Swine Flu

H1N1 flu is also called Swine flu. Its called Swine Flu because in the past people who cught had direct contact with pigs. That changed several years ago when a new virus emerged that spread among people who were not near pigs.

 In 2009 swine flu was spreading fast around the world, so WHO called it a pandemic. Since then people have continued to fall sick with Swine Flu but not as many. Swine flu is just like any other flu but can cause serious health problems.

1.Contact with infected Pigs- This is the most common way of catching swine flu.

Any contact with infected pigs makes transmission more likely.

2.Contact with infected humans-This is transmitted same way as other seasonal flu .when people who have it cough or sneeze ,they  spray tiny drops of the virus in the air.If you come in contact with these drops ,touch a surface ( Like a door knob or glass) where the drops landed or touch something an infected person has recently touched ,you can catch H1N! Swine Flu.

People who have it can spread it one day before they have any symptoms and as many as 7 days after they get sick.Kids can be contagious for as long as 10 days.

Some people are more at risk of catching swine flu than others including:

1.People aged over 65

2. Young children (below 5)

3. People with chronic diseases

4.Pregnant women

5. Anyone with a compromised immune system (like Diabetes, Heart disease).

6. Children and teens (under 18) who are getting long term Aspirin therapy

They are same as seasonal flu:

1. Cough

2. Fever

3. Running nose

4. Sore throat

5.Fatigue

6.Headache

7.Chills

8.People in nursing homes and hospitals.

Swine Flu can cause serious health problems including Pneumonia, Lung infection and breathing problems.It can make illness like Asthma ad Diabetes worse.If there are symptoms like severe vomiting, pain in the abdomen, dizziness or confusion doctor should be contacted.

Diagnosis of Swine Flu can only be done with a lab test to distinguish it from seasonal flu as both are same in symptoms.In case of swine flu, patient is more likely to feel sick along with vomiting and pain in tummy which is usually absent in regular flu.But a lab test is the only way to know.