With the widespread influenza-like illnesses that have affected many people badly, some people have been diagnosed as possibly having swine flu, which is a variation of the H1N1 virus that began causing illness in humans during the 2009-10 flu season.
The virus is a combination of influenza viruses that infect pigs, birds and human beings. The H1N1 flu was declared a pandemic by the Word Health Organisation in 2009. It caused an estimated 284 400 deaths that year.
The pandemic was declared over in August 2010 but remains one of the strains that can cause seasonal flu. Most people recover from it on their own but it and its complications can prove deadly, particularly for those in high risk groups.
Risk factors
Children under the age of two and adults over the age of 65 are among those at higher risk of a poor outcome than others.
Those with weakened immune systems are also among those at high risk of developing H1N1 and its possible complications. Our immune system can be weakened by HIV/AIDS, long-term use of steroids, organ transplants, cancer treatments and blood cancer.
If you work or live with lots of other people who may be infected, such as in a hospital or old people’s home, there is a greater risk of infection.
Those with chronic illnesses such as asthma, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease and nervous system diseases also have a higher risk of complications. Your risk is also high if you have a metabolic disorder, problems with an airway and kidney or liver or blood disease.
Teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy are at risk of Reye syndrome, if they become infected with influenza.
If you suffer from obesity there is a higher risk of complications. Those who are pregnant have a high risk of complications, especially in the second and third trimesters. The risk continues for up to two weeks after the baby is born.
Symptoms
Swine flu symptoms are similar to those of other flu viruses. They usually start quickly. They may include fever, though not always, aching muscles, chills and sweating, coughing, a sore throat, a runny of stuffy nose, watery red eyes, eye pain, body aches, headache, tiredness. Other possible symptoms include weakness, diarrhoea and feeling nauseous or vomiting, though this is commoner in children than adults.
Causes
The H1N1 virus, like other flu viruses, infects the cells that line your nose, throat and lungs. It is spread through the air in droplets released when someone with the virus coughs, sneezes, breathes or talks. It can also enter your body if you touch a surface on which these droplets have fallen and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
Despite its name, swine flu cannot be caught by eating pork. A person infected with the virus is believed to be able to spread the virus from about a day before its symptoms appear up until about four days after the symptoms start. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be able to spread the virus for a little longer than this.
Treatment
As with other flu viruses, treatment involves relieving the symptoms. Drinking plenty of liquids, taking pain relievers for fever and headaches and resting should be helpful.
It is important to drink plenty of water or juices or have lots of warm soup to avoid dehydration. Sleeping more than normal helps your immune system fight the infection.
If you have a chronic respiratory disease, medicines may be prescribed to relieve the symptoms. Anti-viral drugs prescribed within the first day or two of the symptoms appearing may lower the risk of complications. However, these are often only prescribed for those with a high risk of complications, since the virus can develop resistance to drugs.
Try not to pass on the virus to others by avoiding contact with other people until you feel better. If you have to leave home, wear a face mask.
Complications
Possible complications include pneumonia, a worsening of chronic conditions you may already have such as heart disease and asthma, respiratory failure, bronchitis, muscle tenderness, bacterial infections and neurological symptoms such as confusion or seizures.
Prevention
Annual vaccination for influenza may lower the risk of your catching various types of flu, including swine flu, or becoming seriously ill as a result of the infection.
Frequent washing of your hands with soap and water, or sanitising them with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, as well as avoiding touching your nose, eyes and mouth, help protect you from catching infections, including swine flu, that are spread through droplets in the air or droplets that have landed on a surface that you have touched.
Try to avoid people who are sick or have symptoms of flu. If you have flu-like symptoms, stay away from others to avoid infecting them. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
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