Swine Flu (H1N1): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

Once recognised as an epidemic in 1919, Swine Flu (H1N1) has been known to mimic seasonal flu. It is a highly contagious viral infection which has caused several outbreaks in recent times.

What is Swine Flu (H1N1)?

Swine Flu (H1N1) is a type of viral respiratory influenza infection. It’s called “swine” flu as it resembles a respiratory infection that pugs get. It can cause both upper or lower respiratory tract infections. 

Symptoms of Swine Flu

Swine Flu symptoms have a broad spectrum which can manifest as mild respiratory tract symptoms to severe respiratory complications which can lead to death.

• Fever 
• Chills
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Conjunctivitis 
• Muscle pain
• Difficulty with breathing 
• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite 
• Headache 
• Fatigue

The H1N1 symptoms resemble those of a regular flu.

The acute symptoms’ duration ranges from 2 to 12 days.

Causes of Swine Flu

Swine flu is caused by type A influenza viruses that cause outbreaks in pigs commonly. These viruses typically have “variants” that spread to human beings. The influenza A variant subtype H1N1 is commonly the Swine Flu causes in humans.

• Transmission from pigs to humans is seen in individuals who work closely with pigs, such as farmers. Contact with the infected pigs or their droplets can cause infection in humans.
• Transmission from human to human is caused through direct contact or through droplets of secretions.

How Does the H1N1 Virus Spread

It spreads from one person to another via the cough droplets or sneeze droplets from the infected person, which remain suspended in the air till a person inhales them. 

It can also spread through touching contaminated surfaces and shared objects by touching your mouth, nose or eyes after contact.

Prevention of Swine Flu

Since Swine Flu is spread through cough droplets in the air, strict hygiene practices can help prevent other individuals from contracting it.

• If you have symptoms, it is best to not go to work or school. Stay home instead.
• Limit your contact with other individuals as it is spread through close contact.
• Cover your mouth/nose while coughing or sneezing to prevent the transmission of viral droplets in the air.
• Practice thorough hand washing practices with soap and water. If soap isn’t available, you may use sanitizer.
• Regularly clean the surfaces that you touch with a disinfectant.
• Do not share personal items that could potentially spread the virus such as towels, handkerchiefs, cups or makeup items.
• Dispose off used tissues and wash towels and handkerchiefs that have been used for coughing and sneezing.
• Wear a face mask to prevent contracting the virus while around people who have symptoms.
• Flu vaccines are available to be taken once a year and can help prevent several types of flu. These are also safe for pregnant women.
• Consume healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables that help boost your immune system.
• Travel precautions should be followed in case of travel to countries where there are Swine Flu (H1N1) outbreaks. 

Treatment for Swine Flu

There are three main aspects of H1N1 virus treatment:

• Antiviral medications: Since Swine Flu (H1N1) is caused by a virus, it is treated with antiviral medications which inhibit the growth of virus in the body. The drugs which have been approved for H1N1 virus treatment are Oseltamivir, Zanamivir, Peramivir and Baloxavir. Antiviral medications work best when taken within 48 hours of Swine Flu symptoms’ onset.
• Supportive care: The treatment of the bothersome symptoms is done by supportive care. These remedies include getting plenty of rest, keeping yourself hydrated (with water, juices and soups) and taking over-the-counter remedies for symptoms such as cough, headache, body pain and sore throat (cough syrup, pain killers, lozenges, etc)
• Hospitalisation: A few cases may need to be treated in the hospital, particularly if the infection is severe. In the hospital ICU, rescue therapy and mechanical ventilation are provided. 

Complications of Swine Flu

The complications of Swine Flu (H1N1) are mainly respiratory complications such as:

• Pneumonia 
• Chronic pulmonary disease
• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Neurological complications do not occur frequently but include:

• Seizures (fits)
• Specific neurological deficits
• Guillain Barré Syndrome (a type of paralysis)
• Myositis (muscle inflammation)

Long-term complications which may be seen are:

• Dyspnea (breathlessness) on exertion 
• Anxiety
• Depression 
• Worsening of chronic conditions such as heart disease or asthma

Why Choose Arpit Medi World for Swine Flu Treatment?

Here’s why you should choose Arpit Medi World for H1N1 virus treatment:

• Availability of expert health care team: With experienced and qualified doctors and nurses, you are guaranteed to receive the best care and consultation for Swine flu.
• Availability of round-the-clock care: The healthcare team is available 24/7, so you can get help and treatment whenever the need arises.
• State-of-the-art equipment: In case hospital treatment is needed, you will receive the latest and modern equipment for your treatment.
• Warm and supportive environment: Arpit Medi World makes it as comfortable for you as possible with the health care team building strong rapport and communication with you. We are here with you every step of the way!
• Affordability: Our consultation services and hospitalization charges are affordable and will not burn a hole in your pocket. Arpit Medi World will take care of you with budget-friendly services.

You will find the best services to help you with the Swine flu recovery period to get you healthy as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Swine Flu (H1N1) is a type of viral respiratory infection which closely resembles the flu. H1N1 symptoms are usually mild and manageable. Treatment is by antiviral medications and supportive care, but in some cases, hospitalization may be required. Prevention of Swine flu is the key. 

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