Swine Flu: H1N1
Swine influenza, also called pig influenza, swine flu, hog flu and pig flu, is an infection caused by any one of several types of swine influenza viruses. Swine influenza virus (SIV) or swine-origin influenza virus (S-OIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the sub-types of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H2N1, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3. The Swine flu was initially seen in humans in Mexico in 2009.Six of the genes are very similar to the H1N2 influenza virus that was found in pigs around 2000. Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human flu, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human flu, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection.Signs and symptoms
Manifestations of H1N1 influenza are similar to those of seasonal influenza. Patients present with symptoms of acute respiratory illness, including at least 2 of the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Headache
- Chills and fatigue
- In children signs of severe disease include, tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, dehydration, altered mental status, and extreme irritability.
Here are the five effective steps you should take to keep Swine Flu away:
- The best way to prevent you from Swine Flu is to get flu vaccination or flu shot on annual basis. This protects your body from getting infected by the disease;
- Wash your hands properly using soap or sanitiser. This prevents the germs to get into the body and infect us. It is very important to wash hands before intake of any meal;
- One of the most important preventive measures is to avoid contact with people suffering from swine flu. Coming in contact with the infected person may lead you to catch the virus;
- Although, the flu does not spread through food. But it is important to have properly handled cooked food. The raw food must be properly washed and cooked;