Do you remember the "swine flu" that the whole world was talking about a few years ago? That's what we call H1N1 flu, or `(Swine Flu)`. In the past, this disease was caused by people who had close contact with pigs, hence the name. But around 2009, a new strain of the virus emerged, which spread rapidly among people who had no contact with pigs. At that time, the World Health Organization (WHO) also called it a `(pandemic)`. Now there is nothing to be afraid of like that time, but this H1N1 flu is still among people. So it is very important to be aware of this.
How is this H1N1 flu transmitted?
It's very simple. It's just like the common cold. When someone with the H1N1 virus coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the virus are released into the air. If someone nearby breathes in that air, they can become infected.
Imagine you're on a bus. Someone with a fever is sitting a little in front of you and sneezes. If they cough without covering their mouth, the virus will spread all over the seat in front of them, and the wire they're holding. Then if you touch that wire and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with that same hand, the virus will enter your body. Do you understand?
The important thing is that a person can spread the virus from one day before symptoms appear until 7 days after the illness begins. Young children can spread the virus for up to 10 days.
Another thing, despite the name "swine flu," eating any pork products, such as pork, bacon, or ham, does not spread this disease. Don't worry about that.
What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?
The symptoms are very similar to the common seasonal flu that we all know. However, sometimes when you get H1N1, you may experience things like stomach upset and vomiting a little more than with the common flu.
Let's take a closer look at what these symptoms are in the table below.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Cough | A dry or phlegmy cough may occur. |
| Fever | Increased body temperature and feeling of lethargy. |
| Sore throat | Sore throat, change in voice. |
| Sotu | Nasal congestion or runny nose. |
| Body pain | Aching all over the body, especially the muscles. |
| Headache | Severe headache. |
| Winter | Feeling cold and shivering. |
| Fatigue | Feeling so tired that you can't do anything. |
When should you seek immediate medical advice?
Like the common cold, H1N1 can sometimes lead to more serious conditions like pneumonia . Also, if you have other conditions like diabetes or asthma, H1N1 can make those conditions worse.
If you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Severe pain in the chest or stomach
- Severe vomiting that doesn't stop
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion or memory loss
Is there a test to know for sure if this is H1N1?
Yes, there are tests. But because the symptoms are so similar, it's hard to tell for sure whether it's the flu or H1N1 without a lab test. The doctor will take a swab of your nose and use it to test for the virus.
But this test is not done for everyone. Usually, a healthy person recovers from H1N1 within a few days. This test is mainly done for hospitalized patients and those who are at high risk of developing severe complications from the flu.
| Those at higher risk for H1N1 complications | |
|---|---|
| • Children under 5 years old | • People over 65 years of age |
| • Pregnant mothers | • People with chronic lung, heart, liver, neurological or metabolic diseases |
| • People with weakened immune systems (e.g. HIV infected people, cancer patients) | • Children and young people who take aspirin long-term (because they are at risk of developing a serious condition called Reye's syndrome ) |
| • People in care facilities such as nursing homes | |
How to treat it? And how to protect yourself?
Treatment methods
Some antiviral drugs that are used to treat the common cold also work well for H1N1. You may have heard of the name Oseltamivir (Tamiflu). These drugs are most effective when taken within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. They can help to speed up the healing process and reduce symptoms.
Remember, the flu is a viral illness, so antibiotics won't help. Antibiotics are only used to treat bacterial infections.
You can take painkillers like paracetamol to reduce fever and body aches. But never give aspirin to children under 19 years of age with a fever , for any reason . This is because of the risk of a serious condition called Reye's syndrome.
How to protect yourself?
The best thing to do is to get the flu vaccine (flu shot) every year. This vaccine protects you against the regular seasonal flu viruses as well as the H1N1 virus.
In addition, follow these simple things:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.
- Stay away from people with fevers and colds as much as possible.
Take-Home Message
- H1N1 (Swine Flu) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus, just like the common cold. There's no need to panic.
- The annual flu vaccine also protects against the H1N1 virus.
- The disease is spread through droplets released when coughing and sneezing. Frequent hand washing and staying clean are very important.
- If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or persistent vomiting, see a doctor immediately.
- Never give aspirin to children with a fever.
- Antibiotics do not cure the flu. Take antiviral medications only on medical advice.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න