Swine flu, also called H1N1, was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in June 2009, after having first been discovered in the spring of that year. Its name refers to the fact that the virus developed in pigs before moving into the human population.
Biology
Swine flu is a virus similar to seasonal flu, but it has combined with viruses found in pigs and birds. Two of the genes in swine flu have origins in pig viruses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infection with H1N1 occurs when a person either inhales the virus, generally in the form of droplets suspended in the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes, or when someone touches a surface that was contaminated and then touches his eyes, nose or mouth. Because it is a virus, most individuals who catch swine flu develop immunity to it and cannot catch it a second time.
Symptoms
Three to five days after exposure to swine flu, most people develop one or more symptoms similar to a regular seasonal flu. Symptoms can include fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue, headache, body aches, chills, diarrhea, stuffy or runny nose and vomiting.
Treatment
For those infected with H1N1, there are two antiviral drugs available, explains the Mayo Clinic website. Oseltamivir, under the brand name Tamiflu, and zanamivir, which goes by the brand name Relenza, both lessen the severity of symptoms. However, since viruses can recombine to develop resistance, their use is typically limited to individuals at high risk of complications and they are not used on otherwise healthy people who catch swine flu. High-risk populations who can get a prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza include children under age 5, elderly people over age 65, immunocompromised patients, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma or heart disease that can worsen flu symptoms. Individuals not in high-risk groups should drink plenty of fluids and get rest to help their bodies fight the infection.
Prevention
Techniques for preventing swine flu are the same as for avoiding any flu virus. Washing your hands often, avoiding crowds and anyone who has the swine flu virus and limiting household exposure if anyone in your family does contract the disease can help prevent swine flu. The most effective way to prevent H1N1 is to get vaccinated against it. The vaccine is particularly recommended for high-risk populations and is available as a shot or nasal spray.
Complications
Most people who contract swine flu will have a mild illness and won't experience complications. High-risk groups may encounter problems such as a worsening of pre-existing health issues like asthma or diabetes, respiratory failure, and pneumonia. Pregnant women may experience dehydration or go into preterm labor in addition to developing other complications, according to the March of Dimes.
