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What is swine flu
The new H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, first identified in the spring of 2009, causes an acute respiratory illness. Contains genetic material from several respiratory viruses that infect humans, pigs and birds.
The term “swine flu” originally referred to the flu that affects pigs. Indeed, people, mainly farm workers and veterinarians, can become infected from pigs, and at first they were the risk group. But later the disease began to spread among people, transmitted from an infected person to other people. However, eating pork does not pose a risk of swine flu.
Unlike typical swine flu, the H1N1 virus spreads quite quickly. In June 2009, when the spread of infection was recorded throughout the world, WHO declared a pandemic (i.e., global epidemic) of this virus.
Routes of transmission of swine flu
The virus enters the body through airborne droplets (during breathing) and contact (through contact of hands with an infected surface and subsequent transfer of infection to the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth). The virus invades the cells lining the nose, throat and lungs, causing tissue swelling and inflammation.
Risk groups for swine flu
Since this is a new virus, almost everyone is at risk. This is especially true for healthcare workers. Children and students are also a high-risk group and usually become infected in schools and kindergartens, and then transmit the infection to other family members.
swine flu symptoms
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of a common acute respiratory infection caused by other types of viruses:
- Temperature increase
- Cough
- A sore throat
- Pain and aches throughout the body
- Headache
- Chills
- Weakness
- Abnormal stool – diarrhea (diarrhea)
- Vomiting
Symptoms of swine flu can occur from 3 to 5 days after exposure to the virus and last up to 8 days, from the moment you feel unwell to full recovery.
There is no need to call a doctor if swine flu symptoms (fever, cough or body aches) occur in a healthy person.
You should consult a doctor if symptoms of an acute viral respiratory infection occur during pregnancy, or if you suffer from chronic heart or lung disease (emphysema)
You should also immediately consult a general practitioner if signs of complications of swine flu appear. Such signs include, first of all, a new increase in temperature and deterioration in well-being after a period of temporary improvement, as well as a high (more than 5 degrees) temperature and cough that persists for more than 38 days.
Complications of swine flu
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease
- Pneumonia (lung inflammation)
- Respiratory failure
Severe complications of swine flu in humans tend to develop and progress rapidly.
Treatment of swine flu
Most cases of acute viral respiratory infection, including swine flu, do not require specific treatment. If you have chronic lung disease, your doctor may prescribe medications that reduce inflammation and help you breathe easier and clear mucus.
Antiviral drugs can reduce the severity of symptoms, but respiratory viruses can develop resistance to these drugs. Therefore, antiviral treatment is mainly indicated for people at high risk of complications.
If you become ill with any acute respiratory illness, the following activities will help relieve symptoms:
- Drink more fluids. Water or juice is best to avoid dehydration. If you drink enough fluid, the color of your urine will become pale or light yellow.
- Rest longer. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection.
- Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. Follow directions for taking antipyretics to reduce symptoms of infection (pain and fever).
The following measures will help prevent the spread of infection:
- Stay home if you are sick. If you have swine flu, you can spread the disease to others from about 1 day before your symptoms appear until 7 days after. Therefore, if you are sick, the best thing you can do to avoid spreading the infection is to avoid contact with others, especially in medical settings and hospitals, as hospital patients are especially susceptible to infection.
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. Use soap and water; if this is not possible, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Respiratory viruses remain viable for 2 hours or more on any surface (door handles, etc.)