Who is at highest risk of swine flu

Most U.S. cases of H1N1 swine flu have been in older children and young adults. It's not clear why, and it's not clear whether this will change.

But certain groups are at particularly high risk of severe disease or bad outcomes if they get the flu:

1. Pregnant women
2. Young children, especially those under 12 months of age
3. Elderly people are at high risk of severe flu disease
4. People with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease
5. People with HIV infection
6. People with chronic diseases
7. People taking immune-suppressing drugs, such as cancer chemotherapy or anti-rejection drugs for transplants.

How does swine flu spread? Is it airborne?

The swine flu virus can become airborne if you cough or sneeze without covering your nose and mouth, sending germs into the air.
The U.S. residents infected with swine flu virus had no direct contact with pigs. The only way to get the new swine flu is from another person.

How is swine flu treated?

The new swine flu virus is sensitive to the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza. The CDC recommends those drugs to prevent or treat swine flu; the drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the start of flu symptoms. But not everyone needs those drugs. Most people who have come down with swine flu have recovered without treatment. The Department of Homeland Security has released 25% of its stockpile of Tamiflu and Relenza to states. Health officials have asked people not to hoard Tamiflu or Relenza.

Is there a vaccine against the new swine flu virus?

No. But the CDC and the World Health Organization are already taking the first steps toward making such a vaccine. That's a lengthy process that takes months.

How can I prevent swine flu infection?

The WHO recommends taking these steps:

1. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Or, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available.
2. Avoid close contact -- that is, being within six feet -- with people who have flu-like symptoms.
3. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. That's not easy to do, so keep those hands clean.
4. If you have flu-like symptoms -- fever plus at least cough or sore throat or other flu symptoms -- stay home for seven days after symptoms begin or until you've been symptom-free for 24 hours -- whichever is longer.
5. The CDC does not recommend using a face mask or respirator in community or home settings. However, the CDC says that people at increased risk of severe flu illness may consider wearing a N-95 respirator or face mask in crowded settings in communities where swine flu is circulating or when taking care of a person with flu-like illness. It's not known whether face masks actually protect against flu transmission.
6. People who have or are suspected of having swine flu should wear a face mask, if available and tolerable, when sharing common spaces with other household members, when outside the home, or when breastfeeding.

How long does the flu virus survive on surfaces?

Flu bugs can survive for hours on surfaces. One study showed that flu viruses can live for up to 48 hours on hard, nonporous surfaces such as stainless steel and for up to 12 hours on cloth and tissues. The virus seems to survive for only minutes on your hands -- but that's plenty of time for you to transfer it to your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Can I still eat pork?

yep.

Thats all for now.