America's North Shore Journal

Swine Flu is caused by one of the hundreds of influenza viruses that exist in nature. At this time there is no cure for any form of influenza. It can be treated in a number of ways that may shorten the length of the illness or reduce its severity.

Swine flu, pandemic H1N1, is spreading once again in the United States and the Northern Hemisphere. It continues to be infecting young people under the age of 24 in the highest numbers, closing schools and forcing cancellation of various events.

A comparison of the current swine flu outbreak to the annual seasonal flu shows many similarities and a few important differences. The many strains of the influenza virus produce the same symptoms and the same effects, as a general rule, but certain strains such as Swine Flu do behave slightly differently.

Flu is a killer. In past epidemics in the United States, as many as 5% of those with the disease have died. Public Health officials estimate that about 36,000 people die each year in the U.S. from the flu and related illnesses.

A team from the Expeditionary Medical Facility here vaccinated servicemembers assigned to Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa and Camp Lemonier from the influenza virus Oct. 15 and 16.

Influenza is a viral disease that can be spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions and one which hospitalizes more than 200,000 people and kills more than 30,000 people every year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Photos: Military gives annual flu shots at Camp Liberty