Symptoms and treatments of Swine Flu (H1N1 Flu)

What is swine flu?

The H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, is a relatively recent strain of influenza that originates from pigs and is  more commonly transmitted from person to person. Most of the symptoms of pig influenza are similar to those of human influenza infection. Pigs with swine flu show symptoms like nasal secretions, a barking cough, a decreased appetite etc among other symptoms.

Swine flu was first observed in Mexico and it quickly spread among travellers worldwide in the year 2009, marking the first influenza pandemic since 1968.

Scientists came up with their results and found that it was a strain of flu virus that was later referred to as H1N1. It was responsible for the production of various respiratory symptoms in humans which was severe and fatal When left  untreated .

It was soon declared by WHO as a global pandemic, as people from all around the world were affected by the flu.

Types of swine flu 

The following are the types of swine flu.

H1N1 

 H1N1 flu is a virus that is referred to as swine flu. People who contracted it in the past had close contact with pigs.

 Multiple laboratory tests confirm that many of the genes in this novel virus (H1N1) were similar to influenza viruses that typically infect pigs.

H1N2 

The influenza A virus, usually known as bird flu, has a subtype called H1N2. It has affected both swine (Pigs) and human populations, so H1N2 poses a severe threat to public health.

 H3N2 

 The non-human influenza virus known as H3N2 virus mainly infects pigs and people. These viruses, H3N2, are known as “variant” viruses that infect only humans.

How does swine flu spread?

Sneezing and coughing

The transmission of the flu is observed to only occur from one person to another, and not from animal to person. The flu is highly contagious and is transmitted through ingestion or inhalation of droplets containing viruses when coughing or sneezing.

Touching

Infection can be caused when a person touches a surface or objects infected by flu viruses and then touches the mouth or nose. The virus has a lifetime of up to 2 hours outside the body and thus can be transmitted by being in contact with doorknobs, glasses, kitchen utensils, or getting in contact with an infected person and then touching your mouth or eyes.

Pork consumption

It must be noted, that contrary to the common belief, influenza viruses are not known to be transmissible to people through eating processed pork or other food products derived from pigs.

symptoms of Swine Flu:

The signs of infection with swine flu are very similar to regular influenza and include fever, coughing, headaches, pain in the muscles or joints, sore throat, chills, fatigue, and runny nose.

In some cases, diarrhoea and vomiting have also been reported. The flu has a high risk of severe complications on people above 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women, people of any age with chronic or severe medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and immunosuppressed people (e.g., taking immunosuppressive medications or infected with HIV).

The Most Prominent symptoms of swine flu are as follows and they are often confused with regular flu. It is highly advisable to get a test done when the symptoms persist and never try to self-medicate oneself.

• Cough
• Fever
• Sore throat
• Stuffy orrunny nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

Just like seasonal flu, Swine Flu can lead to a lot of serious complications that include pneumonia and respiratory system failure. And it can lead to conditions like diabetes or asthma or worsen an existing condition.

Firstly, to avoid contracting Swine Flu, it is wise to be precautious.

Swine flu symptoms of children

 Some severe symptoms of swine flu in children may require emergency medical attention, which includes blue lips and skin, dehydration, rapid breathing, excessive sleeping and irritability that includes a lack of desire to be held.

Adults show symptoms of swine flu like shortness of breath, pain in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion may indicate the need for emergency care.

Is swine flu contagious?

 People who are affected with swine Flu can be highly contagious and they can pass on the virus to others as quickly as one day before they have any symptoms, and as many as 7 days after they get infected and become sick. In the case of children, they can be contagious for as long as 10 days.

Diagnosis of Swine flu

You can diagnose swine flu through the following test.

 RT-PCR test  

RT-PCR is nothing but the Real-Time PCR Kit, which is an in vitro nucleic acid amplification technique for the identification of all known influenza A virus types, including pandemic swine influenza A viruses, and pandemic swine H1 influenza virus.

Routine blood tests 

An X-ray chest, standard blood tests and a complete blood count are all the swine flu test components. These blood tests help to identify the swine flu virus with great accuracy (H1N1).

Chest X-ray 

A chest X-ray is not typically performed on people who have the flu. A chest X-ray is utilised to evaluate influenza-related complications, such as secondary bacterial pneumonia.

Nose or throat swab 

 A throat or nose swab is used to test for the swine flu. The laboratory results may be able to determine whether influenza types A or B are present in 15 minutes with the help of a throat swab.

Within the first 4 to 5 days of illness, a sample of the infectious material is taken from the patient’s throat or nose.

Treatment for Swine flu

 The majority of people recover from H1N1 without extensive medical treatment.

A doctor may, however, prescribe antiviral medication in some cases. They can shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce their severity.

People may need medical help if they:

• have severe symptoms or complications
• have a high risk of complications

Humans have been exposed to swine flu numerous times, usually with limited distribution, rarely with a wide distribution. Following precautionary measures when there is an outbreak and getting properly treated are the ways one can avoid Swine flu.

Here are some of the main recommendations and treatment given for swine flu.

Increase your fluid intake  

To avoid dehydration, use fluids like water, juice and warm soups. Increase your sleep to strengthen your body’s defences against infection.

Avoid contact with other people

If you have the flu, stay away from pigs. Wait until seven days following the onset of your sickness or until you haven’t had a fever for 24 hours without using antipyretics or OTC medication.

Antiviral medication 

The two medications with the most current evidence of efficacy in the management of H1N1 influenza virus infection are oseltamivir and zanamivir. Currently, the oral antiviral medication oseltamivir is advised to treat swine flu.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) 

Oseltamivir is used to treat influenza virus symptoms (influenza). It lessens the severity of the symptoms and cuts the recovery period by one to two days, including stuffy nose, coughing, sore throat, fever/chills, pains and fatigue.

Zanamivir (Relenza) 

If you have had symptoms from the flu (influenza) for no more than two days, zanamivir is used to treat them. It reduces symptoms (such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue) and mitigates the recovery period in half to two days.

Prevention of swine flu

 Here are some precautionary measures to be followed to avoid swine flu.

Wash hands frequently

 Washing your hands constantly can avoid swine flu virus infection. Anything you touch may be affected, and so to avoid infection it is important to keep hands clean.

Sanitizing your hands frequently and carrying the sanitiser wherever you go outside or travel is a good precautionary measure.

Public Facilities

 Avoid touching public handles as much as possible because they will be loaded with germs that may carry the swine flu virus. Wear a surgical mask whenever you are in contact with the public. Refrain yourself from touching your nose and mouth often.

Air traveling

 Transferring any flu, including swine flu, is most likely possible in close quarters like an aeroplane. Travel should be avoided to spreading of flu or contract the flu.

Avoid crowds

Stay out of crowds as much as possible. Proximity to other people will enhance your chances of infection faster. Always wear a surgical mask wherever there is high traffic.

Try to have a distance and stay at least 3-6 feet away from people. Always cover your mouth with a cloth whenever you sneeze. Don’t use other or infected people clothes, utensils or anything they have been using.

Vaccinations

 Get yourself a flu shot. It is recommended to get an annual flu shot for everyone aged 6 months or older, barring certain rare exceptions. A doctor can provide advice on individual needs.

Visit your doctor

 When you experience symptoms of flu, immediately visit your doctor and take advice on medications. These medications should be taken within 36 hours of flu infection to show immediate effect.

Risk factors of swine flu

 The underlying things are some of the major risk factors associated with swine flu.

Children (Below five years of age)

Contact with an infected person is the greatest risk factor for contracting the H1N1 virus. A severe variant of the flu may be more common in children under the age of two and those with underlying medical issues.

Individuals older than 65 years 

 People 65 and older do not appear to be affected by the new 2009 H1N1 virus in the same way seasonal flu often does. Most of those who have fallen ill from this new virus is young. Ages 65 and over have a lower risk of contracting this new virus.

Pregnant women 

 Pregnant women are more vulnerable to influenza that is severe enough to necessitate hospitalisation during pregnancy and up to two weeks after delivery because of changes to the immune system, heart and lungs. Influenza may be dangerous to unborn children as well.

Weak immune systems 

As a result of their exceptional immune response to the H1N1 swine flu, afflicted individuals “produce antibodies that are protective against a range of flu strains.

Summing up

The majority of swine flu cases don’t need to be treated with medication, unless you are in danger of having medical issues from the flu, you don’t need to consult a doctor.

The swine flu can be lethal in severe circumstances. Most fatal instances involve people with underlying chronic medical problems like HIV or AIDS. The majority of swine flu patients recover, and they can expect to live regular lives. The best defence against swine flu is an annual flu shot.

FAQ 

What are swine flu symptoms? 

 Fever, depression, coughing, discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing, breathing issues, eye redness or inflammation and reduced appetite are all symptoms of swine flu in pigs.

 Should I wear a face mask or respirator? 

If you must be in close proximity to a sick individual, put on a face mask (avoid using an N95 respirator). If you are administering a nebuliser, inhaler or other respiratory treatment to a sick person, wear an N95 respirator.

How long does swine flu stay contagious? 

 People with the H1N1 influenza virus infection should be regarded as potentially contagious for up to 7 days after the commencement of their illness, as long as they are symptomatic. Younger kids, in particular, could potentially be contagious for more extended periods of time.

 Can swine flu spread from one person to another? 

 The H1N1 virus spreads similarly to how the seasonal flu does. You can get the flu by contacting droplets from an infected person’s cough, sneezing, or touching something they just felt and then touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.

How did people prevent the swine flu? 

• Regularly wash your hands. Use soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if those aren’t available.
• Cover your sneezes and coughs.
• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Maintain distance and keep your surface pristine.

 Can swine flu spread through food? 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state that eating food does not generally spread influenza viruses. For instance, even though the H1N1 virus affects pigs, it cannot be disseminated through consuming fully cooked, safely handled meat. It has not been suggested to adjust the cooking time or temperature.