Hong Kong Flu Virus Symptoms
There are many strains of the influenza virus due to its ability to quickly mutate. The Hong Kong flu has infected millions of people around the world and killed tens of thousands. Although the strain still exists it was predominately spread during the late 1960's and early 1970's and has since been overtaken by newer strains.
History
The Hong Kong flu virus first appeared in Hong Kong in the summer of 1968 and it soon became a pandemic. The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences Society published a book in 2006 titled "Plague, SARS, and the Story of Medicine in Hong Kong" that estimated almost half a million people in China were infected with the virus. In less than a month it spread to Vietnam and then to India and Australia. American troops stationed in those countries contracted the virus and brought it back to the United States in 1969. A report issued by Congressional Quarterly in 1986 stated that almost 50 million people in America were infected and 34,000 killed.
Features
An article published in 2007 by the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research showed that the Hong Kong Flu is composed of several subtypes of the H2N2 and H3N2 influenza strains that mutated together. Although it can be spread by birds, it is different from other types of avian flu in that it is normally spread by contact with infected pigs. The symptoms of Hong Kong flu usually appear the day after infection occurs but can take as long as three days to become noticeable.
Identification
Like most strains of influenza, the Hong Kong flu is frequently confused with the common cold until the symptoms worsen or last longer than a week. The most common symptoms are high fever, joint pain, runny nose, severe cough, lack of energy, and eye irritation. The symptoms usually reach a level of severity that will cause you to become bed ridden for up to two weeks.
Considerations
The Hong Kong Flu can be just as deadly as any other strain of influenza. The Center For Disease Control estimates that about 36,000 people a year die from influenza. Hong Kong flu is also highly contagious so you should remain at home if you become infected. It is more likely to both infect and cause death in the elderly, children, or people with chronic illness. Because the Hong Kong Flu is a virus it cannot be treated by antibiotics.
Prevention/Solution
The most effective way to avoid becoming infected is to stay away from schools or other places with large gatherings of people during outbreaks. You can also get a vaccination from your physician during the beginning of flu season. If you do become infected it is important that you always cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough as the virus is spread between humans through particles called aerosols which are expelled through your mouth and nose.
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