Swine flu, or H1N1 flu, consists of an influenza virus that occurred in pigs and then changed its genetic structure to infect humans. Symptoms of H1N1 flu, MedlinePlus indicates, are similar to the regular seasonal flu with fever, cough, sore throat and headache. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, indicates that protection from 2009 H1N1 flu was included in the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine. The seasonal flu vaccine comes in the form of a shot or nasal spray. Additionally, the CDC says that antiviral medication is available for H1N1 flu.
Nasal Spray Vaccination
This form of vaccination involves the administration of "live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu," otherwise called LAIV, for live attenuated influenza vaccine, according to the CDC. Protection from H1N1 flu will begin two weeks following receiving the nasal spray, the time it takes for antibodies to develop in the body. The CDC says that people aged 2 to 49 may safely take the nasal spray vaccination as long as they are not pregnant or have medical complications. Examples of individuals who should not take the nasal spray, as identified by Flu.gov include people with asthma, arthritis, HIV or AIDS and people allergic to chicken eggs or other "nasal spray vaccine components."
Flu Shot
Flu.gov recommends that all individuals six months and older receive the seasonal flu shot. The flu shot consists of injection of dead flu virus via a needle into the body. While the nasal spray vaccine is only safe for healthy individuals, the flu shot, according to Flu.gov, is safe for people with chronic medical conditions. The CDC warns that some people should not receive a flu shot unless they consult with a doctor first. These individuals include people with allergies to chicken eggs, have severe reactions to the vaccination, develop Guillain-Barre Syndrome within six "weeks of getting an influenza vaccine," children less than 6 months old and people who already have an illness.
Antivirals
Antiviral drugs, Flu.gov states, consist of a prescription medication in pill, liquid or inhaler form effective in treating H1N1 flu or preventing infection. For an antiviral to be effective in preventing H1N1 flu, it must be given to a healthy individual who has not had recent contact with someone with the flu. Two of the four types of antiviral drugs, according to Flu.gov, appear effective in preventing and treating 2009 H1N1 flu. These include oseltamivir, or Tamiflu, and zanamivir, or Relenza.
Drug Effectiveness
The effectiveness of both the nasal spray and flu shot vaccinations, the CDC indicates, depend on several factors, including the age and health of an individual and whether the individual comes into contact with a strain of influenza virus not included in the seasonal flu vaccine. Flu.gov says that the antiviral medication used to prevent H1N1 virus appears to be about 70 percent to 90 percent effective.
Side Effects
Side effects of the nasal spray vaccine in children, the CDC says, include runny nose, wheezing, headache, vomiting, muscle aches and fever. Side effects for adults include runny nose, headache, sore throat and cough. Flu shot side effects generally appear minor, says the CDC, and may include a low grade fever, aches and "soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given." As the flu shot consists of inactivated virus, an individual cannot get the flu from the shot. In some rare cases, individuals who receive the flu shot may develop serious allergic reactions. Antiviral drugs carry side effects as well. Side effects of Tamiflu, according to Flu.gov, include nausea and vomiting, which usually are not severe and remit after two days. Relenza side effects include risks of breathing difficulties, particularly in people who have a history of this problem.
