Swine Flu - Causes, Effects and Treatment
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6 Chapters
30 mins

Swine Flu - Causes, Effects and Treatment

This overview covers how the swine flu virus spreads, its symptoms, diagnostic methods, and key differences from the common cold. It also highlights the risks of variant flu infections from pigs to humans and essential safety precautions to stay protected.
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Course Fee
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£4.00
Swine Flu - Causes, Effects and Treatment
6 Chapters
30 mins
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Mobile friendly
Industry-backed eLearning
1
About The Course

This detailed overview delves into the swine flu virus, its transmission, and prevention strategies. It begins by explaining how pigs can harbor multiple influenza viruses — avian, human, and swine — creating opportunities for an “antigenic shift” that can produce new virus strains. When such a novel influenza virus emerges and spreads easily between people, it can trigger an influenza pandemic, as seen with the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, which affected 74 countries.

The content explores the symptoms of swine flu, diagnostic approaches, and how to distinguish it from the common cold. It also addresses travel and safety considerations to minimize risk. Additionally, it outlines the groups at higher risk of severe complications, such as pneumonia and even death, especially when variant flu viruses cross from pigs to humans in environments like agricultural fairs.

By understanding these critical aspects — from how the virus emerges to how it spreads — individuals and communities can better prepare and protect themselves from swine flu infections.

2
Learning Outcomes
  • Define swine influenza (swine flu) and explain what “variant” influenza viruses are.
  • Explain how variant influenza viruses can be transmitted from pigs to humans.
  • Describe what an influenza pandemic is and how it can develop.
  • Compare the symptoms of influenza with those of a common cold.
  • Summarise the procedures and protocols to minimize the spread of swine flu.
  • Outline the role of vaccines and antiviral medicines in treating influenza.
3
Course Modules
Chapter 1 Virus and Transmission
Chapter 2 Swine Flu Symptoms
Chapter 3 Risk and Exposure
Chapter 4 Cause for Concern
Chapter 5 Cases and Treatment
Chapter 6 Summary
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