Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil

The swine flu comes from the pig and has mutated into a new virus with DNA from four strains of the flu.

Today citizens are worried by the virus type A (H1N1) that affects human beings and causes the flu in various levels of seriousness.

In Ecuador, there are still no detected confirmed cases of this illness. However, the Ecuadorian government and organizations like the Junta de Beneficencia de Guayaquil are taking actions to monitor and prevent it.

These actions include informing the public and creating special spaces in hospitals to care for those who have the flu. Additionally, the government ha restricted charter flights to and México (the country where the transmission began), as well as the entry of passengers traveling from Mexico.
 
Symptoms
The symptoms of this illness are similar to those of the common seasonal flu. They include fever, rinorrea, lethargy, cough and loss of appetite. Some people with swine flu have also reported sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Specialists agree that there are ways to protect yourself against this flu.
 
General Recommendations
•Cover nose and mouth with a disposable handkerchief after coughing or sneezing.
•Wash hands with soap and water after coughing or sneezing.
•Avoid going to crowded areas.
•Avoid greeting people with the hand or a kiss.
•Stay at home as much as possible.
•Avoid spitting on the ground and on other surfaces exposed to the environment.
•Use a tissue or cloth and throw it out in a closed plastic bag, after using it.
•Don’t share glasses, plates and/or silverware.

Always follow your doctor’s recommendations. Don’t self-medicate.