Swine flu H1N1

What is Swine Flu?
"Swine flu" refers to the H1N1 influenza virus. It caused a global pandemic in 2009.

Update: The pandemic was declared over in 2010. Today, H1N1 is considered a regular seasonal flu virus and is included in the standard annual flu vaccine.

Symptoms

Symptoms appear 1 to 3 days after exposure and usually last for a week. They are very similar to seasonal flu:

• Fever and Chills.
• Cough and Sore Throat.
• Body aches and Fatigue.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Digestive Issues: Unlike some other flu strains, H1N1 often causes diarrhea and vomiting.

Transmission

You cannot get Swine Flu from eating pork. The virus infects the cells lining your nose, throat, and lungs. It spreads via:

• Airborne Droplets: When an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• Contaminated Surfaces: Touching a surface with the virus and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Complications

While most people recover, complications can be serious for high-risk groups:

• Worsening of chronic conditions (Asthma, Heart Disease, Diabetes).
• Pneumonia.
• Respiratory Failure.
• Neurological signs (confusion or seizures).

Diagnosis

Doctors cannot diagnose H1N1 just by looking at symptoms. They use:

• Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test: A nose swab that gives results in 15 minutes (though it can sometimes miss the infection).
• PCR Test: A more accurate lab test that identifies the specific strain (H1N1 vs. H3N2).

Treatment

Most people do not need medical treatment and recover with rest and fluids. However, treatment differs for high-risk patients.

1. Antiviral Drugs

Drugs like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza) can shorten the illness if taken within 48 hours of symptoms starting.

Who needs them? Doctors reserve these for high-risk groups:

• Children under 5 (especially under 2).
• Adults over 65.
• Pregnant women.
• People with chronic diseases (Asthma, Diabetes, Heart Disease).
• Those with weakened immune systems (HIV, Chemotherapy).

2. Home Care

• Rest: Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.
• Fluids: Water, broth, and electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration from fever/vomiting.
• Pain Relievers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) for aches and fever.

⚠️ WARNING: NO ASPIRIN FOR KIDS
Never give Aspirin to children or teenagers recovering from flu-like symptoms. It is linked to Reye's Syndrome, a rare but fatal condition causing swelling in the liver and brain.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.