“JUST THROW OUT YOUR PHOBIA FOR SWINE FLU  

WE ARE HERE WITH THE RIGHT AND RELIABLE INFORMATION   

HYPE REMAINS THE HYPE UNTIL YOU ARE UNAWARE OF FACTS”


SWINE = PIG AND FLU = FEVER/COLD

Swine flu usually spread in winters however this year many cases engulfed the humans in summers as well. Influenza virus is the reason for swine flu. They are of 3 types namely Influenza A, B, C. Influenza A further has its own subtypes and out of those H1N1 virus is responsible for the disease to break out.

Symptoms in the initial stage are a mild cough, cold and fever. Maximum numbers of Patients who are coming to OPD complains of a headache and body ache. In approximately 1 % of patients, these symptoms get increased in intensity. And Patient feels difficulty in breathing, unconsciousness, respiratory failure and in some cases death happens. One thing to note is that Chances of Severity are less, very less actually if you have taken the right precautions at right time. 

There is no need to panic as there is so much phobia spread about the Swine flu especially in India. It is not deadly if you are aware of the safety measures that need to be taken in case you are diagnosed with the disease.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION:

 There are 3 modes of transmission. 

  1. A virus spread from pigs to pigs.
  2. A virus spread from pigs to humans. It usually happens in Pig farm workers or veterinarians.
  3. Humans to other Humans. This is the most common mode of transmission. The virus spreads from Patients to other healthy people. Swine flu originates from pigs but is spread primarily from person to person.

H1N1 is highly contagious.

A simple sneeze and droplets of that can cause thousands of germs to spread through the air. The virus can linger on tables and surface areas like doorknobs, waiting to be picked up. If a Patient comes in direct contact with Swine flu Patient on touch these contaminated surfaces, then he is at high risk of getting Swine flu. Swine flu doesn’t spread from eating pork. The virus would remain inside the host for approximately 10 days once infected.   

How to diagnose Swine Flu: 

By Reverse Transcriptase Method. Culture can also be done but it is not that sensitive. Generally, to detect the virus, Throat swab need to be collected within 4 to5 days of illness.


Prevention: 

1. Special N95 masks are available in the market which patient and staff attendants should always wear. You should maintain a distance of at least 1m from the infected person.

2. Wash your hands regularly.

3. Avoid crowded areas.

4. Take ample rest.

5. Patient should try to sneeze cautiously so that respiratory droplets do not get spread and thus your relatives and friends can be saved.

6. Influenza virus vaccine should be taken every year for prevention from Swine flu. 

7. The vaccine takes 10 days to produce antibodies in the human body. So you should be vaccinated before the season of swine flu gets started. 

Treatment: 

For treatment, Patients are categorized on the basis of severity into 3 classes:

1. Category A: 

Mild fever, Simple Sore throat so no testing and no medicines are required.

2. Category B:

1. High-grade fever and they are in the high-risk category; High-risk category includes children with mild illness, pregnant women, and persons over 65, patients with lung, liver, heart, kidney, blood or neurological diseases. 

2. Antiviral medication Tamiflu can be taken but no testing required. 

3. Category C:

Respiratory failure, Breathing problems. Urgent testing and urgent medication is required.


At last, don’t get scared but undoubtedly prevention is required. Drink lots of water, take rest. The best means of dealing with swine flu is to prevent it. Hand sanitation is important to stop the spread of the virus. Staying away from infected people will help stop person-to-person transmission.