Overview
Swine flu, also known as H1N1 flu, is a type of influenza A virus that can cause illness in humans. It's a new combination of influenza viruses that infect pigs, birds, and humans. The virus was first identified during the 2009-2010 flu season, causing an estimated 284,400 deaths worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009. Although the pandemic ended in August 2010, the H1N1 flu strain now causes seasonal flu. Swine flu symptoms are similar to those of other flu viruses and can include fever, aching muscles, chills, sweats, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, watery red eyes, eye pain, body aches, headache, tiredness, weakness, diarrhea, and nausea. It's spread through the air in droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, breathes, or talks. People at higher risk of developing flu complications include young children, adults over 65, pregnant individuals, those with weakened immune systems, and those with chronic illnesses.
Understanding the disease
Symptoms
The symptoms of swine flu caused by H1N1 are similar to those of other flu viruses. They include:
- Fever (though not always present)
- Ache
Risk Factors
The risk factors for developing swine flu include:
- Age: People under the age of 2 and those over 65 years old are more likely to have worse outcomes from the flu.
- Living or working conditions: People living or working in facilities with many residents, such as nursing homes or military barracks, are more likely to develop the flu.
- Weakened immune system: Cancer treatments, anti-rejection medications, long-term use of steroids, organ transplant, blood cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other conditions that weaken the immune system can increase the risk of catching the flu and developing complications.
- Chronic illnesses: People with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and lung diseases are more likely to experience complications from the flu.
- Race: American Indians or Alaska Natives may have an increased risk of developing influenza complications. Remember that the H1N1 flu, or swine flu, is caused by the influenza A virus. It was declared a pandemic in 2009, and the virus became one of the strains that cause seasonal flu. While most people recover from the flu on their own, it can be deadly for high-risk individuals. Vaccination can help protect against the H1N1 flu and other seasonal flu viruses.
Development
Swine flu, also known as H1N1 flu, is a type of influenza A virus that can infect humans, pigs, birds, and other animals. The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of other flu viruses. During the 2009-10 flu season, a new H1N1 virus emerged and caused illness in humans. This virus was a new combination of influenza viruses that infect pigs, birds, and humans. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the H1N1 flu a pandemic in 2009, and it caused an estimated 284,400 deaths worldwide that year. However, after the pandemic was declared over in August 2010, the H1N1 flu strain became one of the strains that cause seasonal flu. Most people with the flu get better on their own, but flu and its complications can be deadly, especially for people at high risk. The seasonal flu vaccine can help protect against the H1N1 flu and other seasonal flu viruses.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Triage
If you suspect swine flu, you should see a doctor if you experience emergency symptoms such as difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, ongoing dizziness, seizures, worsening of existing medical conditions, severe weakness or muscle pain, or if a child shows signs of trouble breathing, pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds, chest pain, dehydration, severe muscle pain, or seizures.
Diagnosis
To diagnose H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, your healthcare provider may conduct a physical exam and review your symptoms. They may also order tests to detect influenza viruses such as H1N1. In some cases, a test may be used to get more information about the cause of your symptoms or to confirm other conditions like COVID-19. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is commonly used for diagnosing influenza, as it is more sensitive than other tests and can identify the influenza strain.
Management and Treatment
Complications
Potential complications of swine flu include pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma flare-ups, heart problems, ear infections, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Prevention
swine flu can be prevented by taking the following measures:
- Wash your hands often: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes: Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow and then wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your face: Particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces: Regularly clean often-touched surfaces to prevent the spread of infection.
- Avoid contact with the virus: Stay away from people who are sick or have symptoms of the flu, and if you have symptoms, stay home.
- Avoid crowds: Flu spreads easily in crowded places like child care centers, schools, office buildings, and public transportation.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations: Consult your doctor about which vaccinations you should have, including the seasonal flu vaccine.