Trichinosis is a danger that should not be underestimated, especially by those who love food, meat, and raw dishes. Eating undercooked or raw pork dishes like larb, lou, or raw pork soup poses a significant risk, and even popular dishes like grilled pork, shabu-shabu, and hot pot can be just as dangerous. It is during the times when everyone is indulging in pork belly that we may come into contact with the bacteria that causes this disease. With a genuine concern for everyone's safety from nearby hazards in everyday life, we want to share useful information about trichinosis.
Swine Flu
"Swine flu" or "Swine influenza" is a disease caused by the Streptococcus Suis bacterium, which is found in the respiratory tract and blood of pigs that are sick or have died from the bacteria. It can be transmitted to humans in 2 ways: by consuming undercooked pork dishes and by coming into direct contact with the excretions of sick pigs, especially farmers and those involved in pig farming, slaughter, and pork processing.
What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?
Symptoms can occur from 3 days onwards and can be observed as follows:
· High fever, chills
· Headache, body aches, joint pain
· Nausea, vomiting, seizures
· For patients with bacterial infections in the brain and bloodstream
· Meningitis
· Arthritis
· Conjunctivitis
In addition, if the disease is more severe, abscesses may occur in the inner ear and nerve endings, resulting in symptoms such as earaches, hearing loss, and even deafness, which is the origin of the disease's name. In some severe cases, it can even lead to a critical condition and death.
Diagnosis and treatment guidelines
When observing symptoms suggestive of this disease, it is recommended to seek medical attention for prompt diagnosis and treatment. The basic treatment guideline is to administer antibiotics through the bloodstream to treat bacterial infections, in conjunction with treating the symptoms of each patient. This disease can be cured.
Prevention of swine flu
Although it is a curable disease, it is better to prevent swine flu, which affects several systems of the body, by choosing pork from standard sources for cooking at home or eating out. Avoid menus that include raw or undercooked pork and emphasize cooking at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius. In addition to pork, equipment used for eating such as spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, etc. should also be considered. As for professionals involved in pig farming and butchery, they can protect themselves by wearing tight-fitting clothing, shoes, and gloves while in contact with pigs or pork. They should also wash their hands after each work session. As for pork vendors, they should also protect themselves by wearing gloves and choosing pork from reliable and standard sources. The most important thing is to store the pork at temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius and clean the selling areas with disinfectant every day.
If you are someone who enjoys buffet or BBQ pork, or raw or undercooked pork dishes, it is important to exercise extra caution when consuming them. It is recommended that you use separate dishes or utensils for raw food to ensure your safety and to fully enjoy your meal. Additionally, Krungthai-AXA life insurance customers who are interested in health care can find other health-related articles at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-advisories.
· Principal Healthcare Company
· Ramathibodi Hospital
· Siriraj Hospital
· Petcharavej Hospital
· Paolo Hospital
