Hace unos meses el mundo se escandalizo y particularmente se paralizo en Mexico por el brote de influenza porcina.
Vimos el "desastre" a todos niveles, desde los infectados, los preocupados, los medicos, los politicos, los "ocurrentes", los "graciosos" (que le ponian tapabocas a todo...), los comerciantes, los mercaderes, los intolerantes, los burlones y los que usaron este problema que habia iniciado en alguna parte del mundo y estaba afectando a los mexicanos particularmente para hacer mofa y sarcasticamente "discriminar" y "relegar" a los viajeros mexicanos que por diferentes motivos tenian que ingresar en otros paises.
Artistas, deportistas, hombres y mujeres de negocios o simplemente turistas, todos recibieron una "dosis" de desprecio y asco por parte de paises y sus autoridades que de forma ignorante llevaron este problema al terreno de la segregacion, incluso hubo quienes aun sin haber estado en Mexico por meses, por el simple hecho de tener un pasaporte mexicano fueron expulsados y denigrados de diversos paises del mundo.
Ahora... donde estan todos aquellos burlones? donde estan todos aquellos "aficionados" centroamericanos que recibieron a la seleccion mexicana de futbol con tapabocas en forma de burla?, donde estan los sudamericanos que no permitieron a sus equipos ir a Mexico a jugar? Donde estan las autoridades sudamericanas que impidieron la entrada de artistas mexicanos a sus paises???
Mi respuesta es: Ahi estan!! en el mismo lugar donde emitieron sus juicios y sus burlas, sus desprecios y su intolerancia, estan en el mismo lugar pero...Contaminados!!!
La regla de oro nunca fallara, mientras apuntas al frente con un dedo, tres mas te apuntan a ti. Nunca des lo que no quieras recibir o como se expresa en el barrio, nunca escupas hacia arriba por que te puede caer...
Ahora se habla de un nuevo brote incluso en Mexico, pero eso no me preocupa pues Mexico ha demostrado en muchisimas ocasiones que tiene para darle pelea a lo que sea y de paso recibir y ayudar a los que necesiten apoyo, lo que mas me preocupa es que el brote ademas de ser de influenza pudiese ser de intolerancia, de desamor o incluso de odio, sentimientos que deberiamos de erradicar de nuestro mundo pero que desgraciadamente cada vez se fortalecen y se "globalizan".
Te invito a que en la medida de lo posible detengas ese brote, como? con amor, a tu projimo a tu vecino, a tu hermano, a tu compañero de trabajo. Imposible? NO!
Necesitas una vacuna??? aqui la encuentras Juan 3:16 (la Biblia). Ha sido probada por el Creador y ... Funciona!!!
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
El Lenguaje Sexual en los Cristianos
Este articulo lo lei en un periodico cristiano, y me llamo mucho la atencion, pues lamentablemente es verdad, sin embargo hay ya enseñanzas que estan siendo un parteaguas en el tema, ministros que lo estan abordando con total responsabilidad y una apertura de criterio propia de una mente renovada.
"Lenguaje Sexual: En los cristianos NO EXISTE !!
Existen tres niveles del lenguaje para hablar y entender la sexualidad humana:
Primero, el nivel del lenguaje científico. En el lenguaje científico, el órgano sexual masculino se llama pene. Si queremos un sinónimo científico del pene, tendríamos que decir “aparato reproductor”. El mismo fenómeno se aplica al órgano sexual femenino que en el lenguaje científico se denomina vagina.
Segundo, el nivel del lenguaje infantil. Enseñamos a los niños a nombrar el pene como: “pitolita”, “macanita”, “bimbin”, “toletito”. En el lenguaje infantil la vagina se llama “palomita”, “cotorrita”, “popolina”. Los padres rehusamos enseñarles a nuestros hijos los nombres científicos de los órganos sexuales masculinos y femeninos.
Tercero, el nivel del lenguaje vulgar. No vamos a dar ejemplo del lenguaje vulgar.
Más de treinta años como sexólogo, escribiendo y hablando sobre la sexualidad en las iglesias, me convencen de que los cristianos no tenemos lenguaje sexual. No utilizamos ni el lenguaje científico, ni el infantil y mucho menos el vulgar. Por lo tanto, sufrimos de “mudez sexual”.
Leí un escrito por el colega pastor y sexólogo, Dr. Bernardo Stamatea, que un hombre cristiano lo vino a ver y le dijo: “Se me murió el pájaro cantor”. El pastor empezó a enviarlo a una veterinaria, entonces el hermano le dijo que “aunque habían nacido juntos, el pájaro murió primero”. El pájaro al que se refería el hermano era su pene. Algunos hombres vienen a consulta y describen la razón de su visita como “es que ya no me canta el ruiseñor”, “el pájaro ya no puede entrar en el nido”, “se me cayó el plátano de la mata antes de madurar”, “el carro ya no me enciende”.
Los cristianos no podemos decir la palabra pene sin sentirnos culpables, con miedos y avergonzados. Como pastor y sexólogo, yo se que tenemos mas problemas sexuales en las iglesias que en la sociedad en general. Y esto es penoso y no debería ser así.
Tenemos hombres, esposos, hermanos, con problemas erectivos, con eyaculacion precoz o retardada, penetración dolorosa, y prefieren callarse sus males antes que hablar de lo que le sucede. Tenemos mujeres, Hermanas, esposas, que nunca han tenido un orgasmo, a veces ni siquiera saben en realidad en que consiste; esposos que no saben exactamente donde sus esposas tienen sus clítoris, y que no tienen la mas mínima idea de cómo provocarle orgasmos a sus esposas. Pero nadie en las iglesias se atreve a hablar sobre estos temas espinosos y cargados de tabúes.
En las iglesias callamos la sexualidad. El tema sexual es un tema pecaminoso, sucio, cargado de lascivia, lujuria y de morbosidad. Y los cristianos nos hemos quedado sin lenguaje sexual. Los cristianos somos seres “mudos” cuando se trata del tema sexual. Y esto es penoso, porque los mas afectados son los matrimonios y las familias. Y este ciclo de “mudez sexual” se transmite de generación a generación como algo normal y natural de las vidas de los cristianos.
Los cristianos no tenemos lenguaje sexual, aun cuando sabemos que el sexo y la sexualidad fueron creadas por nuestro padre celestial. Y más, cuando todos los cristianos creemos, que lo que Dios hace es Bueno en gran manera, como esta palabra aparece siete veces solamente en el primer capitulo del libro de el Génesis. “Y vio Dios que era bueno”. Y esto incluye el sexo en el matrimonio, el cual es bueno.
Dios no crea mediocridades, suciedades, vulgaridades, morbosidades, perversidades. Todo lo que Dios crea, es bueno.
(Hector Zorrila y esposa, pastores, psicologos y conferencistas)."
Proximamente estare compartiendo algunas enseñanzas , libros y/o videos de gran utilidad en el tema.
Friday, June 26, 2009
La Muerte de Michael Jackson
Es dificil comentar cualquier cosa en medio de la turbulencia, sobre todo en circunstancias tan dificiles para muchas personas, me refiero a los verdaderos allegados a Michael Jakson, el rey del pop, no a aquellos que vi ayer por television queriendo salir 5 minutos en pantalla, sino a aquellos que en realidad lo van a extrañar, a ellos les doy mis condolencias y les pido me perdonen si en alguna parte de este humilde comentario les pueda resultar ofensivo o fuera de lugar.
Que nos deja la muerte del cantante ademas de una tormenta de emociones (algunas sinceras quizas)?, muchisimas noticias, escandalos, la posibilidad de multiplicar la venta de discos y todo lo que se relacione con Jackson, que nos deja ademas de sensacionalismo y una euforia desmedida por alguien que si bien fue un personaje famosisimo, algunas veces mas por sus escandalos que por sus talentos, no fue el gran artista que ahora quieren presentar, ni fue la gran persona que todos querran decir que conocieron "de cerca", fue un cantante y bailarin (esto ultimo muy bueno por cierto) que brillo con un gran esplendor en la decada de los 80's, pero que en los ultimos 20 años se ha mantenido alejado del triunfo y los exitos y muy cercano de los escandalos y la desaprobacion de la sociedad, una sociedad que ahora parece olvidar el abuso de menores, su "rareza" exterior e interior, aquellas actitudes "extrañas" como taparse la cara, esconder a sus "hijos" o mostrar al mas pequeño colgandolo por el balcon...
Lamento su muerte... pero lamento mas su vida... Pues a pesar de haber conseguido toda la fama y el dinero con uno o dos discos (O hay mas?), de tener mansiones y carros lujosos, "amistades" famosas y ser centro de atencion en donde se apareciera, tener quiza el grupo de imitadores mas numerosos en el planeta (en cada pais del mundo hay un Michael Jackson), su vida reflejo siempre un vacio profundo y una tristeza imposible de ocultar.
Querer ser blanco, querer ser niño de nuevo, vivir para siempre conectandose a una maquina o querer ser mujer son el reflejo de una vida sin amor verdadero, llena de dinero y fama pero vacia de satisfaccion personal y plenitud.
No nos dejemos llevar por la corriente, si bien es cierto que cada vez que alguien muere se le etiqueta con el "premio nobel" de la bondad, la amistad, el amor, la integridad, etc. , debemos mejor hacer un alto y reflexionar un poco en como estamos viviendo, para Michael Jackson la hora llego, el ya ha tenido que dar cuentas al Creador por lo que hizo con su vida, yo no soy nadie para juzgar y nunca sera esa mi intencion, pero solo hay una oportunidad para vivir esta vida, y al final de ella tendremos que encontrarnos cara a cara con Aquel que si nos juzgara, no sabemos cuando sea, nadie lo sabe, Jackson no lo sabia, el gasto miles de dolares en un sistema que le permitiria vivir "eternamente", sin embargo ese sistema le fallo...
Jesucristo nunca te fallara, Su sistema si funciona y la vida eterna es mucho mas importante que esta vida que es solo pasajera, la biblia dice que la vida es como la neblina, asi como aparece se desvanece ante tus ojos. Hoy Busca de Dios no te esperes a mañana, tal vez mañana ya no tengas la oportunidad.
Fernando Sabido
Friday, June 12, 2009
El Perro
Una pareja de jóvenes tenía varios años de casados y nunca pudieron tener un hijo. Para no sentirse solos compraron un cachorro y lo amaron como si fuera su propio hijo.
El cachorro creció hasta convertirse en un grande y hermoso ejemplar. El perro salvó en más de una ocasión a la pareja de ser atacadas por ladrones, siempre fue muy fiel, quería y defendía a sus dueños contra cualquier peligro.
Luego de siete años de tener al perro, la pareja logró tener el hijo tan ansiado. La pareja estaba muy contenta con su nuevo hijo y disminuyeron las atenciones que tenían con el perro. Este se sintió relegado y comenzó a sentir celos del bebé; ya no era el perro cariñoso y fiel que tuvieron durante siete años.
Un día, la pareja dejó al bebé plácidamente dormido en la cuna y fueron a la terraza a preparar una carne asada. Cual no fue su sorpresa cuando se dirigían al cuarto del bebé y ven al perro en el pasillo con la boca ensangrentada, moviéndoles la cola.
El dueño del perro pensó lo peor, sacó el arma que llevaba y en el acto mató al perro. Corre al cuarto del bebé y encuentra una gran serpiente degollada.
Con que facilidad solemos juzgar no solo los actos de los demas sino tambien sus intenciones e incluso sus motivaciones. Juzgar a la ligera o conforme a ciertos paradigmas nos impide tener un panorama amplio y mejores relaciones.
Piensa... alguna vez has emitido algun juicio pensando que era correcto? Quiza mataste al perro fiel y ni siquiera te diste cuenta...
El cachorro creció hasta convertirse en un grande y hermoso ejemplar. El perro salvó en más de una ocasión a la pareja de ser atacadas por ladrones, siempre fue muy fiel, quería y defendía a sus dueños contra cualquier peligro.
Luego de siete años de tener al perro, la pareja logró tener el hijo tan ansiado. La pareja estaba muy contenta con su nuevo hijo y disminuyeron las atenciones que tenían con el perro. Este se sintió relegado y comenzó a sentir celos del bebé; ya no era el perro cariñoso y fiel que tuvieron durante siete años.
Un día, la pareja dejó al bebé plácidamente dormido en la cuna y fueron a la terraza a preparar una carne asada. Cual no fue su sorpresa cuando se dirigían al cuarto del bebé y ven al perro en el pasillo con la boca ensangrentada, moviéndoles la cola.
El dueño del perro pensó lo peor, sacó el arma que llevaba y en el acto mató al perro. Corre al cuarto del bebé y encuentra una gran serpiente degollada.
Con que facilidad solemos juzgar no solo los actos de los demas sino tambien sus intenciones e incluso sus motivaciones. Juzgar a la ligera o conforme a ciertos paradigmas nos impide tener un panorama amplio y mejores relaciones.
Piensa... alguna vez has emitido algun juicio pensando que era correcto? Quiza mataste al perro fiel y ni siquiera te diste cuenta...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
La Cabaña, mas que un libro, un desafio...
Es caracteristica humana, esta inmersa en nosotros, la curiosidad, la duda, la insatisfaccion, el querer siempre mas y mas.
Nuestra capacidad de anhelar, de buscar siempre algo mas, de no conformarnos con lo establecido, pero sin caer en la paranoia de creer todo lo que se nos pone enfrente, sino mas bien, "examinarlo todo y retener lo bueno"; eso es lo que me llevo a leer el libro titulado "LA CABAÑA" ( The Shack), escrito por William P. Young.
El formato del libro, una novela que por momentos raya en el misterio, el suspenso e incluso el tema policiaco, presenta una facil y sencilla lectura, realmente fresca y sobre todo actual e interesante.
La historia principal nos presenta a un hombre, padre de familia, cuya vida tuvo un cataclismo que nos lleva de la desesperacion a la tristeza profunda, y de la impotencia a la mas grande de las alegrias, del llanto lleno de sufrimiento y angustia de una familia que ha perdido a uno de sus miembros de una forma totalmente brutal e inesperada, al gozo, alegria y plenitud de aquel hombre que ante la perdida encuentra algo aun mas valioso...
Pero el tema principal de la novela presenta varias interrogantes, podra ser descalificada por algun teologo certificado y conocedor de la materia escritural, de la Biblia, pero la finalidad del libro no es dar una enseñanza eclesiastica o doctrinal de ninguna clase, sino mas bien desencadenar en el lector estas interrogantes y quiza muchas mas:
1.- Tenemos claras realmente nuestras creencias?
2.- Tenemos establecidas nuestras prioridades?
3.- Tenemos un concepto real de lo que somos?
4.- Somos felices?
5.- Perseguimos un fin verdadero y eterno?
6.- Comprendemos la naturaleza de todo lo que sucede a nuestro alrededor?
Pero la pregunta mas impactante, al menos para mi es:
7.- Conocemos realmente a Dios, al que nos creo y sostiene el universo con su palabra?
Seguramente la respuesta al 99.9999% de las preguntas es NO.
Y aunque como mencione antes, el libro no pretende ser ni establecer ninguna clase de doctrina, si consigue presentarnos estas preguntas y de algun modo derriba ciertos patrones religiosos y de vida a los que nos hemos enganchado a traves del tiempo y las tradiciones.
No importa que religion o culto profeses, atrevete a leer este libro y pasar un tiempo en la cabaña, te aseguro que algo tendra que cambiar en tu vida, podras identificarte con Mack, quiza recordaras el haber atravesado pasillos que creias haber olvidado o ignorado, pero lo mejor de todo es que podras responderte tu mismo las preguntas que te formule o incluso surgiran aun mas interrogantes.
Quiero hacer verdadero incapie en el hecho de que solo es una novela, es solo ficcion, una historia inventada, pero.... y si no fuera asi...
Felicidades al autor, se necesita valor y entusiasmo para realizar un proyecto de esta clase, no solo por la tematica sino por los obstaculos que se debieron superar, pero el resultado esta a la vista.
Por: Fernando Sabido
Nuestra capacidad de anhelar, de buscar siempre algo mas, de no conformarnos con lo establecido, pero sin caer en la paranoia de creer todo lo que se nos pone enfrente, sino mas bien, "examinarlo todo y retener lo bueno"; eso es lo que me llevo a leer el libro titulado "LA CABAÑA" ( The Shack), escrito por William P. Young.
El formato del libro, una novela que por momentos raya en el misterio, el suspenso e incluso el tema policiaco, presenta una facil y sencilla lectura, realmente fresca y sobre todo actual e interesante.
La historia principal nos presenta a un hombre, padre de familia, cuya vida tuvo un cataclismo que nos lleva de la desesperacion a la tristeza profunda, y de la impotencia a la mas grande de las alegrias, del llanto lleno de sufrimiento y angustia de una familia que ha perdido a uno de sus miembros de una forma totalmente brutal e inesperada, al gozo, alegria y plenitud de aquel hombre que ante la perdida encuentra algo aun mas valioso...
Pero el tema principal de la novela presenta varias interrogantes, podra ser descalificada por algun teologo certificado y conocedor de la materia escritural, de la Biblia, pero la finalidad del libro no es dar una enseñanza eclesiastica o doctrinal de ninguna clase, sino mas bien desencadenar en el lector estas interrogantes y quiza muchas mas:
1.- Tenemos claras realmente nuestras creencias?
2.- Tenemos establecidas nuestras prioridades?
3.- Tenemos un concepto real de lo que somos?
4.- Somos felices?
5.- Perseguimos un fin verdadero y eterno?
6.- Comprendemos la naturaleza de todo lo que sucede a nuestro alrededor?
Pero la pregunta mas impactante, al menos para mi es:
7.- Conocemos realmente a Dios, al que nos creo y sostiene el universo con su palabra?
Seguramente la respuesta al 99.9999% de las preguntas es NO.
Y aunque como mencione antes, el libro no pretende ser ni establecer ninguna clase de doctrina, si consigue presentarnos estas preguntas y de algun modo derriba ciertos patrones religiosos y de vida a los que nos hemos enganchado a traves del tiempo y las tradiciones.
No importa que religion o culto profeses, atrevete a leer este libro y pasar un tiempo en la cabaña, te aseguro que algo tendra que cambiar en tu vida, podras identificarte con Mack, quiza recordaras el haber atravesado pasillos que creias haber olvidado o ignorado, pero lo mejor de todo es que podras responderte tu mismo las preguntas que te formule o incluso surgiran aun mas interrogantes.
Quiero hacer verdadero incapie en el hecho de que solo es una novela, es solo ficcion, una historia inventada, pero.... y si no fuera asi...
Felicidades al autor, se necesita valor y entusiasmo para realizar un proyecto de esta clase, no solo por la tematica sino por los obstaculos que se debieron superar, pero el resultado esta a la vista.
Por: Fernando Sabido
Thursday, May 14, 2009
El crimen del (futuro padre) Alberto
Una lluvia, si, una lluvia de criticas y comentarios se han desatado a partir de este "escandalo", diferentes "corrientes" y diferentes "creyentes" se ponen el atuendo del juez y emiten sentencia:
Primer Juez (La Iglesia Catolica Romana): Levanta el martillo y golpea el escritorio-" Es inexcusable que esto haya ocurrido, hermano Cutie, esto representa un golpe bajo para nuestra "sagrada" institucion, su compromiso con nuestra doctrina debio ser prioridad a su naturaleza como hombre. Acaso no hizo usted votos de castidad? Acaso no pudo encubrir su falta como lo hemos hecho tantos? Una mujer? No pudo ser usted mas "original" como lo hemos hecho tantos?...
El veredicto: Culpable...
Segundo Juez (La TV) : Se acomoda los lentes y mira al publico que presencia el juicio- "Antes que nada debemos recalcar nuestra imparcialidad, y dejar muy en claro que nuestro fin es solo informar al televidente... cof cof- tose como tratando de creer lo que acaba de decir- No podemos emitir un juicio concreto ni objetivo, aun, por lo que tendremos que mover esta "noticia" de dia y de noche, por todos nuestros canales y en todo tipo de progamas, lo incluiremos en el noticiero de las 5 y en el programa de las 10 ah! por supuesto que el gordo y la flaca nos diran que comentan otros artistas y quiza lo "rematemos" cof cof- recapacitando- quiero decir, lo culminaremos con una entrevista de "primer impacto".
El veredicto: No importa, mientras haya escandalo y sobre todo "rating"...
Tercer Juez (Un feligres que realmente dijo esto en TV) : Con tono molesto y realmente ofendido- "...yo no lo perdono...que caso tiene orar por un hombre que no pudo controlar su pene"...
El veredicto: Culpable...
Cuarto Juez (Manifestantes que le apoyan por carismatico) : Cuidando salir bien en la toma y que el peinado y el maquillaje sean correctos, dice la mujer- "...No hizo nada malo, hay que comprender que es un hombre y que es muy bueno, y que lo apoyamos porque ... pues porque... bueno porque... por que lo apoyamos y ojala regrese a la parroquia y lo seguiremos apoyando..."
El veredicto: Inocente, querido y admirado por su "club de fans" (suena el grito de varias chicas AHHHHH!!)
Quinto Juez (Dios y Su Palabra: LA BIBLIA) El juez no parece sorprendido, incluso luce mas tranquilo que cualquiera de los otros, como si el "escandalo" no lo hubiera tomado por sorpresa, clava su mirada en todos los presentes y articula algunas frases, pareciera que tiene algo que decir a cada espectador:
"No es bueno que el hombre este solo. (Gen. 2:18)"
"Hombre, no importa quien seas tu que juzgas; porque en lo que juzgas a otro, te condenas a ti mismo, pues tu que juzgas haces lo mismo. (Romanos 2:1)
"Con hipocresia hablaran mentira...Prohibiran casarse y mandaran abstenerse de los alimentos que Dios creo..." (1Timoteo 4:3)
El veredicto: Culpable, como todos los demas hombres pues no hay justo ni uno, pero ha calificado para fianza, la fianza ha sido pagada por Jesucristo...Cuanto???? Su Sangre, Su vida...Alberto Cutie, aceptas tu libertad o prefieres seguir en la carcel de tu pecado condenandote y recibiendo condenacion?
Eres candidato a la Gracia de Dios, igual que yo, igual que todos los que te condenan, nuestro pecado no nos descalifica, nos califica para ser perdonados, solo tienes que arrepentirte y servir a Dios de verdad, no en base a doctrinas de hombres sino a lo que El establecio en su palabra... Como tu mismo dijiste, sirve a Dios uniendote al cuerpo de Cristo que es mas grande que la iglesia Catolica Romana...
Primer Juez (La Iglesia Catolica Romana): Levanta el martillo y golpea el escritorio-" Es inexcusable que esto haya ocurrido, hermano Cutie, esto representa un golpe bajo para nuestra "sagrada" institucion, su compromiso con nuestra doctrina debio ser prioridad a su naturaleza como hombre. Acaso no hizo usted votos de castidad? Acaso no pudo encubrir su falta como lo hemos hecho tantos? Una mujer? No pudo ser usted mas "original" como lo hemos hecho tantos?...
El veredicto: Culpable...
Segundo Juez (La TV) : Se acomoda los lentes y mira al publico que presencia el juicio- "Antes que nada debemos recalcar nuestra imparcialidad, y dejar muy en claro que nuestro fin es solo informar al televidente... cof cof- tose como tratando de creer lo que acaba de decir- No podemos emitir un juicio concreto ni objetivo, aun, por lo que tendremos que mover esta "noticia" de dia y de noche, por todos nuestros canales y en todo tipo de progamas, lo incluiremos en el noticiero de las 5 y en el programa de las 10 ah! por supuesto que el gordo y la flaca nos diran que comentan otros artistas y quiza lo "rematemos" cof cof- recapacitando- quiero decir, lo culminaremos con una entrevista de "primer impacto".
El veredicto: No importa, mientras haya escandalo y sobre todo "rating"...
Tercer Juez (Un feligres que realmente dijo esto en TV) : Con tono molesto y realmente ofendido- "...yo no lo perdono...que caso tiene orar por un hombre que no pudo controlar su pene"...
El veredicto: Culpable...
Cuarto Juez (Manifestantes que le apoyan por carismatico) : Cuidando salir bien en la toma y que el peinado y el maquillaje sean correctos, dice la mujer- "...No hizo nada malo, hay que comprender que es un hombre y que es muy bueno, y que lo apoyamos porque ... pues porque... bueno porque... por que lo apoyamos y ojala regrese a la parroquia y lo seguiremos apoyando..."
El veredicto: Inocente, querido y admirado por su "club de fans" (suena el grito de varias chicas AHHHHH!!)
Quinto Juez (Dios y Su Palabra: LA BIBLIA) El juez no parece sorprendido, incluso luce mas tranquilo que cualquiera de los otros, como si el "escandalo" no lo hubiera tomado por sorpresa, clava su mirada en todos los presentes y articula algunas frases, pareciera que tiene algo que decir a cada espectador:
"No es bueno que el hombre este solo. (Gen. 2:18)"
"Hombre, no importa quien seas tu que juzgas; porque en lo que juzgas a otro, te condenas a ti mismo, pues tu que juzgas haces lo mismo. (Romanos 2:1)
"Con hipocresia hablaran mentira...Prohibiran casarse y mandaran abstenerse de los alimentos que Dios creo..." (1Timoteo 4:3)
El veredicto: Culpable, como todos los demas hombres pues no hay justo ni uno, pero ha calificado para fianza, la fianza ha sido pagada por Jesucristo...Cuanto???? Su Sangre, Su vida...Alberto Cutie, aceptas tu libertad o prefieres seguir en la carcel de tu pecado condenandote y recibiendo condenacion?
Eres candidato a la Gracia de Dios, igual que yo, igual que todos los que te condenan, nuestro pecado no nos descalifica, nos califica para ser perdonados, solo tienes que arrepentirte y servir a Dios de verdad, no en base a doctrinas de hombres sino a lo que El establecio en su palabra... Como tu mismo dijiste, sirve a Dios uniendote al cuerpo de Cristo que es mas grande que la iglesia Catolica Romana...
Monday, May 11, 2009
GRATIS SIEMPRE ES BUENO!
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Como siempre buscando y navegando por los sitios mas famosos como google, yahoo, msn y demas me encontre algunos sitios intresantes que voy a estar compartiendo en este espacio, yo les enconte gran utilidad, y lo mejor de todo son GRATIS si FREE y bueno pues eso actualmente hay que aprovecharlo verdad?
En esa busqueda descubrí un sitio de plantillas para powerpoint que permite descargar cientos de powerpoint templates de forma gratis.
Las plantillas son muy originales y algunas bastante atractivas.
TIP: Al momento de descargar, puede que se vea un poco confuso el botón de descarga, buscar en el link debajo de la imagen que allí usualmente es donde aparece.
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Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Everything about Swine Flu
This article was taken from Wikipedia and we're trying to give all the information about this flu to our readers in the knowledge of our best friend is information and prevention.
This article is about the swine influenza virus. For 2009 outbreak in humans, see 2009 swine flu outbreak.
Flu
Influenza
Virus
Avian influenza
Swine influenza
Flu season
Research
Vaccine
Treatment
Genome project
H5N1 strain
H1N1 strain
Pandemic
Swine influenza is endemic in pigs
H1N1 influenza virus photographed at the CDC Influenza Laboratory.
Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) refers to influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus, called swine influenza virus (SIV), that usually infect pigs.[1] Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.[1]
Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common and properly cooked pork poses no risk of infection. When transmitted, the virus does not always cause human influenza and often the only sign of infection is the presence of antibodies in the blood, detectable only by laboratory tests. When transmission results in influenza in a human, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of catching swine flu. However, only about fifty such transmissions have been recorded since the mid-20th Century, when identification of influenza subtypes became possible. Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.
The 2009 flu outbreak in humans, known as "swine flu", is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that contained genes most closely related to swine influenza.[2] The origin of this new strain is unknown, however, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that this strain has not been isolated in pigs.[3] This strain can be transmitted from human to human,[4] and causes the normal symptoms of influenza.[5]
Classification
Of the three genera of influenza viruses that cause human flu, two also cause influenza in pigs, with Influenzavirus A being common in pigs and Influenzavirus C being rare.[6] Influenzavirus B has not been reported in pigs. Within Influenzavirus A and Influenzavirus C, the strains found in pigs and humans are largely distinct, although due to reassortment there have been transfers of genes among strains crossing swine, avian, and human species boundaries.
Influenza C
Influenza C viruses infect both humans and pigs, but do not infect birds.[7] Transmission between pigs and humans have occurred in the past.[8] For example, influenza C caused a small outbreaks of a mild form of influenza amongst children in Japan,[9] and California.[9] Due to its limited host range and the lack of genetic diversity in influenza C, this form of influenza does not cause pandemics in humans.[10]
Influenza A
Swine influenza is known to be caused by influenza A subtypes H1N1,[11] H1N2,[11] H3N1,[12] H3N2,[11] and H2N3.[13] In pigs, three influenza A virus subtypes (H1N1, H3N2, and H1N2) are the most common strains worldwide.[14] In the United States, the H1N1 subtype was exclusively prevalent among swine populations before 1998; however, since late August 1998, H3N2 subtypes have been isolated from pigs. As of 2004, H3N2 virus isolates in US swine and turkey stocks were triple reassortants, containing genes from human (HA, NA, and PB1), swine (NS, NP, and M), and avian (PB2 and PA) lineages.[15]
Surveillance
Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (May 2009)
Although there is no formal national surveillance system in the United States to determine what viruses are circulating in pigs,[16] there is an informal surveillance network in the United States that is part of a world surveillance network.
History
Swine influenza was first proposed to be a disease related to human influenza during the 1918 flu pandemic, when pigs became sick at the same time as humans.[17] The first identification of an influenza virus as a cause of disease in pigs occurred about ten years later, in 1930.[18] For the following 60 years, swine influenza strains were almost exclusively H1N1. Then, between 1997 and 2002, new strains of three different subtypes and five different genotypes emerged as causes of influenza among pigs in North America. In 1997-1998, H3N2 strains emerged. These strains, which include genes derived by reassortment from human, swine and avian viruses, have become a major cause of swine influenza in North America. Reassortment between H1N1 and H3N2 produced H1N2. In 1999 in Canada, a strain of H4N6 crossed the species barrier from birds to pigs, but was contained on a single farm.[18]
The H1N1 form of swine flu is one of the descendants of the strain that caused the 1918 flu pandemic.[19][20] As well as persisting in pigs, the descendants of the 1918 virus have also circulated in humans through the 20th century, contributing to the normal seasonal epidemics of influenza.[20] However, direct transmission from pigs to humans is rare, with only 12 cases in the U.S. since 2005.[21] Nevertheless, the retention of influenza strains in pigs after these strains have disappeared from the human population might make pigs a reservoir where influenza viruses could persist, later emerging to reinfect humans once human immunity to these strains has waned.[22]
Swine flu has been reported numerous times as a zoonosis in humans, usually with limited distribution, rarely with a widespread distribution. Outbreaks in swine are common and cause significant economic losses in industry, primarily by causing stunting and extended time to market. For example, this disease costs the British meat industry about £65 million pounds every year.[23]
1918 pandemic in humans
The 1918 flu pandemic in humans was associated with H1N1 and influenza appearing in pigs,[20] thus may reflect a zoonosis either from swine to humans, or from humans to swine. Although it is not certain in which direction the virus was transferred, some evidence suggests that, in this case, pigs caught the disease from humans.[17] For instance, swine influenza was only noted as a new disease of pigs in 1918, after the first large outbreaks of influenza amongst people.[17] Although a recent phylogenetic analysis of more recent strains of influenza in humans, birds, and swine suggests that the 1918 outbreak in humans followed a reassortment event within a mammal,[24] the exact origin of the 1918 strain remains elusive.[25]
1976 U.S. outbreak
Main article: 1976 swine flu outbreak
On February 5, 1976, in the United States an army recruit at Fort Dix said he felt tired and weak. He died the next day and four of his fellow soldiers were later hospitalized. Two weeks after his death, health officials announced that the cause of death was a new strain of swine flu. The strain, a variant of H1N1, is known as A/New Jersey/1976 (H1N1). It was detected only from January 19 to February 9 and did not spread beyond Fort Dix.[26]
President Ford receives swine flu vaccination
This new strain appeared to be closely related to the strain involved in the 1918 flu pandemic. Moreover, the ensuing increased surveillance uncovered another strain in circulation in the U.S.: A/Victoria/75 (H3N2) spread simultaneously, also caused illness, and persisted until March.[26] Alarmed public-health officials decided action must be taken to head off another major pandemic, and urged President Gerald Ford that every person in the U.S. be vaccinated for the disease.[27]
The vaccination program was plagued by delays and public relations problems.[28] On October 1, 1976, the immunization program began and by October 11, approximately 40 million people, or about 24% of the population, had received swine flu immunizations. That same day, three senior citizens died soon after receiving their swine flu shots and there was a media outcry linking the deaths to the immunizations, despite the lack of positive proof. According to science writer Patrick Di Justo, however, by the time the truth was known — that the deaths were not proven to be related to the vaccine — it was too late. "The government had long feared mass panic about swine flu — now they feared mass panic about the swine flu vaccinations." This became a strong setback to the program.[29]
There were reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a paralyzing neuromuscular disorder, affecting some people who had received swine flu immunizations. This syndrome is a rare side-effect of modern influenza vaccines, with an incidence of about one case per million vaccinations.[30] As a result, Di Justo writes that "the public refused to trust a government-operated health program that killed old people and crippled young people." In total, less than 33 percent of the population had been immunized by the end of 1976. The National Influenza Immunization Program was effectively halted on Dec. 16.
Overall, about 500 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), resulting in death from severe pulmonary complications for 25 people, which, according to Dr. P. Haber, were probably caused by an immunopathological reaction to the 1976 vaccine. Other influenza vaccines have not been linked to GBS, though caution is advised for certain individuals, particularly those with a history of GBS.[31][32] Still, as observed by a participant in the immunization program, the vaccine killed more Americans than the disease did.[33]
1988 zoonosis
In September 1988, a swine flu virus killed one woman in Wisconsin, and infected at least hundreds of others. 32-year old Barbara Ann Wieners was eight months pregnant when she and her husband, Ed, became ill after visiting the hog barn at the Walworth County Fair. Barbara died eight days later, though doctors were able to induce labor and deliver a healthy daughter before she passed away. Her husband recovered from his symptoms.
Influenza-like illnesses were reportedly widespread among the pigs at the farm they had visited, and 76% of the swine exhibitors there tested positive for antibody to SIV, but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggested between one and three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.[34][35] However, there was no community outbreak.
1998 US outbreak in swine
In 1998, swine flu was found in pigs in four U.S. states. Within a year, it had spread through pig populations across the United States. Scientists found that this virus had originated in pigs as a recombinant form of flu strains from birds and humans. This outbreak confirmed that pigs can serve as a crucible where novel influenza viruses emerge as a result of the reassortment of genes from different strains.[36][37][38]
2007 Philippine outbreak in swine
Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (April 2009)
On August 20, 2007 Department of Agriculture officers investigated the outbreak (epizootic) of swine flu in Nueva Ecija and Central Luzon, Philippines. The mortality rate is less than 10% for swine flu, unless there are complications like hog cholera. On July 27, 2007, the Philippine National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) raised a hog cholera "red alert" warning over Metro Manila and 5 regions of Luzon after the disease spread to backyard pig farms in Bulacan and Pampanga, even if these tested negative for the swine flu virus.[39][40]
2009 outbreak in humans
Main article: 2009 swine flu outbreak
The 2009 flu outbreak is due to a new strain of subtype H1N1 not previously reported in pigs.[41] Following the outbreak, on May 2, 2009, it was reported in pigs at a farm in Alberta, Canada, with a link to the outbreak in Mexico. The pigs are suspected to have caught this new strain of virus from a farm worker who recently returned from Mexico, then showed symptoms of an influenza-like illness.[42] These are probable cases, pending confirmation by laboratory testing.
The new strain was initially described as apparent reassortment of at least four strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, including one strain endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in swine.[43] Subsequent analysis suggested it was a reassortment of just two strains, both found in swine.[2] Although initial reports identified the new strain as swine influenza (ie, a zoonosis originating in swine), its origin is unknown. Several countries took precautionary measures to reduce the chances for a global pandemic of the disease.[44]
Transmission
Electron microscope image of the reassorted H1N1 virus. The viruses are 80–120 nanometres in diameter.[45]
Transmission between pigs
Influenza is quite common in pigs, with about half of breeding pigs having been exposed to the virus in the US.[46] Antibodies to the virus are also common in pigs in other countries.[46]
The main route of transmission is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals.[14] These close contacts are particularly common during animal transport. Intensive farming may also increase the risk of transmission, as the pigs are raised in very close proximity to each other.[47][48] The direct transfer of the virus probably occurs either by pigs touching noses, or through dried mucus. Airborne transmission through the aerosols produced by pigs coughing or sneezing are also an important means of infection.[14] The virus usually spreads quickly through a herd, infecting all the pigs within just a few days.[1] Transmission may also occur through wild animals, such as wild boar, which can spread the disease between farms.[49]
Transmission to humans
People who work with poultry and swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of zoonotic infection with influenza virus endemic in these animals, and constitute a population of human hosts in which zoonosis and reassortment can co-occur.[50] Vaccination of these workers against influenza and surveillance for new influenza strains among this population may therefore be a important public health measure.[51] Transmission of influenza from swine to humans who work with swine was documented in a small surveillance study performed in 2004 at the University of Iowa.[52] This study among others forms the basis of a recommendation that people whose jobs involve handling poultry and swine be the focus of increased public health surveillance.[50] Other professions at particular risk of infection are veterinarians and meat processing workers, although the risk of infection for both of these groups is lower than that of farm workers.[53]
Interaction with avian H5N1 in pigs
Pigs are unusual as they can be infected with influenza strains that usually infect three different species: pigs, birds and humans.[54] This makes pigs a host where influenza viruses might exchange genes, producing new and dangerous strains.[54] Avian influenza virus H3N2 is endemic in pigs in China and has been detected in pigs in Vietnam, increasing fears of the emergence of new variant strains.[55] H3N2 evolved from H2N2 by antigenic shift.[56] In August 2004, researchers in China found H5N1 in pigs.[57]
Main symptoms of swine flu in swines.[1]
These H5N1 infections may be quite common, in a survey of 10 apparently healthy pigs housed near poultry farms in West Java, where avian flu had broken out, five of the pig samples contained the H5N1 virus. The Indonesian government has since found similar results in the same region. Additional tests of 150 pigs outside the area were negative.[58][59]
Signs and symptoms
In swine
In pigs influenza infection produces fever, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and decreased appetite.[14] In some cases the infection can cause abortion. Although mortality is usually low (around 1-4%),[1] the virus can produce weight loss and poor growth, causing economic loss to farmers.[14] Infected pigs can lose up to 12 pounds of body weight over a 3 to 4 week period.[14]
In humans
Main symptoms of swine flu in humans [60]
Direct transmission of a swine flu virus from pigs to humans is occasionally possible (called zoonotic swine flu). In all, 50 cases are known to have occurred since the first report in medical literature in 1958, which have resulted in a total of six deaths.[61] Of these six people, one was pregnant, one had leukemia, one had Hodgkin disease and two were known to be previously healthy.[61] Despite these apparently low numbers of infections, the true rate of infection may be higher, since most cases only cause a very mild disease, and will probably never be reported or diagnosed.[61]
In this video, Dr. Joe Bresee, with CDC's Influenza Division, describes the symptoms of swine flu and warning signs to look for that indicate the need for urgent medical attention.See also: See this video with subtitles in YouTube
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans the symptoms of the 2009 "swine flu" H1N1 virus are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting.[62] The 2009 H1N1 virus is not zoonotic swine flu, as it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, but from person to person.
Because these symptoms are not specific to swine flu, a differential diagnosis of probable swine flu requires not only symptoms but also a high likelihood of swine flu due to the person's recent history. For example, during the 2009 swine flu outbreak in the United States, CDC advised physicians to "consider swine influenza infection in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute febrile respiratory illness who have either been in contact with persons with confirmed swine flu, or who were in one of the five U.S. states that have reported swine flu cases or in Mexico during the 7 days preceding their illness onset."[63] A diagnosis of confirmed swine flu requires laboratory testing of a respiratory sample (a simple nose and throat swab).[63]
Prevention
Prevention of swine influenza has three components: prevention in swine, prevention of transmission to humans, and prevention of its spread among humans.
Prevention in swine
Methods of preventing the spread of influenza among swine include facility management, herd management, and vaccination. Because much of the illness and death associated with swine flu involves secondary infection by other pathogens, control strategies that rely on vaccination may be insufficient.
Control of swine influenza by vaccination has become more difficult in recent decades, as the evolution of the virus has resulted in inconsistent responses to traditional vaccines. Standard commercial swine flu vaccines are effective in controlling the infection when the virus strains match enough to have significant cross-protection, and custom (autogenous) vaccines made from the specific viruses isolated are created and used in the more difficult cases.[64][65] Present vaccination strategies for SIV control and prevention in swine farms typically include the use of one of several bivalent SIV vaccines commercially available in the United States. Of the 97 recent H3N2 isolates examined, only 41 isolates had strong serologic cross-reactions with antiserum to three commercial SIV vaccines. Since the protective ability of influenza vaccines depends primarily on the closeness of the match between the vaccine virus and the epidemic virus, the presence of nonreactive H3N2 SIV variants suggests that current commercial vaccines might not effectively protect pigs from infection with a majority of H3N2 viruses.[66][67] The United States Department of Agriculture researchers say that while pig vaccination keeps pigs from getting sick, it does not block infection or shedding of the virus.[68]
Facility management includes using disinfectants and ambient temperature to control virus in the environment. The virus is unlikely to survive outside living cells for more than two weeks, except in cold (but above freezing) conditions, and it is readily inactivated by disinfectants.[1] Herd management includes not adding pigs carrying influenza to herds that have not been exposed to the virus. The virus survives in healthy carrier pigs for up to 3 months and can be recovered from them between outbreaks. Carrier pigs are usually responsible for the introduction of SIV into previously uninfected herds and countries, so new animals should be quarantined.[46] After an outbreak, as immunity in exposed pigs wanes, new outbreaks of the same strain can occur.[1]
Prevention in humans
Prevention of pig to human transmission
Swine can be infected by both avian and human influenza strains of influenza, and therefore are hosts where the antigenic shifts can occur that create new influenza strains.
The transmission from swine to human is believed to occur mainly in swine farms where farmers are in close contact with live pigs. Although strains of swine influenza are usually not able to infect humans this may occasionally happen, so farmers and veterinarians are encouraged to use a face mask when dealing with infected animals. The use of vaccines on swine to prevent their infection is a major method of limiting swine to human transmission. Risk factors that may contribute to swine-to-human transmission include smoking and not wearing gloves when working with sick animals.[69]
Prevention of human to human transmission
Influenza spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth.[70] Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food.[70] The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days. Diagnosis can be made by sending a specimen, collected during the first five days for analysis.[71]
Recommendations to prevent spread of the virus among humans include using standard infection control against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public.[72] Although the current trivalent influenza vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against the new 2009 H1N1 strain,[73] vaccines against the new strain are being developed and could be ready as early as June 2009.[74]
Experts agree that hand-washing can help prevent viral infections, including ordinary influenza and the swine flu virus. Influenza can spread in coughs or sneezes, but an increasing body of evidence shows small droplets containing the virus can linger on tabletops, telephones and other surfaces and be transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes. Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers work well to destroy viruses and bacteria. Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation and should contact a doctor to be tested.
Social distancing is another tactic. It means staying away from other people who might be infected and can include avoiding large gatherings, spreading out a little at work, or perhaps staying home and lying low if an infection is spreading in a community. Public health and other responsible authorities have action plans which may request or require social distancing actions depending on the severity of the outbreak.
Treatment
In swine
As swine influenza is rarely fatal to pigs, little treatment beyond rest and supportive care is required. [46] Instead veterinary efforts are focused on preventing the spread of the virus throughout the farm, or to other farms.[14] Vaccination and animal management techniques are most important in these efforts. Antibiotics are also used to treat this disease, which although they have no effect against the influenza virus, do help prevent bacterial pneumonia and other secondary infections in influenza-weakened herds. [75]
In humans
If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Beside antivirals, palliative care, at home or in hospital, focuses on controlling fevers and maintaining fluid balance. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses, however, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs.[76] The virus isolates in the 2009 outbreak have been found resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.[77]
In the U.S., on April 27, 2009, the FDA issued Emergency Use Authorizations to make available Relenza and Tamiflu antiviral drugs to treat the swine influenza virus in cases for which they are currently unapproved. The agency issued these EUAs to allow treatment of patients younger than the current approval allows and to allow the widespread distribution of the drugs, including by non-licensed volunteers
This article is about the swine influenza virus. For 2009 outbreak in humans, see 2009 swine flu outbreak.
Flu
Influenza
Virus
Avian influenza
Swine influenza
Flu season
Research
Vaccine
Treatment
Genome project
H5N1 strain
H1N1 strain
Pandemic
Swine influenza is endemic in pigs
H1N1 influenza virus photographed at the CDC Influenza Laboratory.
Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) refers to influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus, called swine influenza virus (SIV), that usually infect pigs.[1] Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.[1]
Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common and properly cooked pork poses no risk of infection. When transmitted, the virus does not always cause human influenza and often the only sign of infection is the presence of antibodies in the blood, detectable only by laboratory tests. When transmission results in influenza in a human, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of catching swine flu. However, only about fifty such transmissions have been recorded since the mid-20th Century, when identification of influenza subtypes became possible. Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.
The 2009 flu outbreak in humans, known as "swine flu", is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that contained genes most closely related to swine influenza.[2] The origin of this new strain is unknown, however, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that this strain has not been isolated in pigs.[3] This strain can be transmitted from human to human,[4] and causes the normal symptoms of influenza.[5]
Classification
Of the three genera of influenza viruses that cause human flu, two also cause influenza in pigs, with Influenzavirus A being common in pigs and Influenzavirus C being rare.[6] Influenzavirus B has not been reported in pigs. Within Influenzavirus A and Influenzavirus C, the strains found in pigs and humans are largely distinct, although due to reassortment there have been transfers of genes among strains crossing swine, avian, and human species boundaries.
Influenza C
Influenza C viruses infect both humans and pigs, but do not infect birds.[7] Transmission between pigs and humans have occurred in the past.[8] For example, influenza C caused a small outbreaks of a mild form of influenza amongst children in Japan,[9] and California.[9] Due to its limited host range and the lack of genetic diversity in influenza C, this form of influenza does not cause pandemics in humans.[10]
Influenza A
Swine influenza is known to be caused by influenza A subtypes H1N1,[11] H1N2,[11] H3N1,[12] H3N2,[11] and H2N3.[13] In pigs, three influenza A virus subtypes (H1N1, H3N2, and H1N2) are the most common strains worldwide.[14] In the United States, the H1N1 subtype was exclusively prevalent among swine populations before 1998; however, since late August 1998, H3N2 subtypes have been isolated from pigs. As of 2004, H3N2 virus isolates in US swine and turkey stocks were triple reassortants, containing genes from human (HA, NA, and PB1), swine (NS, NP, and M), and avian (PB2 and PA) lineages.[15]
Surveillance
Please help improve this article or section by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (May 2009)
Although there is no formal national surveillance system in the United States to determine what viruses are circulating in pigs,[16] there is an informal surveillance network in the United States that is part of a world surveillance network.
History
Swine influenza was first proposed to be a disease related to human influenza during the 1918 flu pandemic, when pigs became sick at the same time as humans.[17] The first identification of an influenza virus as a cause of disease in pigs occurred about ten years later, in 1930.[18] For the following 60 years, swine influenza strains were almost exclusively H1N1. Then, between 1997 and 2002, new strains of three different subtypes and five different genotypes emerged as causes of influenza among pigs in North America. In 1997-1998, H3N2 strains emerged. These strains, which include genes derived by reassortment from human, swine and avian viruses, have become a major cause of swine influenza in North America. Reassortment between H1N1 and H3N2 produced H1N2. In 1999 in Canada, a strain of H4N6 crossed the species barrier from birds to pigs, but was contained on a single farm.[18]
The H1N1 form of swine flu is one of the descendants of the strain that caused the 1918 flu pandemic.[19][20] As well as persisting in pigs, the descendants of the 1918 virus have also circulated in humans through the 20th century, contributing to the normal seasonal epidemics of influenza.[20] However, direct transmission from pigs to humans is rare, with only 12 cases in the U.S. since 2005.[21] Nevertheless, the retention of influenza strains in pigs after these strains have disappeared from the human population might make pigs a reservoir where influenza viruses could persist, later emerging to reinfect humans once human immunity to these strains has waned.[22]
Swine flu has been reported numerous times as a zoonosis in humans, usually with limited distribution, rarely with a widespread distribution. Outbreaks in swine are common and cause significant economic losses in industry, primarily by causing stunting and extended time to market. For example, this disease costs the British meat industry about £65 million pounds every year.[23]
1918 pandemic in humans
The 1918 flu pandemic in humans was associated with H1N1 and influenza appearing in pigs,[20] thus may reflect a zoonosis either from swine to humans, or from humans to swine. Although it is not certain in which direction the virus was transferred, some evidence suggests that, in this case, pigs caught the disease from humans.[17] For instance, swine influenza was only noted as a new disease of pigs in 1918, after the first large outbreaks of influenza amongst people.[17] Although a recent phylogenetic analysis of more recent strains of influenza in humans, birds, and swine suggests that the 1918 outbreak in humans followed a reassortment event within a mammal,[24] the exact origin of the 1918 strain remains elusive.[25]
1976 U.S. outbreak
Main article: 1976 swine flu outbreak
On February 5, 1976, in the United States an army recruit at Fort Dix said he felt tired and weak. He died the next day and four of his fellow soldiers were later hospitalized. Two weeks after his death, health officials announced that the cause of death was a new strain of swine flu. The strain, a variant of H1N1, is known as A/New Jersey/1976 (H1N1). It was detected only from January 19 to February 9 and did not spread beyond Fort Dix.[26]
President Ford receives swine flu vaccination
This new strain appeared to be closely related to the strain involved in the 1918 flu pandemic. Moreover, the ensuing increased surveillance uncovered another strain in circulation in the U.S.: A/Victoria/75 (H3N2) spread simultaneously, also caused illness, and persisted until March.[26] Alarmed public-health officials decided action must be taken to head off another major pandemic, and urged President Gerald Ford that every person in the U.S. be vaccinated for the disease.[27]
The vaccination program was plagued by delays and public relations problems.[28] On October 1, 1976, the immunization program began and by October 11, approximately 40 million people, or about 24% of the population, had received swine flu immunizations. That same day, three senior citizens died soon after receiving their swine flu shots and there was a media outcry linking the deaths to the immunizations, despite the lack of positive proof. According to science writer Patrick Di Justo, however, by the time the truth was known — that the deaths were not proven to be related to the vaccine — it was too late. "The government had long feared mass panic about swine flu — now they feared mass panic about the swine flu vaccinations." This became a strong setback to the program.[29]
There were reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a paralyzing neuromuscular disorder, affecting some people who had received swine flu immunizations. This syndrome is a rare side-effect of modern influenza vaccines, with an incidence of about one case per million vaccinations.[30] As a result, Di Justo writes that "the public refused to trust a government-operated health program that killed old people and crippled young people." In total, less than 33 percent of the population had been immunized by the end of 1976. The National Influenza Immunization Program was effectively halted on Dec. 16.
Overall, about 500 cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), resulting in death from severe pulmonary complications for 25 people, which, according to Dr. P. Haber, were probably caused by an immunopathological reaction to the 1976 vaccine. Other influenza vaccines have not been linked to GBS, though caution is advised for certain individuals, particularly those with a history of GBS.[31][32] Still, as observed by a participant in the immunization program, the vaccine killed more Americans than the disease did.[33]
1988 zoonosis
In September 1988, a swine flu virus killed one woman in Wisconsin, and infected at least hundreds of others. 32-year old Barbara Ann Wieners was eight months pregnant when she and her husband, Ed, became ill after visiting the hog barn at the Walworth County Fair. Barbara died eight days later, though doctors were able to induce labor and deliver a healthy daughter before she passed away. Her husband recovered from his symptoms.
Influenza-like illnesses were reportedly widespread among the pigs at the farm they had visited, and 76% of the swine exhibitors there tested positive for antibody to SIV, but no serious illnesses were detected among this group. Additional studies suggested between one and three health care personnel who had contact with the patient developed mild influenza-like illnesses with antibody evidence of swine flu infection.[34][35] However, there was no community outbreak.
1998 US outbreak in swine
In 1998, swine flu was found in pigs in four U.S. states. Within a year, it had spread through pig populations across the United States. Scientists found that this virus had originated in pigs as a recombinant form of flu strains from birds and humans. This outbreak confirmed that pigs can serve as a crucible where novel influenza viruses emerge as a result of the reassortment of genes from different strains.[36][37][38]
2007 Philippine outbreak in swine
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On August 20, 2007 Department of Agriculture officers investigated the outbreak (epizootic) of swine flu in Nueva Ecija and Central Luzon, Philippines. The mortality rate is less than 10% for swine flu, unless there are complications like hog cholera. On July 27, 2007, the Philippine National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) raised a hog cholera "red alert" warning over Metro Manila and 5 regions of Luzon after the disease spread to backyard pig farms in Bulacan and Pampanga, even if these tested negative for the swine flu virus.[39][40]
2009 outbreak in humans
Main article: 2009 swine flu outbreak
The 2009 flu outbreak is due to a new strain of subtype H1N1 not previously reported in pigs.[41] Following the outbreak, on May 2, 2009, it was reported in pigs at a farm in Alberta, Canada, with a link to the outbreak in Mexico. The pigs are suspected to have caught this new strain of virus from a farm worker who recently returned from Mexico, then showed symptoms of an influenza-like illness.[42] These are probable cases, pending confirmation by laboratory testing.
The new strain was initially described as apparent reassortment of at least four strains of influenza A virus subtype H1N1, including one strain endemic in humans, one endemic in birds, and two endemic in swine.[43] Subsequent analysis suggested it was a reassortment of just two strains, both found in swine.[2] Although initial reports identified the new strain as swine influenza (ie, a zoonosis originating in swine), its origin is unknown. Several countries took precautionary measures to reduce the chances for a global pandemic of the disease.[44]
Transmission
Electron microscope image of the reassorted H1N1 virus. The viruses are 80–120 nanometres in diameter.[45]
Transmission between pigs
Influenza is quite common in pigs, with about half of breeding pigs having been exposed to the virus in the US.[46] Antibodies to the virus are also common in pigs in other countries.[46]
The main route of transmission is through direct contact between infected and uninfected animals.[14] These close contacts are particularly common during animal transport. Intensive farming may also increase the risk of transmission, as the pigs are raised in very close proximity to each other.[47][48] The direct transfer of the virus probably occurs either by pigs touching noses, or through dried mucus. Airborne transmission through the aerosols produced by pigs coughing or sneezing are also an important means of infection.[14] The virus usually spreads quickly through a herd, infecting all the pigs within just a few days.[1] Transmission may also occur through wild animals, such as wild boar, which can spread the disease between farms.[49]
Transmission to humans
People who work with poultry and swine, especially people with intense exposures, are at increased risk of zoonotic infection with influenza virus endemic in these animals, and constitute a population of human hosts in which zoonosis and reassortment can co-occur.[50] Vaccination of these workers against influenza and surveillance for new influenza strains among this population may therefore be a important public health measure.[51] Transmission of influenza from swine to humans who work with swine was documented in a small surveillance study performed in 2004 at the University of Iowa.[52] This study among others forms the basis of a recommendation that people whose jobs involve handling poultry and swine be the focus of increased public health surveillance.[50] Other professions at particular risk of infection are veterinarians and meat processing workers, although the risk of infection for both of these groups is lower than that of farm workers.[53]
Interaction with avian H5N1 in pigs
Pigs are unusual as they can be infected with influenza strains that usually infect three different species: pigs, birds and humans.[54] This makes pigs a host where influenza viruses might exchange genes, producing new and dangerous strains.[54] Avian influenza virus H3N2 is endemic in pigs in China and has been detected in pigs in Vietnam, increasing fears of the emergence of new variant strains.[55] H3N2 evolved from H2N2 by antigenic shift.[56] In August 2004, researchers in China found H5N1 in pigs.[57]
Main symptoms of swine flu in swines.[1]
These H5N1 infections may be quite common, in a survey of 10 apparently healthy pigs housed near poultry farms in West Java, where avian flu had broken out, five of the pig samples contained the H5N1 virus. The Indonesian government has since found similar results in the same region. Additional tests of 150 pigs outside the area were negative.[58][59]
Signs and symptoms
In swine
In pigs influenza infection produces fever, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and decreased appetite.[14] In some cases the infection can cause abortion. Although mortality is usually low (around 1-4%),[1] the virus can produce weight loss and poor growth, causing economic loss to farmers.[14] Infected pigs can lose up to 12 pounds of body weight over a 3 to 4 week period.[14]
In humans
Main symptoms of swine flu in humans [60]
Direct transmission of a swine flu virus from pigs to humans is occasionally possible (called zoonotic swine flu). In all, 50 cases are known to have occurred since the first report in medical literature in 1958, which have resulted in a total of six deaths.[61] Of these six people, one was pregnant, one had leukemia, one had Hodgkin disease and two were known to be previously healthy.[61] Despite these apparently low numbers of infections, the true rate of infection may be higher, since most cases only cause a very mild disease, and will probably never be reported or diagnosed.[61]
In this video, Dr. Joe Bresee, with CDC's Influenza Division, describes the symptoms of swine flu and warning signs to look for that indicate the need for urgent medical attention.See also: See this video with subtitles in YouTube
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans the symptoms of the 2009 "swine flu" H1N1 virus are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting.[62] The 2009 H1N1 virus is not zoonotic swine flu, as it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, but from person to person.
Because these symptoms are not specific to swine flu, a differential diagnosis of probable swine flu requires not only symptoms but also a high likelihood of swine flu due to the person's recent history. For example, during the 2009 swine flu outbreak in the United States, CDC advised physicians to "consider swine influenza infection in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute febrile respiratory illness who have either been in contact with persons with confirmed swine flu, or who were in one of the five U.S. states that have reported swine flu cases or in Mexico during the 7 days preceding their illness onset."[63] A diagnosis of confirmed swine flu requires laboratory testing of a respiratory sample (a simple nose and throat swab).[63]
Prevention
Prevention of swine influenza has three components: prevention in swine, prevention of transmission to humans, and prevention of its spread among humans.
Prevention in swine
Methods of preventing the spread of influenza among swine include facility management, herd management, and vaccination. Because much of the illness and death associated with swine flu involves secondary infection by other pathogens, control strategies that rely on vaccination may be insufficient.
Control of swine influenza by vaccination has become more difficult in recent decades, as the evolution of the virus has resulted in inconsistent responses to traditional vaccines. Standard commercial swine flu vaccines are effective in controlling the infection when the virus strains match enough to have significant cross-protection, and custom (autogenous) vaccines made from the specific viruses isolated are created and used in the more difficult cases.[64][65] Present vaccination strategies for SIV control and prevention in swine farms typically include the use of one of several bivalent SIV vaccines commercially available in the United States. Of the 97 recent H3N2 isolates examined, only 41 isolates had strong serologic cross-reactions with antiserum to three commercial SIV vaccines. Since the protective ability of influenza vaccines depends primarily on the closeness of the match between the vaccine virus and the epidemic virus, the presence of nonreactive H3N2 SIV variants suggests that current commercial vaccines might not effectively protect pigs from infection with a majority of H3N2 viruses.[66][67] The United States Department of Agriculture researchers say that while pig vaccination keeps pigs from getting sick, it does not block infection or shedding of the virus.[68]
Facility management includes using disinfectants and ambient temperature to control virus in the environment. The virus is unlikely to survive outside living cells for more than two weeks, except in cold (but above freezing) conditions, and it is readily inactivated by disinfectants.[1] Herd management includes not adding pigs carrying influenza to herds that have not been exposed to the virus. The virus survives in healthy carrier pigs for up to 3 months and can be recovered from them between outbreaks. Carrier pigs are usually responsible for the introduction of SIV into previously uninfected herds and countries, so new animals should be quarantined.[46] After an outbreak, as immunity in exposed pigs wanes, new outbreaks of the same strain can occur.[1]
Prevention in humans
Prevention of pig to human transmission
Swine can be infected by both avian and human influenza strains of influenza, and therefore are hosts where the antigenic shifts can occur that create new influenza strains.
The transmission from swine to human is believed to occur mainly in swine farms where farmers are in close contact with live pigs. Although strains of swine influenza are usually not able to infect humans this may occasionally happen, so farmers and veterinarians are encouraged to use a face mask when dealing with infected animals. The use of vaccines on swine to prevent their infection is a major method of limiting swine to human transmission. Risk factors that may contribute to swine-to-human transmission include smoking and not wearing gloves when working with sick animals.[69]
Prevention of human to human transmission
Influenza spreads between humans through coughing or sneezing and people touching something with the virus on it and then touching their own nose or mouth.[70] Swine flu cannot be spread by pork products, since the virus is not transmitted through food.[70] The swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of the illness although some people, most commonly children, can remain contagious for up to ten days. Diagnosis can be made by sending a specimen, collected during the first five days for analysis.[71]
Recommendations to prevent spread of the virus among humans include using standard infection control against influenza. This includes frequent washing of hands with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially after being out in public.[72] Although the current trivalent influenza vaccine is unlikely to provide protection against the new 2009 H1N1 strain,[73] vaccines against the new strain are being developed and could be ready as early as June 2009.[74]
Experts agree that hand-washing can help prevent viral infections, including ordinary influenza and the swine flu virus. Influenza can spread in coughs or sneezes, but an increasing body of evidence shows small droplets containing the virus can linger on tabletops, telephones and other surfaces and be transferred via the fingers to the mouth, nose or eyes. Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers work well to destroy viruses and bacteria. Anyone with flu-like symptoms such as a sudden fever, cough or muscle aches should stay away from work or public transportation and should contact a doctor to be tested.
Social distancing is another tactic. It means staying away from other people who might be infected and can include avoiding large gatherings, spreading out a little at work, or perhaps staying home and lying low if an infection is spreading in a community. Public health and other responsible authorities have action plans which may request or require social distancing actions depending on the severity of the outbreak.
Treatment
In swine
As swine influenza is rarely fatal to pigs, little treatment beyond rest and supportive care is required. [46] Instead veterinary efforts are focused on preventing the spread of the virus throughout the farm, or to other farms.[14] Vaccination and animal management techniques are most important in these efforts. Antibiotics are also used to treat this disease, which although they have no effect against the influenza virus, do help prevent bacterial pneumonia and other secondary infections in influenza-weakened herds. [75]
In humans
If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Beside antivirals, palliative care, at home or in hospital, focuses on controlling fevers and maintaining fluid balance. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) or Relenza (zanamivir) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses, however, the majority of people infected with the virus make a full recovery without requiring medical attention or antiviral drugs.[76] The virus isolates in the 2009 outbreak have been found resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.[77]
In the U.S., on April 27, 2009, the FDA issued Emergency Use Authorizations to make available Relenza and Tamiflu antiviral drugs to treat the swine influenza virus in cases for which they are currently unapproved. The agency issued these EUAs to allow treatment of patients younger than the current approval allows and to allow the widespread distribution of the drugs, including by non-licensed volunteers
Friday, April 17, 2009
Y que lata con los IPOD !!!
Con tantos avances en tecnologia, en cada area de la vida, actualmente nos resulta poco menos que imposible el simple hecho de pensar como podriamos vivir sin "esto" o "aquello".
Es dificil imaginar el salir a la calle sin el telefono celular, o como imaginarnos escribir a algun familiar o amigo en otro pais sin el e-mail, o como manejar sin el blue tooth, definitivamente vivir sin "TIVO" ni soñarlo, que tal tener que mandar "tus rollos a revelar" si no tuvieras una camara digital, y de la compu pues ni hablemos.
Quiza toda esta dependencia comenzo con el "control remoto", o el "Horno de microondas" y ha evolucionado al punto tal que hay articulos de los que ahora no podemos precindir, lamentable pero verdaderamente...
Este para mi.. desgracia? mala fortuna? o ... es el caso de mi IPOD... al principio fue solo un "no lo necesito pero solo por probar" y ahora pareciera que el mundo empieza y termina por que el IPOD !!!! SE ME DESCOMPUSO!!!...
Pareciera que es el juego que juega apple, lo tenemos, lo entendemos, lo usamos, nos acostumbramos, lo necesitamos, se vuelve indispensable y de repente... CABUN!!
Pudiera parecer algo exagerado, pero no lo es, hasta ahora he intentado todo para revivirlo pero todo, todo, incluso los nada tolerables foros de ayuda de apple ha resultado...
Cuando aparecio la "carita triste" en mi IPOD Classic no me imagine que es como una especie de burla, queriendo darme a entender que esa seria mi cara despues de dos o tres intentos...
Si este blog llega a tus ojos, si has atravesado esta estacion de la vida o estas en ella en este momento, o mejor aun, si has salido de ella con alguna solucion (no resignacion ni comprar otro ipod eh?) contactame y "suframos" esta gran perdida. Espero algun dia volver a ser el mismo...
Es dificil imaginar el salir a la calle sin el telefono celular, o como imaginarnos escribir a algun familiar o amigo en otro pais sin el e-mail, o como manejar sin el blue tooth, definitivamente vivir sin "TIVO" ni soñarlo, que tal tener que mandar "tus rollos a revelar" si no tuvieras una camara digital, y de la compu pues ni hablemos.
Quiza toda esta dependencia comenzo con el "control remoto", o el "Horno de microondas" y ha evolucionado al punto tal que hay articulos de los que ahora no podemos precindir, lamentable pero verdaderamente...
Este para mi.. desgracia? mala fortuna? o ... es el caso de mi IPOD... al principio fue solo un "no lo necesito pero solo por probar" y ahora pareciera que el mundo empieza y termina por que el IPOD !!!! SE ME DESCOMPUSO!!!...
Pareciera que es el juego que juega apple, lo tenemos, lo entendemos, lo usamos, nos acostumbramos, lo necesitamos, se vuelve indispensable y de repente... CABUN!!
Pudiera parecer algo exagerado, pero no lo es, hasta ahora he intentado todo para revivirlo pero todo, todo, incluso los nada tolerables foros de ayuda de apple ha resultado...
Cuando aparecio la "carita triste" en mi IPOD Classic no me imagine que es como una especie de burla, queriendo darme a entender que esa seria mi cara despues de dos o tres intentos...
Si este blog llega a tus ojos, si has atravesado esta estacion de la vida o estas en ella en este momento, o mejor aun, si has salido de ella con alguna solucion (no resignacion ni comprar otro ipod eh?) contactame y "suframos" esta gran perdida. Espero algun dia volver a ser el mismo...
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