H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Also called: Swine flu

Swine flu is an infection caused by a virus. It's named for a virus that pigs can get. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. In 2009 a strain of swine flu called H1N1 infected many people around the world.

The virus is contagious and can spread from human to human. Symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

There are antiviral medicines you can take to prevent or treat swine flu. There is a vaccine available to protect against swine flu. You can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza by

  • Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You can also use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Trying to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Staying home from work or school if you are sick.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

The following features are indicative of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu):
  • fever
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • watery, red eyes
  • body aches
  • headache
  • fatigue
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • vomiting
It is possible that H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

The following are the most common causes of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu):
  • swine influenza viruses
  • inhalation of contaminated droplets of live virus

Risk Factors for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

The following factors may increase the likelihood of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu):
  • swine farmers
  • swine veterinarians
  • younger than 5 years of age
  • 65 years and older
  • pregnancy
  • morbidly obese
  • asthma
  • emphysema
  • heart disease
  • diabetes
  • HIV

Prevention of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Yes, it may be possible to prevent H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu). Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • get flu vaccination
  • use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  • stay away from crowds if you are under high risk of flu

Occurrence of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Number of Cases

The following are the number of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Common between 1 - 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) can occur at any age.

Common Gender

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu):
  • Polymerase chain reaction assays: To confirm the presence of swine influenza

Doctor for Diagnosis of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu):
  • Infectious disease specialist

Complications of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) if untreated

Yes, H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) is left untreated:
  • worsening of heart disease
  • worsening of asthma
  • pneumonia
  • respiratory failure

Self-care for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu):
  • Drink plenty of liquids: Drink water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration
  • take proper rest: Help your immune system fight infection

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu):
  • Sophora flavescens: A chinese medicine used to Inhibit the expression of the above proinflammatory cytokines
  • Take Camellia sinensis as medicine: Inhibit the flu replication
  • Tinospora cordifolia medicine: Helps in increasing the IgG antibodies in serum

Time for Treatment of H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 1 - 4 weeks

Is H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Infectious?

Yes, H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • spread by contact

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 5/08/2020.
This page provides information for H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu).
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