Swine flu? We answer the questions real kids want to know most.
How Did Swine Flu Start?
Swine flu started in Mexico when a virus in pigs infected a person. It’s thought that two different types of viruses combined together in the pigs to create something that didn’t exist before now – that’s why the epidemic is only breaking out now. This sort of thing happens all the time in nature when different viruses combine together, and sometimes the new virus can infect people, but most times it doesn't.
What Causes Swine Flu?
Swine flu.”
What Are The Signs Of Swine Flu? How Can You Avoid It?
Swine flu – by washing your hands plenty of times each day with soap and water and not touching your face.
Can You Get Swine Flu If You Haven't Been To Mexico?
So far most of the people who have got swine flu caught it while they were on holiday in Mexico because there is a lot of the virus there right now. In time, as the virus spreads, people in different countries could start catching it from each other, but there is only a very small chance of that.
Why Is It So Difficult To Contain The Outbreak Of The Flu?
The flu is spread between people through the air. Because we all share the same air that we breathe, it can spread quite easily. Also, because sometimes people who have the virus don't feel very sick until a few days after they catch it, they can it on to other people without knowing.
If We Do Get It How Easy Is It To Rid Of?
When you get infected with the flu virus, it only stays in your body for a few days before your own immune system fights off the virus and kills it. The hard part is that during that time you might have ed it on to the next person – that’s how the virus survives, by going from person to person.
Why Isn’t There A Vaccination For It? What If You’ve Had a Regular Flu Shot – Are You Safe?
It isn’t believed that the normal flu vaccine will work against this particular strain of the virus because it does not look exactly like what has been going around in people up until now. A special vaccine needs to be made for this virus, and work has started on that already. It might take a few months but should be ready before the fall when we really need it.
Is It Safe To Travel By Plane During This Outbreak? What Can We Do To Protect Ourselves While Traveling?
It is safe to travel on planes. But just like everywhere else you can help protect yourself against catching the virus in a crowded place by washing your hands with soap and water a lot and not touching your face too much. If you find yourself coughing or sneezing, be sure to do it into a tissue and then throw the tissue away.
How Many People Are Expected To Get Swine Flu?
It’s hard to say right now. Even if the virus does spread, most people will only have mild symptoms – like having a cold – or not even know they’ve been infected at all. Only a tiny proportion of people who get swine flu will be much different.
If The Swine Flu Gets Out Of Hand, Will Everyone Be Vaccinated?
Giving people a vaccine against a virus like flu will be made. Once that happens people will be asked whether they want the vaccine, and giving it out in schools might be one way to get it to kids quickly.
Swine Flu Is A Pandemic On Level 5 – Does This Mean It Will Kill A Lot Of People?
The pandemic alert level 5 means that the World Health Organization thinks it’s quite likely that this virus will spread around the world and affect a lot of different countries. But most people will only have a mild cold if they catch the virus and only a tiny proportion of them will get or feel any sicker than that.
If I Feel Sick Now Does It Means I Have The Swine Flu?
Right now the only people that have swine flu. If you’re really worried or feeling really sick, you should, of course, tell your mom or dad or go see your doctor to ask what you can do to get better more quickly.
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