H1N1 flu-Swine Flu

What is H1N1 flu?

H1N1 is a flu virus. When it was first detected in 2009, it was called “swine flu” because the virus

was similar to those found in pigs. The H1N1 or swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract of pigs and result in a barking cough, decreased appetite, nasal secretions, and listless behavior; the virus can be transmitted to humans.

The H1N1 virus is currently a seasonal flu virus found in humans. Although it also circulates in pigs, you cannot get it by eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products

Transmission

Swine flu is transmitted from person to person by inhalation or ingestion of droplets containing virus from people sneezing or coughing.

Symptoms

Symptoms of H1N1

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to most influenza infections. Some symptoms are listed below:

   Fever (100⁰F /37⁰C or greater), Cough. Nasal secretion,fatigue   and headache.

   Some patients may also have sore throat, rash, body aches, chills, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (MedicineNet).

Prevention and Treatment

There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is a vaccine available

to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by

Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.

Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.

Staying home from work or school if you are sick. (NIH)

References

1.http://www.flu.gov/about_the_flu/h1n1/

2.http://www.medicinenet.com/swine_flu/article.htm#what_is_the_swine_flu

3.https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/h1n1fluswineflu.html