One kind of influenza A virus is the H1N1 flu, also referred to as the swine flu.
An entirely new strain of the H1N1 virus started sickening people in the 2009–10 flu season. It was a novel influenza virus combination that can infect humans, pigs, and birds. It was frequently referred to as the “swine flu.”
The H1N1 flu was classified as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2009. Globally, the virus is thought to have killed 284,400 people that year. The WHO proclaimed the pandemic over in August 2010. However, one of the strains that causes seasonal flu is the H1N1 flu strain from the pandemic.
The majority of flu patients recover on their own.
However, flu and its sequelae can be fatal, particularly in high-risk individuals. The H1N1 virus and other seasonal flu viruses can now be warded off with the help of the seasonal flu vaccination.
Symptoms
The H1N1 flu, also known as the swine flu, causes symptoms that are comparable to those of other flu viruses.
Typically, symptoms appear quickly and may include:
- fever, not necessarily.
- sore muscles.
- sweats and chills.
- cough.
- sore throat.
- stuffy or runny nose.
- red, watery eyes.
- eye discomfort.
- body pains.
- ache.
- weakness and exhaustion.
- a case of diarrhoea.
- feeling nauseous and throwing up, though this is more common in kids than in adults.
- about one to four days after being exposed to the virus, flu symptoms start to appear.
Causes
H1N1 and other influenza viruses infect the cells lining your throat, nose, and lungs. When a person who has the virus coughs, sneezes, breathes, or speaks, tiny droplets of the virus are released into the air and begin to spread. Your body becomes infected with the virus when you breathe in contaminated droplets. Additionally, if you touch a contaminated surface and then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, it could enter your body.
It is likely that a person infected with the virus can transmit it from one day before symptoms manifest to four days after they do. The virus may be able to spread for a little while longer in children and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Complications
Complications from influenza include:
- deterioration of long-term illnesses like asthma and heart disease.
- pneumonia.
- neurological symptoms, which can include seizures and confusion.
- respiratory malfunction.
- bronchitis.
- sensitive muscles.
- infections caused by bacteria.
Prevention
These steps also aid in preventing and containing the spread of the flu:
Hands-wash frequently. Use soap and water, if available, and wash for at least 20 seconds. Alternatively, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Keep your sneezes and coughs covered. Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue. Next, give yourself a hand wash.
Refrain from touching your face. Refrain from touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
Scrub and sanitise surfaces. Keep frequently touched surfaces clean to stop the virus from entering your body through surface contamination.
Steer clear of the virus’s contact. Avoid being around sick or flu-sick people as much as possible. Additionally, if you can, avoid leaving your house if you have any symptoms. When the flu is circulating, you should think about avoiding close contact with other people indoors, especially in places with inadequate ventilation. If you have a high risk of developing flu-related complications, stay away from swine barns at seasonal fairs and other events.
