News Swine Flu

Both illnesses are caused by viruses, although different types of viruses.  Colds and the flu (influenza) begin with similar symptoms, a running nose, congestion and cough.  However the flu accelerates quickly and infects the lungs, and has more severe symptoms such as body aches, headache, vomiting and diarrhea.  Most people can tough out a cold and maintain their regular schedules.  That’s not possible for the majority of people who come down with the flu.

The most critical difference is that people die from the flu, 36,000 cases in the United States alone in 2008.  People do not die from the common cold.  The flu can result in pneumonia, respiratory failure and death.

The Swine Flu (H1N1) is a combination of 4 different kinds of flu, a human strain, 2 swine strains and an avian strain. It is a new type of influenza and as of yet there has been no vaccine developed.  If you have been vaccinated against the flu it won’t help against the Swine Flu.  Each virus strain requires its own vaccine to be developed to be effective.  Scientists say they are about 100 days away from developing a vaccine against the Swine Flu ((H1N1).

Colds usually last about a week.  A case of the flu can last from 2 days to 10 days depending on the variety of flu.  The most dangerous influenza virus is the avian flu as it has a fatality rate of over 50%.  The most devastating flu epidemic was in 1917-1920, the Spanish Flu which killed from 20 to 50 million people worldwide.

Uncategorized 1918 flu pandemic, Influenza, Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, Swine Flu, Swine influenza

Viruses are not alive the way a plant or an animal is alive.  They do not consume, excrete waste product, grow, or react to their environment.  They do however reproduce themselves, but only in a host cell.  A specific type of  virus will only reproduce in a  specific type of host cell. There are viruses that affect just about every type of organism.  It may be better to think of viruses as active and de-activated rather than alive or dead.

Viruses are the cause of Swine Flu (H1N1), other types of influenza, ebola, HIV, rabies, herpes, common cold, measles, chicken pox, polio, and more.

Ultraviolet light used in water purifiers and air filters does deactivate or kill viruses.  Ultraviolet light represents the frequency of light between 200 nanometers (nm) and 400 nm.  You can’t see it with the naked eye.  The most effective frequency for killing viruses and bacteria is between 254 nm and 265 nm.

The viruses are deactivated because the light causes genetic damage.  The virus can no longer reproduce itself.  Ultraviolet lights used in home filters need to be wiped off every six months.  Some systems are closed and signal that the bulb needs to be changed.  They use about the same amount of energy as a 40 watt incandescent bulb.

Should you use an air filter that uses ultraviolet light? That depends on how often you’re exposed to people who may be sick, how much the air in your home is circulated, and other factors.   Many modern homes are virtually sealed air systems in the winter when the heat is on or during the summer with air conditioning.  This closed system doesn’t allow the viruses to dissipate but keeps them trapped within your home.

Uncategorized Infectious disease, Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, Swine influenza, Virus

There have been no studies that have shown the Vitamin C prevents the 2009 Swine Flu (H1N1), or any other flu virus, shortens its duration or makes the illness milder.  However, what Vitamin C does do is strengthen the immune system.  Since the immune system is how the body fights off any virus, a strong system makes sense.  Vitamin C boosts the production of white blood cells, antibodies and interferon, all of which are critical to fighting Swine Flu (N1H1) and lots of other illnesses.

Vitamin C is found naturally in many foods such as oranges, lemons, limes, strawberries, and leafy greens. One of the best sources of Vitamin C is kiwi fruit.  One small kiwi fruit has twice the Vitamin C as a medium orange.  Many foods are fortified with Vitamin C, and of course it’s available as a supplement. Since the vitamin is water soluble it is not stored in the body. Any excess over what the body requires for that day is excreted.  However any substance can be toxic if too much is taken at any one time, even water. Drinking copious amounts of water can throw off the electrolyte balance of the body.

How much vitamin C is recommended?  60 mg is the recommended amount to take daily.  However the body’s requirement varies depending on age, activity level, and exposure.  for example people under stress, and smokers, require more. Many people believe that 500 mg is the optimum dosage.  An orange has 70 mg of vitamin.   It would be a challenge to consume 500 mg just through foods.

Uncategorized Influenza, Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, Swine influenza, Vitamin C