Swine Flu: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

by WellVenue · Published February 6, 2019 · Updated February 7, 2019

What is swine flu (H1N1 Virus)?

Swine flu is a virus originating in pigs but spreading to humans. Swine flu also referred to as the H1N1 virus, is a relatively new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms similar to regular flu. first of all, In April 2009, the virus was first identified in Mexico. It became known as swine flu because it is similar to pig influenza viruses.

Even more, Fever, cold and cough, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, body aches, watery eyes, and sore throat are common symptoms of the disease. Vaccines are now available to guard against swine flu. Many medicines are also available to treat this influenza.

Swine flu is no more dangerous than the other flu which strike in winter: influenza virus B and H3N2.

However, the flu can be serious for those who are vulnerable, including as those with existing long-term health conditions, or who are undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy.

What are the Causes?

Swine flu is caused by a strain of influenza virus that usually only infects pigs. . Human beings have been infected with this virus by eating infected pork or coming into direct contact with infected swine.
Influenza is spread from person to person when the virus enters the body through the eyes, nose, and/or mouth. Coughing and sneezing release the germs into the air, where they can be breathed in by others. The virus can also rest on hard surfaces like doorknobs, ATM buttons, counters etc. A person who touches these surfaces with their hands and then touches their eyes, mouth, or nose can become infected with the virus. Influenza is generally not spread by eating food or drinking water.

You can’t get influenza from eating pork, though you should always make sure that it’s cooked thoroughly and handled carefully.

Ways through which swine flu enter in humans:

Infected pigs contact: This is the most common way to catch swine flu. Contact with infected pigs increases the probability of transmission.

Contact with infected people: This is a much less common way to catch swine flu, but it is a risk, particularly for those in close contact with an infected person.

What are the symptoms of swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to normal flu, They are:

Fever higher than 100° F
Pain in the muscles
Body ache
Throat pain
A Cough
Sneezing
High fever
Stuffy or a runny nose
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Tiredness
Lack of energy
Shortness of breath
Pneumonia

Diagnosis of Swine flu

If swine grippe (H1N1 grippe) is widespread in your community and your child has symptoms of swine flu with fever, he or she is likely to have swine grippe. You don’t need to have any special tests. If your child is HIGH-RISK for flu complications, you should call your doctor. If your child does not develop a possible complication of the flu, you do not need to call or see your child’s doctor for LOW-RISK children.

Diagnosis by Doctor

Your doctor can make a diagnosis by sampling fluid from your body. To take a sample, your doctor or a nurse may swab your nose or throat.

The swab will be analyzed using various genetic and laboratory techniques to identify the specific type of virus. No blood test is required.

How to Prevent the swine flu?

These measures also help prevent swine flu (H1N1 flu) and limit its spread:

Avoid overcrowded spots: Since this time the flu season is on and swine flu spreads very fast, the most convenient way is to avoid overcrowded spots. Specialists such as critical care specialists, lung specialists (pulmonologists) and infectious disease specialists can be consulted for more complicated and/or severe swine flu infections.

During this disease, you should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. As a result, hot soups, water, fresh fruit and vegetable juices help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

Practice good health habits: sleep properly, eat nutritious food and regular exercise.

Wash your hands: often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Wearing a mask on the face: This helps to prevent the infection of exposed people and health professionals who work closely with people with viral infections such as swine influenza.

Home remedies can help to avoid swine flu if you are already suffering from flu, these measures can only help to a certain extent.

Get vaccinated: Don’t think that once you have been vaccinated, you are safe. Be up to date with your routine medical checks and vaccinations.

Like normal grippe, people with swine gripping should take a lot of rest and use standard cold remedies based on Paracetamol to reduce their temperature and relieve symptoms.

Clean the surfaces used by the person concerned: say for door knobs, balcony chairs, keyboard and mouse, and all surfaces touched and used by the swine flu infected person.