Swine Flu Level 6 | Pandemic and Outbreak Level 6 of the Swine Flu

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised the pandemic alert level from phase 5 to phase 6 as the swine flu (H1N1) virus continues to spread internationally and more countries have been affected by the disease. Swine flu level 6 is the highest pandemic phase and indicates that there is a widespread human infection. In other words, there is officially a global outbreak of swine flu. It is important to note that this doesn’t mean that the virus has become more serious, only that it is spreading more.

Swine Flu

Swine flu is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. Although swine influenza viruses are normally species specific and only infect pigs, they do sometimes cross the species barrier to cause disease in humans. Virus spreads among pigs by aerosols, direct and indirect contact, and asymptomatic carrier pigs. The outbreaks in pigs occur year round, with an increased incidence in the fall and winter intemperate zones.

Swine influenza viruses are most commonly of the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes are also circulating in pigs.

Swine Flu Level 6 Pandemic

The World Health organization was compelled to declare swine flu pandemic from level 5 to level 6 when the swine flu increasingly spread from person to person all over the globe, causing more than 100 deaths worldwide.  It took the World Health organization some time to declare swine flu level 6 pandemic because they were cautious not to cause unnecessary panic from the people, but when number of infected increased worldwide, the declaration was unavoidable.

Swine Flu Outbreak Prevention

Although the swine flu has escalated to level 6, the World health Organization emphasis that there is no need for the people to panic as long as they practice proper precautionary measures and maintain a healthy, clean lifestyle.  The following are ways to avoid swine flu:

• When coughing and sneezing in front of other people, make sure to cover your mouth and nose and properly dispose the used tissue.
• As much as possible, avoid contact with people who are suspected of certain illnesses or even a common flu.
• Making your home clean is also one of the best preventive measures to ward off disease causing bacteria and viruses.
• And most importantly, keeping your body fit and healthy is a big help in fighting off infections and diseases.

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