As Swine Flu finds its way to African countries, more cases are being reported and in various parts of Kenya alerting the Ministry of health that it is time to act. Awareness of Swine Influenza should reach everyone even to the most illiterate to avoid cases of severity or death.

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Get to know what this monster (swine flu) is!

[tag-tec]Swine flu[/tag-tec] also called swine influenza is an infection by a type of a virus commonly found in pigs. It could be a type C or a type A, with H1N1 (now a pandemic), H1N2 and H1N3 all type A’s being the most common. H1N1 is now an alert by the World Health Organization as a global outbreak, baptized as the 2009 flu pandemic, where the first case was reported in April 2009 in Mexico. The pandemic started branching out to other states including Africa. Now evident in Kenya are cases of a number of schools already fighting the swine flu pandemic.

The Transmission!

Swine flu spreads from one person to the other when they sneeze, cough (airborne) or handle already contaminated objects or people and then touch their noses or mouths (contact). According to CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/key_facts.htm) people can not get swine flu by eating pork, but cooking the pork well will save you the headache.

How do you know you have Swine Flu?

Symptoms of swine flu last about a weak after transmission (contact with the virus) before manifestation. Just like the common flu (seasonal flu) symptoms include pain in the joints, low energy, headaches, coughing, sore throat, and fever among others. It can be very severe if someone has a weak immunity or have serious diseases like diabetes. If you realize you have such symptoms please rush to your doctor, or health center for testing.

So, what are the Prevention / Protection Measures?

Definitely as you read on the common symptoms, the prevention/protection measures are self explanatory as it is just like the seasonal flu. The only thing you need to understand is that, since there is no vaccine out yet, it is good to take it very serious and follow the guidelines as advised by most health personnel and hospitals. Prevention is better than cure and just like the transmission sounds, doing what can protect you and others is the best step to take. If you are already infected, the best thing to do is to stay indoors and avoid going to overcrowded places like the workplace, schools, hospitals etc. When sneezing and there is another person with you remember always to cover your nose and mouth with a clean cloth (handkerchief).

If you feel you are healthy, it is good but do not ignore that the swine flu could be with your neighbour. Make sure you wash your hands more often, chances are that public surfaces that you come into contact with could contain the virus.

It is advisable to keep a distance from sick people who are sneezing and coughing to avoid breathing the contaminated air. Also consider saying hi without really shaking hands, kissing or hugging (body contact) especially at this period of swine flu pandemic. Keep informed too of the developments of swine flu control as this will help you plan ahead, for example when there is likely to have a vaccine available.

Swine flu control in Kenya.

As other countries struggle through with the swine flu pandemic, Kenya is not left out. A case of 20yr old British student, who spread the virus to a girlfriend, gave way for fellow students to the girlfriend which paved its way to the country. The cases were later reported in various schools including Kenya high school, sacred heart boy’s high school, St. Joseph Seminary and kiboron Secondary School in Nakuru.

With the few cases, no negativity has resulted in bases of death, meaning Kenya is able to control the pandemic. Quarantine is one of the many options being used. The school headmasters and ministry of health officials met to discuss the way forward and a need arose for all the head of schools to be sensitized on how to spot and manage swine flu just in case it arises. Currently the school movements have been banned involving students going home for half terms or undertaking events that make them meet socially like sports, drama festivals and others.

Swine flu can be very severe and can cause death if not distinguished early and acted upon. It is important to be aware of this and take action when it is needed.