Published on Aug 23, 2017 and last reviewed on Aug 01, 2023 - 2 min read
Abstract
H1N1 is an influenza A virus which is the causative pathogen for swine flu. There have been seasonal outbreaks every year. The reason being, it is contagious, and mutations in the virus strain put everyone at risk every season. Awareness about this disease and its transmission, prevention, and management is critical to control the spread of the disease. We also need to clarify few myths associated with this disease.
H1N1 is an influenza A virus, also called as swine flu virus and it has maximum genes from the swine strain. It represents a quadruple reassortment - two swine strains, and one human as well as avian strain each.
The illness is diagnosed after ruling out other causes when a patient presents with a fever along with a cough and sore throat.
Who are at maximum risk?
It may affect all the age groups but, it is more common in young children and the elderly. The risk is high among those with an underlying condition such as diabetes, lung disease, liver and kidney disease or any immunocompromised state.
Those patients presenting with an influenza-like illness and are positive for H1N1 either tested through RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) or viral culture, are regarded as confirmed cases.
Yes, it is contagious and gets transmitted from one person to another through sneezing or coughing and spreads by large-particle droplets. It may also get transmitted through contaminated objects, close contact, and handshakes.
Transmission from an infected person to a healthy person may occur from one day prior to the onset of symptoms to seven days after.
As its transmission is from one person to another, prevention can be achieved by isolating those infected with H1N1, and those in close contacts, such as health care providers and attendants can wear a triple-layer mask. Those who are at a higher risk should get vaccinated.
Trivalent vaccine is approved for seasonal influenza. Vaccination should be done yearly. The efficacy of the vaccine is 70 to 80 %. Vaccines take two to three weeks to develop immunity. So, it is recommended to get vaccinated at least a month before the start of the season.
The warning signs are a high-grade fever, breathlessness, pain or pressure in the chest and abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion and severe or persistent vomiting. If these signs are present, the patient should consult a physician for hospitalization.
Patients need to be kept in isolation for seven days. They should follow cough etiquettes, take plenty of fluids, avoid handshaking, wash their hands frequently, avoid visitors, avoid smoking, and wear a mask all the time.
Can swine flu be treated?
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is approved for the treatment as well as prophylaxis of swine flu. Treatment is given after evaluating and categorizing the patients based on signs, symptoms and underlying illnesses as category A, B or C. Only in category B and C, treatment with Tamiflu is required, and only in category C testing and hospitalization is required.
For more information consult a swine flu specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/general-medicine-physician/swine-flu
Last reviewed at:
01 Aug 2023 - 2 min read
RATING
General Practitioner
Comprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case
Fundamental Facts About Flu or Influenza
Article Overview: ‘Flu’ can be a commonly-heard-of term, but its complications are unheard of. Read the article to gain fundamental knowledge about influenza to prevent its occurrence. Read Article
What Is Influenza? Influenza is a common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. It is a respiratory infection that can spread even before the person knows that they are infected. Many people confuse the flu with the common cold. Both are different in terms of their sever... Read Article
Kindly suggest medicine for relief from running nose, sore throat and fever.
Query: Hi doctor,I am suffering from running nose, sore throat, body pain and fever since yesterday. Kindly suggest some medicine for relief. Read Full »
Will swine flu manifest as on and off episodes of fever?
Query: Hello doctor, I am feeling feverish since yesterday. My sister is not well, and I was around her during the day. She went to a second doctor after 15 days of sore throat, pain, weakness, vomiting, fever, cough, phlegm, and breathlessness. Her new doctor asked her to do a chest X-Ray and CBC. He said... Read Full »
Most Popular Articles
Do you have a question on Influenza Vaccine or Contagious Disease?
Ask a Doctor Online