In April of 2009, the first case of swine flu, also known as H1N1, was found in a human being in the United States, according to Flu.gov. This form of the influenza virus contained gene segments of a type of flu found in pigs. The virus altered itself, allowing it to infect humans. MayoClinic.com identifies only one cause of the swine flu, a virus.
Infection
The spread of H1N1 occurs in the same manner as other forms of the influenza virus, Flu.gov indicates. The virus gains access through a person's body primarily, according to Flu.gov, through inhaling infected droplets in the air, released by coughing or sneezing. Additionally, MayoClinic.com states that transfer of the virus occurs when a person touches a contaminated surface and touches his eyes, nose or mouth. Flu.gov warns that a person with the virus is contagious from the day prior to developing symptoms to 5 to 7 days after. This time period may be longer for children and those with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms
Swine flu symptoms appear similar to "regular human flu," MedlinePlus reports. These include "fever, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue." Other symptoms, according to MayoClinic.com, include diarrhea and vomiting. Symptoms of H1N1 generally develop about 3 to 5 days after infection and generally last 8 days. Flu.gov provides emergency warnings signs, stating that a person should seek immediate medical care if any of the following develop: problems breathing, pain in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion or severe vomiting. There may also be improvement in symptoms, but they reemerge worse than before.
Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, recommend receiving a flu vaccination in order to prevent an individual from contracting H1N1. Certain individuals are considered to be at a higher risk from the swine flu and, according to MayoClinic.com, are encouraged to receive a vaccination. Some of these groups include pregnant women, health care professions, children, individuals 19 to 24 years of age, and older adults with preexisting medical conditions that increase risk, such as lung disease or cancer. Medline Plus provides suggestions regarding preventing the spread of the swine flu. Examples include covering the mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing, washing hands with soap and water, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth, avoiding sick people, and remaining home when ill.
Treatment
In many cases. a person ill with swine flu does not need to seek treatment other than for relief of symptoms, MayoClinic.com indicates. Antiviral drugs are available to assist in reducing severity of symptoms; however, MayoClinic.com cautions that as flu viruses can develop resistance to antiviral drugs, they should only be used with individuals who are at high risk.
