As the total number of deaths due to swine flu has now crossed 800 and over 14,000 people have been affected with the H1N1 virus across India, you need to be aware of this virus to keep it at bay. Here we list important facts about H1N1 Influenza(Swine Flu).
H1N1 Influenza (Formally known as Swine Flu) is the first worldwide flu pandemic of the twenty first century. It is highly contagious. However, it may not be extremely deadly as commonly perceived. This virus has already affected a large proportion of world population and it is highly likely that you will come into contact with someone infected.
What is Swine Flu?
Swine Flu is a disease caused by virus that affects the respiratory track of pigs (Swine). However, the common virus affecting humans these days is a mutated version of Swine Flu and Human Influenza known as H1N1 Influenza. H1N1 is highly contagious and can transfer from human to human. The term “Swine Flu” has stuck with this disease. This virus is most effective in late fall or winter and looses its infection in warm climate.
Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)
The symptoms of Swine Flu are mostly same as that of common influenza. They do not cause serious complications and are typically very mild. These are the most common symptoms of Swine Flu:
- Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
- Fever and Chills
- Cough
- Sore Throat
- Headache
- Runny or Stuffy nose
- Body Aches
- Exhaustion
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
If you have severe symptoms or are at high risk of complications, you should consult a doctor right away.
Who are at High Risk?
Pregnant Women, Children below 5 years of age and adults above 60 years of age are more prone to this virus and are at high risk of getting infected. People having weakened immune system like one affected by certain medical conditions such as lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, asthma are more like to catch this virus.
How people die from Swine Flu?
Most people recover from swine flue within a fortnight if proper care is provided. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death. Other causes of death may include pneumonia, high fever, dehydration from diarrhea, and kidney failure.
Precautions you should take to avoid Swine Flu:
You can catch swine flu just like common flu. To avoid getting infected by this virus, you should take the following precautions:
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Keep distance from people coughing and sneezing.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Cover your cough or sneeze.
- Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Maintain healthy diet.
What do you do if you suspect you have swine flu?
One should seek the consultation of doctor is one is having respiratory problems. If a person becomes ill with swine flu, drugs available in the market can mild the effect and the person will start feeling better in a couple of days. Infected person should take good care of himself/herself at home maintaining fluid level and controlling fever. Tamiflu or Zanamivir is recommended for treatment.
Should You Fear the H1N1 Flu?
When news of H1N1 first broke, there was near-panic in the media and among the public. Now that the hype has died down, many people feel the initial reaction was overblown and are becoming complacent. So how should we react? The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle.
[note]Share with your friends to make them aware of this disease. Keep Kashmir flu free.[/note]