猪流感有生命危险吗？猪流感Q&A 中英文对照阅读
猪流感有生命危险吗？猪流感Q&A 中英文Q&A: Swine flu
What is swine flu?猪流感是什么
It is a contagious respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Pigs are hit by regular outbreaks. There are many different types of swine flu and the current cases involve the H1N1 strain of type A influenza virus.
How do humans catch it?
While people do not normally catch it, humans can contract the virus, usually if they have been in close contact with pigs. It is also possible for the constantly changing infection to spread from person to person, which has happened in the latest outbreak. Experts believe it spreads in the same way as seasonal flu - through coughing and sneezing.
What are the symptoms?猪流感的症状是什么？
The symptoms of swine influenza in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza infection and include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, coughing and sore throat. Some people with swine flu have also reported vomiting and diarrhoea.
What is the difference between swine flu, avian flu and the flu commonly seen in the UK during the winter?猪流感和禽流感的区别，以及与冬天的流感区别？
Influenza viruses are commonly circulating in the human and animal environment, with different strains causing illness in humans, bird and pigs. Seasonal influenza is caused by viruses that are adapted to spread in humans. Humans have some natural immunity to the strains that are in common circulation, and this immunity can be boosted by immunisation with a vaccine. Avian influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in birds. Similarly, swine influenza is caused by influenza viruses adapted for infection in pigs. These illnesses all cause the same respiratory symptoms in sufferers and can be passed between one another.
How dangerous is it?猪流感有多危险？
More than 80 people have died and thousands made ill, in Mexico in particular, although cases have also been reported in the US and New Zealand. However, testing has shown that the antiviral drugs oseltamavir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) appear to be effective against the human swine influenza H1N1 strain,
Why should we be worried about it?我们为什么要担心猪流感？
The World Health Organisation warned the outbreak had "pandemic potential" and countries were advised to step up surveillance and preparation in case the infection spreads rapidly. Flu viruses have the ability to change and mutate, making it difficult for drugs manufacturers to ensure effective vaccines are available. The new version of the H1N1 virus is a mix of different animal and human versions of the disease. Mixing can lead to the development of changed viruses to which humans have little immunity.
What is a pandemic?什么叫流行病？
If the flu spreads over a wide geographic area and affects a large proportion of the population it goes beyond an epidemic and becomes a pandemic. According to the Health Protection Agency, an influenza pandemic is defined as a new or novel influenza virus that spreads easily between humans. When new influenza viruses are introduced into the environment, humans do not have any natural immunity to protect against them. Therefore, there is a risk that that new influenza viruses could develop into a pandemic if the virus passes easily from human-to-human.
Will it spread to the UK?猪流感会传播到英国么？
It is too early to say whether the cases reported so far will lead to a larger outbreak, the HPA said. No cases have been reported in the UK although experts are monitoring the situation closely. Anyone who has recently returned from affected countries should consult a doctor if they notice flu-like symptoms.
What is being done in the UK to prevent the infection?英国目前怎样预防？
The HPA said it is working with the UK government to review the current incident and any threat it poses to UK public health. It advised people to follow general infection control practices and good hygiene to reduce transmission of all viruses. This includes covering their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully, washing hands frequently with soap and water and cleaning surfaces which are regularly touched.