Do you remember a few years ago when the world started talking about a flu called ' Swine Flu '? Many people were really scared back then. This H1N1 is exactly that flu. It got its name because people who worked closely with pigs in the past contracted it. But around 2009, a new strain of the virus emerged that also spread among people who had no contact with pigs. At that time, it spread so rapidly around the world that the World Health Organization (WHO) called it a pandemic .
But things are very different now. People still get H1N1 flu, but it's not as scary as it used to be. That's because we know a lot about it now, and we have better ways to protect ourselves from it. But, like the common cold , it can be a little more serious for some people. That's why it's important to be well- informed about H1N1 and stay safe.
How do we get this H1N1 flu?
It's very simple, just like we get the seasonal flu. When someone with this flu coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the virus are released into the air. If we breathe that air, we can also get the disease.
Another way is if we touch a surface, such as a doorknob, table, or sink, that someone with a fever has touched and then touch our eyes, nose, or mouth with that same hand, the virus can enter the body.
The most important thing: Even though it's called 'swine flu', eating pork, ham, or bacon does not cause this disease. Don't be afraid of it.
A person with the disease can spread the disease to others from one day before they show symptoms. They can also spread the disease to others for up to 7 days after they become ill. Young children can spread the disease for up to 10 days.
What are the symptoms of this?
The symptoms are very similar to those of the common flu. Sometimes, you may experience more stomach upset and vomiting with H1N1 than with the common flu, but this is not the case for everyone. These are the main symptoms.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Cough | Dry or phlegmy cough. |
| Fever | Increased body temperature. |
| Sore throat | Sore throat, change in voice. |
| Cold | Nasal discharge or nasal congestion. |
| Body pain | Severe pain in muscles and joints. |
| Headache | Severe headache. |
| Cooling down | Coldness accompanied by shivering. |
| Excessive fatigue | Feeling too tired to do anything. |
Like the common flu, H1N1 can sometimes lead to serious conditions . For example, pneumonia , which is an infection of the lungs. Also, if you have a chronic condition like diabetes or asthma , this flu can make those conditions worse.
If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU):
- Difficulty breathing
- Continuous severe vomiting
- Severe pain in the stomach or chest
- Extreme dizziness
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
Can you tell for sure if this is H1N1?
Yes, you can. But you need to do a special test for that. It's hard to tell if it's H1N1 or the common flu just by looking at the symptoms. The only way to know for sure is to do a lab test. The doctor will put a small swab inside your nose and take some of the secretions for this test.
But this test is not done for everyone. It is usually only done for people who are hospitalized or who are at risk of life-threatening illness due to the flu. That means:
- Children under 5 years old
- People over 65 years of age
- Pregnant mothers
- Children under 18 years of age who take aspirin for a long time (because taking aspirin with a fever can cause a dangerous condition called Reye's syndrome )
- People with chronic diseases of the lungs, heart, liver, nervous system, etc.
- People with weakened immune systems (for example, those with HIV or those taking immunosuppressive medications)
- People in nursing homes
How is it treated?
The good news is that some antiviral drugs that are used to treat the common cold also work well for H1N1. The most common of these is a drug called oseltamivir. These drugs can help treat the flu quickly and reduce symptoms. For best results, you should start taking these drugs within 48 hours of the first symptoms of the flu.
Remember, the flu is a viral illness. Therefore , taking antibiotics will not cure it. Antibiotics only kill bacteria. Never take antibiotics without a doctor's recommendation.
You can take painkillers like paracetamol for body aches and fever. But as mentioned earlier, never give aspirin to children under 19 years of age without the advice of a doctor!
How to protect yourself? What is the best way?
The best and easiest way to protect yourself is to get an annual flu vaccine . The regular flu shot we get every year contains the part needed to protect against the H1N1 virus. This vaccine trains our immune system to recognize and fight the virus.
In addition, these simple habits will also protect you:
- Wash your hands often: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water whenever you have time throughout the day. In fact, washing your hands until you sing the song 'Happy Birthday' twice is enough. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your face: Always avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay away from sick people: If there are people with fever, cough, or cold, stay away from them as much as possible.
Take-Home Message
- H1N1 (swine flu) is now like a normal flu, but it can be serious for some people (especially those with chronic illnesses).
- Eating pork does not cause this disease. That is a misconception.
- The best way to protect yourself from flu, including H1N1, is to get the flu vaccine every year.
- It is very important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly and stay away from sick people.
- If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or loss of consciousness, do not waste time and see a doctor immediately.
- Do not take antibiotics without a doctor's advice. Do not give aspirin to children under 19 years of age.
H1N1, Swine Flu, swine flu, flu symptoms, flu vaccine, H1N1 Sinhala, H1N1 treatment
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