Swine Flu

Thousands of people around the world have died of swine flu. Swine flu is a new type of influenza. It is a virus that can travel through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. The first cases of swine flu were in Mexico in April 2009. Not long after that, swine flu infections spread to other countries. Governments had to shut down schools where swine flu cases were reported. People started to use masks on their faces and there were telephone hotlines that anyone could call to get information on swine flu. In Australia the swine flu hotline phone number is 180 2007. More than 360 people have died in England from swine flu so far.
People who suffer from swine flu normally have high temperatures (over 38°C), muscle aches, sore throats or a dry cough. Most people become healthy again within one week. Some people only needed to take a painkiller and rest in bed and let their bodies fight the infection. They were also asked to drink plenty of fluids and stop smoking immediately. Others had to take a type of medicine called Tamiflu because they were at risk. Swine flu can cause death to people who suffer from asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or those who are diabetic. Tamiflu is an expensive medicine but it was given for free to anyone who suffered from swine flu in Australia.
A swine flu vaccine program started to protect people in most countries around the world. Some people who had a weak immune system like the aboriginals in Australia needed to have the vaccine. Other people also needed the vaccine like pregnant women and young children under five. The swine flu vaccine was also given to health workers at hospitals.
There are things you can do to protect yourself from swine flu. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze so you don’t spread the infection to others. Don’t go to school if you start to have a high temperature. Go on the internet and read about swine flu to learn more about it and protect yourself and your family.