Worried about the recent rise in swine flu cases? Don’t worry!
This blog will educate you on all the essential information about swine flu including what is swine flu, which virus causes this disease, preventive measures and how to treat swine flu.
What is H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
Swine flu, also known as H1N1 flu is a respiratory infection that affects the upper respiratory tract in humans and is caused by the H1N1 strain of the flu (influenza) virus. This virus was first discovered in pigs, hence it’s called swine flu.
There was a major swine flu pandemic for more than a year from June 2009 to August 2010, after the first 2 cases were found in the US in April 2009.
Which virus causes H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
The H1N1 virus causes swine flu. It was first found in pigs, negatively affecting their windpipes. The virus got transmitted to humans who were in close contact with pigs, and the scenario changed drastically after it was found that a new version of the virus had begun spreading to people who had no contact with pigs.
How to prevent H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
The basic preventive measures for swine flu include:
- Getting a shot of the flu (influenza) vaccine via injection/nasal spray
- Avoiding touching the mouth, nose or eyes
- Washing hands after periodic time intervals
- Cleaning the nostrils with warm salt water with the help of cotton buds
- Doing gargles with salt water a minimum of two times daily
- Increasing consumption of warm fluids like tea, coffee, soups, etc
- Including foods rich in Vitamin C in your daily diet
How to treat H1N1 (Swine Flu)?
The medications used for swine flu treatment are primarily the same as those used to treat seasonal flu. This includes anti-viral drugs like Zanamivir Nasal Spray (Relenza), Oseltamivir Tablet (Tamiflu) and Peramivir Injection (Rapivab).
These drugs are most effective within the first 48 hours of the onset of swine flu symptoms. In addition to these anti-viral drugs, antibiotics may be prescribed for patients with further complications like chest infections or pneumonia. Some over-the-counter painkillers & medicines could also be given to help alleviate symptoms like fever and body aches.
Conclusion
Even though swine flu isn’t a big worry as it was in the pandemic period (2009-10), it’s still vital to follow preventive measures to avoid this respiratory infection that can be deadly without quick & appropriate treatment.
If you or your family member is experiencing swine flu symptoms such as fever, cold, cough, headache, body pain, weakness, runny/stuffy nose, etc., then get a swine flu test done at the earliest!
Call us 24×7 on 9504555555 to book an appointment.
