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Everything you wanted to know about H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
Swine flu also known as H1N1 Flu is an influenza virus that is spreading from person to person causing illness. It was first discovered in the United States in April 2009. People from Mexico and Canada were also affected by the virus. The virus spreads like regular influenza virus.
What is Swine Flu?
This virus is known as swine flu as laboratory tests show that the genes contained in the new virus are similar to those found in influenza viruses affecting pigs in Northern America. Of course, further study conducted indicates that the virus is quite different from the one that circulates among pigs. It has 2 genes belonging to flu viruses that usually circulate among pigs in Asia and Europe as well as avian genes along with human genes. Scientists term this as “quadruple reassortant” virus.
Are humans affected by this?
Cases of humans being affected by this new virus were first reported in Southern California as well as near the Guadalupe County in Texas. Since then it is has been spreading rapidly and other states in the US have also reported cases.
The virus is contagious and spreads from person to person. How easily it spreads is yet to be ascertained.
Symptoms of Swine Flu
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Runny and stuffy nose
- Sore throat.
- Headache.
- Body aches.
- Chills.
- Fatigue.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting
The severity of the illness caused by the virus:
It is not yet known how serious this illness could affect the general population. Efforts are on to ascertain to what extent the illness will affect the person, whether he or she is at higher risk of serious illness, infection or hospitalization. One is still unable to identify whether any particular group of people is at greater risk of being severely affected by the virus as in the case of flu. Tests are being conducted in laboratories to see if certain sections of people had natural immunity to the virus, depending upon of course their age.
How does it spread?
It spreads in the same manner that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses spread from person to person through cough as well as sneezing by the suffering from influenza. Its can also spread if a person touches something infected by the viruses and places his or her hand on his or her mouth or perhaps the nose.
As of now the view held is that the new virus has the same properties as flu in terms of spreading. Flu takes about 1 to 7 days. Of course, research is on to ascertain the time taken for the spreading of the new virus.
It does not spread by eating pork. In other words, it does not spread through food items. Drinking water is also not a source of infection as one uses chlorinated water, which inactivates the viruses. The chances of spreading through water in swimming pools, in spas interactive fountains, water parks is less if the water is properly chlorinated.
Recreational water venues can be places where the virus can spread, since they are group settings.
Prevention of H1N1 (Swine Flu)
- Cover the nose as well mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. The tissue should be thrown in a trash can after being used.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose as germs spread this way.
- One must wash one’s hands with soap and water, especially after one sneezes or coughs.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay at home for the seven days or till your symptom free for 24 hours.
- Follow the guidelines of public health advice regarding school closures, avoid crowds, and maintain social distance.
Treatment of HIN1 (Swine Flu)
- Stay at home and avoid contact with others.
- Seek medical care.
- One can make avail of emergency medical care facilities.
When one should seek emergency medical care?
Swine Flu In children:
- Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing
- Gray skin or bluish skin color.
- Persistent or severe vomiting.
- Not interacting or waking up.
- Insufficient intake of fluids.
- Irritability.
- Flu like symptoms lessen but return with more cough and fever.
Swine Flu In adults:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.
- Pressure or pain in the chest or the abdomen.
- Confusion.
- Sudden dizziness.
- Persistent or severe vomiting.
- Flu-like symptoms become less but are followed by more cough and fever.
Swine-flu is the new virus which is baffling people. Even in developing countries cases are being reported and precautions are being taken to ensure that foreign tourists do not carry the virus into their respective countries.
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