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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Swine flu and Ordinary flu?

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Swine flu and ordinary flu are both types of influenza, but they are caused by different strains of the virus. The main differences between swine flu and ordinary flu are:

  1. Origin: Swine flu is a strain of the influenza virus (H1N1) that is said to have originated in pigs, while ordinary flu can be caused by various strains of influenza viruses, such as types A, B, or C.
  2. Symptoms: The symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of ordinary flu, including fever, chills, muscle pain, weakness, fatigue, sore throat, headache, and discomfort. However, swine flu may also cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea, which are thought to be different from seasonal flu symptoms.
  3. Transmission: Both swine flu and ordinary flu are primarily transmitted through droplet transmission (inhalation of droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes) and contact transmission (touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth).
  4. Prevention and Control: Vaccination is an effective measure for preventing and controlling both swine flu and ordinary flu. The seasonal flu vaccine can help protect against H1N1 flu and other seasonal flu viruses.
  5. Risk Groups: Certain groups of people are at higher risk for severe complications from both swine flu and ordinary flu, such as those with chronic illnesses like diabetes or asthma, pregnant women, children, and the elderly.
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  • What is the Difference Between Swine flu and Ordinary flu?
  • Comparative Table: Swine flu vs Ordinary flu

    • Comparative Table: Swine flu vs Ordinary flu

    Here is a table comparing the differences between swine flu and ordinary flu:

    Feature Swine Flu Ordinary Flu
    Caused by Influenza A subtypes, such as H1N1 Influenza A and B subtypes
    Surface Proteins Hemagglutinin (H) and Neuraminidase (N) Hemagglutinin (H) and Neuraminidase (N)
    Transmission Mainly spread through contact with infected pigs or contaminated objects Transmitted through respiratory droplets and contact with infected individuals
    Severity Mild in most people, but can be severe for high-risk groups Varies depending on the subtype and individual factors
    Diagnosis PCR test on nose or throat swab, over-the-counter rapid antigen tests (RAT) PCR test on nose or throat swab, over-the-counter rapid antigen tests (RAT)
    Treatment Antiviral medications, symptom management Antiviral medications, symptom management

    The main differences between swine flu and ordinary flu are the specific subtypes of influenza viruses that cause them and their transmission routes. Swine flu is caused by influenza A subtypes, such as H1N1, and mainly spreads through contact with infected pigs or contaminated objects. In contrast, ordinary flu is caused by various subtypes of influenza A and B viruses and is transmitted through respiratory droplets and contact with infected individuals.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.