Inflenza A (H1N1)

What is H1N1 (Swine Influenza)?

Swine influenza (also called H1N1 flu, swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) is an infection by any one of several types of swine influenza virus. Swine influenza virus (SIV) is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. As of 2009, the known SIV strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H3N1, H3N2, and H2N3.

Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. Transmission of the virus from pigs to humans is not common and does not always lead to human influenza, often resulting only in the production of antibodies in the blood. If transmission does cause human influenza, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. The meat of an infected animal poses no risk of infection when properly cooked.

During the mid-20th century, identification of influenza subtypes became possible, allowing accurate diagnosis of transmission to humans. Since then, only 50 such transmissions have been confirmed. These strains of swine flu rarely pass from human to human. Symptoms of zoonotic swine flu in humans are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.

What is the risk for human health?

Outbreaks of human infection from a virus which came from pigs (swine influenza) do happen and are sometimes reported. Symptoms will generally be similar to seasonal human influenzas - this can range from mild or no symptoms at all, to severe and possibly fatal pneumonia.

As swine flu symptoms are similar to typical human seasonal flu symptoms, and other upper respiratory tract infections, detection of swine flu in humans often does not happen, and when it does it is usually purely by chance through seasonal influenza surveillance. If symptoms are mild it is extremely unlikely that any connection to swine influenza is found - even if it is there. In other words, unless the doctors and experts are specifically looking for swine flu, it is rarely detected. Because of this, we really do not know what the true human infection rate is.

Prevention
What can I do to protect myself?
 Wash your hands regularly with soap
 Try to stay healthy
 Get plenty of sleep
 Do plenty of exercise
 Try to manage your stress
 Drink plenty of liquids
 Eat a well balanced diet
 Refrain from touching surfaces which may have the virus
 Do not get close to people who are sick
 Stay away from crowded areas if there is a swine flu outbreak in your area

If I am infected, how can I stop others from becoming infected?
 Limit your contact with other people
 Do not go to work or school
 When you cough or sneeze cover your mouth with a tissue. If you do not have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose.
 Put your used tissues in a waste basket
 Wash your hands and face regularly
 Keep all surfaces you have touched clean
 Follow your doctor's instructions

Signs and Symptoms
The signs of H1N1 infection, which are similar to other forms of influenza, include:
 Fever
 Coughing
 Headaches
 Muscle or Joint Pain
 Sore Throat
 Chills
 Fatigue
 Runny Nose
 Diarrhea and Vomiting (in some cases)

People at higher risk of serious complications include:
 People age 65 years or older
 Children younger than 5 years old
 Pregnant Women
 People of any age with conditions like asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, HIV/AIDS or other conditions that weaken the immune system

However, there is some evidence that H1N1, like previous strains of pandemic influenza, can also cause serious illness in some otherwise healthy children and young adults.

Symptoms that may require medical attention:
Certain symptoms may require emergency medical attention.
 In children:
 Signs of Respiratory Distress
 Blue Lips and Skin
 Dehydration
 Rapid Breathing
 Excessive Sleeping, Extreme irritability and Unwillingness to be held
 Persistent vomiting
 The return of flu-like symptoms that include a fever and cough
 In adults:
 Shortness of breath
 Pain in the chest or abdomen
 Sudden dizziness or confusion
 Persistent vomiting
 The return of flu-like symptoms that include a fever and cough



BE CAREFUL!!!

Influenza A (H1N1) is highly infectious and may result in serious complications like bronchitis, pneumonia or even death in severe cases.

SYMPTOMS:

* Fever

* Coughing

* Fatigue

* Sore throat

* Headache

* Muscle ache

* Sneezing


PREVENTION:

* Healthy diet

* High personal higiene

* Regular exercise

* Check temperature regularly