GS PrelimsScience and TechnologyHuman Health and Diseases2010

Consider the following statements : 1. Every individual in the population is equally susceptible host for Swine Flu. 2. Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment of Swine Flu. 3. To prevent the future spread of 'Swine Flu in the epidemic area, the swine (pigs) must all be culled. Which of the statements given above. is/are correct?

A

1 and 2 only

B

2 only

C

2 and 3 only

D

1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: Option B

Explanation

1. The question asks which statements regarding Swine Flu (Influenza A H1N1) are correct. 2. Statement 1: Claims every individual in the population is equally susceptible. Susceptibility to influenza viruses varies based on factors like age, prior exposure to related viruses (cross-immunity), vaccination status, and underlying health conditions. Therefore, not every individual is equally susceptible. This statement is incorrect. 3. Statement 2: Claims Antibiotics have no role in the primary treatment. Swine Flu is caused by a virus (Influenza A H1N1). Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, not viruses. Antiviral medications (like oseltamivir) are used for primary treatment of influenza, while antibiotics might only be used to treat secondary bacterial infections if they occur. Therefore, antibiotics have no role in the *primary* treatment of the viral infection itself. This statement is correct. 4. Statement 3: Suggests culling all swine (pigs) in the epidemic area to prevent future spread. While the virus originated in pigs, Swine Flu (H1N1) became a human influenza virus capable of sustained human-to-human transmission. Culling pigs would not stop human-to-human spread once established and is not the standard public health response for controlling human influenza epidemics. Control focuses on vaccination, antivirals, and hygiene measures. This statement is incorrect. 5. Since only statement 2 is correct, the answer is (B).

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