The swine flu, or H1N1, is a new type of flu virus that is thought to be a combination of four different virus genes. These genes include European and Asian pig flu, bird flu and human flu; and it is these genes that make the virus so deadly. The virus is highly contagious and is spread by coughing, sneezing, touching infected surfaces and talking to those infected. Individuals with a healthy immune system will develop immunity against the flu, but those who are immune compromised may get the flu again.
Symptoms
Symptoms of the swine flu are very similar to the seasonal flu but more intense. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, typical symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headaches, chills and fatigue. There have also been reports of vomiting, diarrhea and respiratory symptoms with no fever. It is important to seek medical attention if children display symptoms like difficulty breathing, severe flu symptoms, high fever with rash, not waking up or interacting, very irritable, not drinking enough fluids, and bluish skin. Adults should seek medical attention if they display difficulty breathing or pressure in the chest, dizziness, confusion, severe vomiting, or serious flu symptoms.
Risk Groups
Individuals who are highest at risk for swine flu are children under the age of 5, with those under the age of 2 being most at risk. The other groups include adults over the age of 65 and pregnant women. It was also discovered that more than 70 percent of adults hospitalized for H1N1 virus had one or more high-risk medical conditions. These conditions include asthma, neurological conditions such as those of the brain and spinal cord, lung disease, heart disease, kidney disorders, liver disorders, diabetes, AIDS, and cancer.
Diagnosis
Tests are available to diagnose the seasonal flu, which take about 30 minutes to produce results. The problem is that these tests are unable to distinguish the H1N1 virus from the seasonal flu virus. Therefore, it is up to medical professionals to use these tests as well as a patient's history of symptoms to make an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
A vaccination is available for protection against the H1N1 virus and it can be either injected in the arm or sprayed into the nose. It is better to get the vaccine at least two months before the flu season to allow the body to build up immunity. Treatments usually involve taking care of the symptoms present, with hospitalization required in severe cases.
Prevention
It is important to wash hands regularly with soap and water or to use alcohol-based hand rubs. Avoid close contact with infected people as well as crowded areas where the virus is easily spread. Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth, as these are entry points for the virus to cause disease. If one does feel sick, try to stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone unless it is for medical attention. Be prepared to stay home from work or school for at least one week. This will help prevent spreading of the virus, and it also gives the body a chance to get healthy.
