0 Swine Flu Symptoms and Prevention

What is Swine Flu ?

Swine flu is a respiratory disease that infects pigs. It is caused due to the infection by any one of several type of influenza A virus. This influenza is transmitted to human through direct contact with infected pig (zoonotic swine flu) but looking to the history and even recent outbreaks of swine influenza in USA and in India we know that this virus is transmitted from human to human as well. the most common swine influenza virus in human is H1N1 which is a subtype of influenza virus A. swine flu is highly contageous but it can be treated and prevented as well.

Swine Flu Symptoms 

The  swine flu  symptoms are same as seasonal flu but in many cases diarrhea, vomiting.

• Fever
• cough
• runny nose
• sore throat
• headache
• chills
• body ache
• fatigue

Apart from the above listed swine flu symptoms   there are other symptoms also which may lead to severe to lethal cases of swine flu.

• Severe abdominal or chest pain
• Sudden dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Excessive vomiting
• Confusion

Who is at high risk of Swine Flu ?

People having weakened immune system
People suffering from lung diseases
Those having chronic heart disease
Those having history of long term liver disease
If you have kidney disease you are at higher risk of getting infected by swine flu virus.

What is the difference between h1n1 virus / swine flu and seasonal flu ?

Swine Flu Symptoms - Prevention

The  swine flu symptoms and seasonal flu symptoms are almost same, in both conditions patient suffers fever, headaches, runny nose, sore throat, cough etc., however in h1n1 virus (swine flu) patient might experience respiratory problems, diarrhea and vomiting. H1N1 virus  can also worsen severe chronic diseases  like asthma and diabetes.

How to Prevent Swine Flu ?

By taking simple prevetive measures we can reduce the risk of catching the h1n1 virus.

Swine Flu Prevention:

• Avoid direct contact with infected human and pigs in order to prevent swine flu infection .
• Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf or a respiratory mask while going out .
• Do not spit in public place.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or with alcohol based hand sanitizers frequently as swine flu virus can be spread by touching the contaminated (with the virus) humans and odjects.
• Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing. Use disposable napkins instead of bare palms or cloth napkins.
• If you are feeling the symptoms of swine flu then stop going to work and avoid public transport. check with your health care provider/doctor.
• Swine flu does not spread from consumption of pork products as virus is not transmitted through food.

Swine Flu in India

Unfortunately India also witnessed h1n1 2009 pandemics (swine flu pandemic).The first confirmed death due to swine flu in India was of 14 yrs old girl child from Pune.
On August 8, 2010 the Indian government reported there had been 1833 deaths from swine flu in the country.

Since then few more cases have also been detected after the pandemics.

In April 2012 approx. after three years of h1n1 pandemics in India,  two new cases of swine flu were detected in Vizag (aka Vishakhapatnam) a city located in Andhra Pradesh (a state in southern India).

If you or anyone in your family exhibit any of the above listed swine flu symptoms it becomes a mandate to get immediate medical advice.