IMPORTANT KEY FACTS ABOUT SWINE FLU INFLUENZA VIRUS WHICH YOU NEED TO KNOW!!

The first half of 2017 has seen a sudden burst in the number of deaths and infections caused by Influenza A (H1N1), popularly referred to as swine flu in India. By 9th of July, almost 460 people were affected and 600 deaths were reported. It was endemic in 2009. Experts are also alarmed as the number is high among young adults. About 40% of the deaths are found among those people in the 20-50 years age group, with no co-morbid conditions. Have you ever suffered from the deadly disease swine flu? If not, then nothing can be good than this. You can protect yourself and your family by learning the latest on it.

WHAT IS SWINE INFLUENZA VIRUS (FLU)?

Swine flu is an influenza virus which affects human respiratory tract. It first originated in pigs but nowadays spreading primarily from person to person. Most outbreaks occur during the late fall and winter months similar to outbreaks in humans. It is also known as the H1N1 virus. Its symptoms are similar to the most influenza infections, a barking cough, decreased appetite, nasal secretions, and listless behavior. The virus can be transmitted to humans. Symptoms of swine flu in humans are similar to most influenza infections: fever (100' F or greater), cough, nasal secretions, fatigue, and headache. In serious cases can lead to pneumonia.

HOW DOES A HUMAN CATCHES SWINE FLU? AND DOES IT SPREAD FROM EATING PORK?

Contact with infected pigs It is the most common way found to catch swine flu. Contact with infected humans It is much less common way of catching swine flu, but is a risk, especially for those in close contact with an infected person. Many people have the misconception that eating pork causes the swine flu. The answer is No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get the infection from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products are safe.

WHO ARE ALL AT RISK TO CATCH SWINE FLU?

• Those adults who are over age 65 and children under 5 years.
• Young adults and children under age 19 who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• Immunocompromised patients and pregnant women
• People suffering from chronic ailments such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, or neuromuscular disease.
• Can also get infected with a cough, sneezing, saliva, kissing or sharing food and drinks.

HOW CAN SWINE INFLUENZA VIRUS BE DIAGNOSED IN PEOPLE?

To diagnose swine influenza infection, a respiratory specimen is generally collected within the first 4-5 days of illness (when an infected person is most likely to be shedding virus). In the case with children, a virus may shed for 10 days or longer.

HOW CAN SWINE FLU BE CURED?

The best treatment for influenza infection in humans is to get a yearly flu vaccination. The Nasal spray vaccine was developed in 2009 and was approved for use in healthy individuals aged between 2-49 years. Another injectable vaccine was made from killed H1N1. This vaccine was approved for use in ages 6 months to elderly. Two antiviral drugs which are known to reduce the influenza symptoms are Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and zanamivir (Relenza). They are often reserved for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu as the virus can become resistant to these drugs. People who are otherwise generally healthy and if get infected with swine flu will be able to fight the infection on their own. Other preventive measures which you can adopt to keep the infection at bay are by:

• Drinking plenty of water and fruit juices to prevent dehydration and will also replenish the body of lost nutrients.
• Take OTC drugs to prevent fever, sore throat and headache.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap or sanitizer before taking meals and avoid large gatherings when swine flu is in the season.

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