can threaten your information. At freeware download websites, you can take advantage freeware. Depending on your budget you have one of two options when it comes to getting a technician to help you or software issues and these are free solutions or paid solutions. For more details go to www.page-brand-generator.com .Get Free Protection for Your Computer Subscribers, the top rated security program for free. If you have a digital camera, all you have to do is upload your video, edit it using the free Movie Maker on your Windows operating system and upload it to Google Video. If you want to get rid of the spy ware or ad ware, you can download spy ware removal program for free. Indeed you would not expect your local school or technical college and training free of charge. Linux is complex and will force you to learn the Linux command line, not true simple as that. Internet cleaner software will make sure that operating systems are kept clean and free from the reach of hackers. It is a free and open source tool.

It is possible for anyone to get satellite TV for free via a computer using proprietary PC satellite TV software. Keep in mind that this is exactly the point: your anti virus will keep you from having any problems and you will be able to get back to work or to play hassle free. Linux is an operating system that remains one of the most common examples of free software. Make sure the company offers a free trial so you can test it before you make the purchase. Many free downloaded sites contain a wide variety of applications system maintenance and security also. Media Viewing for Your Free Movie Downloads Most download sites will utilize a version of media programs equipped with when you purchased it. Nearly everyone has the free Adobe Reader.

Nevertheless, until you have chosen the right software for you to buy and install, any free Internet security software you may get hold will ensure a temporary comfortable level of security for your computer resources. On the one hand the Micro Channel developers were free to initiate new radical changes in development and hardware which would have allowed for major new useful features. Online games that are free use flash or java that require you to have additional downloads and installed in order to play. Other keyword tools like Word tracker or Good Keywords and might require you to download for free or with minimal pay. Remember not all sites that offer free programs are sites that spy ware will infect your PC. For more details go to www.scripts-to-sell.com .So as you can see anti virus is an essential thing to have if you want to keep your computer healthy and free from viruses. So first thing you need to do is find yourself respectable programs get it, use the free 30 day trial period and scan your PC immediately. .So that by trying out the free trail version, you will have the chance to find out how user friendly it is, and also find out how your PC interacts. Some discounts are received in the form of free shipping or no tax discounts because of their non profit status. Some people base their home businesses on freelance writing, in which they can use their writing programs to write, and even send the finished product to the client using email. Spy ware gets into your computer due to due to something you have done, like clicking a button on a pop up window, or installing free games programs.

SONU SHARMA
http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/a-helpful-virus-protection-program-free-software-for-your-computer-674041.html

Viruses, spyware and adware are all over and we hear lots and lots about them and their adverse side effects. Viruses, spyware and adware can all cause a computer to run slower or even worse of all, crash. It is important to know what protection and virus removal is available since a virus can be a computer nightmare.

New viruses are constantly being introduced into the world of technology and we have to be aware of them. It is sometimes frustrating at the number of viruses that are circulating through the internet communities. Most viruses however are picked up through email. Everyone needs to be conscious of what they are receiving and whom they are receiving it from.

It is always smart to make sure you check all documents for viruses before opening them, especially when they are coming from an unknown source. The scary part is you could also very easily obtain a virus from an attachment sent from an acquaintance. There are some hackers that have figured out how to send email that appear to be from people you know, so it is important to check all attachments before opening or downloading them onto your computer.

There are improved and even new software applications to help with protection against viruses and to assist with virus removal. The technological industry has also developed software geared solely toward spyware and adware. These two viruses can cause serious problems to any computer or network if they become infected.

There are some viruses that can be removed, while others are fatal. Most people fear having their computers become infected with any for of virus and have recently started taking steps to prevent viruses from inhabiting their systems.

Many computers now come with trial versions of virus software and users can try it out and see if they like it and purchase a full version if satisfied. There are some internet providers that offer virus protection and virus removal to their clients free of charge. If you do not have any form of virus protection, then these free Virus Protection programs are perfect. They scan emails and even websites for viruses; some of them will also scan your computer for viruses.

Computers are a part of our everyday lives and also a big part of the business world today. Computers make our lives easier and assist companies in production and productivity. A small virus could bring this world crashing down before us, so it is imperative to be abreast of any new viruses that are affecting the technology world. Making sure that all definitions are current with any virus protection software is just part of how to avoid disaster.

A virus may sound like something small and simple but this small, simple little bug can wreak havoc on computers and networks. Be smart and make sure your system is covered with some type of virus protection application. Another way to limit infection is to make sure you scan any attachments or downloads before allowing them to run on your computer. Just because you are receiving something from a trusted source, it does still have the capability of being infected. Take precautions and avoid the potentially fatal outcome that viruses can cause.

Adriana N

I have an older dell computer and I have re-formatted everything on it but I don’t have any Virus Protection anymore. I don’t want to spend $50 just for virus protection and I know a lot of providers have free downloads but they hardly help with much of anything. Are there any trusted softwares out there for virus protection?

i’m using Avast! Free Antivirus 5.0. The new version has been released on their website. It s a freeware. You can register yourself on the avast website to recive the registration key . They provide timely updates (small in size, ie. In kb’s. Which s usefull for people with limited internet plans ). It s fully legal n it generates a virus recovery database to report avast about the new viruses .
To detect n delete malwares on your comp use malware bytes . Another free software . N a powerfull tool to clean your comp of malwares. I use these softwares myself .
http://malware-virus-spyware-remover-tools.blogspot.com/

What is the best virus protection if you already have viruses?
I have quite a few viruses on my computer, one scan said 112, and about 50 some spyware. I am using the free AOL virus protection and it is awful. I’m looking for the best Virus Protection to remove the exsisting viruses and help protect my computer from others. I would prefer an all-in-one program, with virus protection, spy-ware, ad-ware, all of that. It doesn’t have to be free. Any good ones out there?

antivirus tips and antivirus download:
http://best-computer-antivirus.cn

I have the latest version of Kaspersky Virus Protection. Does that include a firewall? If I have both of these things and do regular virus scans can I figure out if a file is malware or spyware?

no limewire is never safe, use frostwire, no viruses at all period, and it has a chatroom. also its free and takes up much less memory

Do I need to uninstall the Norton free trial Virus Protection to install mcafee?
My college just posted the new windows 7 compatible mcafee anti-virus. I have the free trial norton on my computer now. Do I need to uninstall the norton or will mcafee automatically detect and get rid of the norton during installation? Thanks.

antivirus tips and antivirus download:
http://merakit-komputer.com
http://merakit-komputer.com