Fact sheet about Swine Flu A (H1N1)

 

From PHFI/IIPH Overview:- Human swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a new strain of the influenza virus. It is frequently called swine flu, pig influenza and swine influenza, however, these terms are misleading. Therefore, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has now established that the official name used for swine flu should be H1N1 Influenza A. The source of the Name given to swine flu originates due to the virus resembling other influenza viruses which cause illness in pigs but, in previous outbreaks (2009) and the current outbreak the virus is being spread from human to human, not from contact with infected pigs.

The H1N1 Influenza A virus was originally identified in Mexico in April 2009 and was also known as the Mexican Flu. It spread rapidly from country to country as it was a new flu virus that very few people had immunity to. Although this virus was initially thought to be dangerous, recent evidence now shows that antiviral drugs seem to be effective and therefore the virus is not as dangerous as previously seen.4 The virus now circulates worldwide as one of the three seasonal flu viruses.

How Infection Occurs: - H1N1 Influenza A is highly infectious and can spread easily from person to person. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, millions of infected droplets get into the air. These droplets typically spread about 1metre (3 feet). They hang suspended in the air for a while, but then land on surfaces, where the virus can survive for up to 24 hours. People then become exposed to the virus after breathing in these infected droplets. H1N1 Influenza A spreads mainly from person to person through coughing, sneezing or talking by people with H1N1 Influenza A. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something, such as a surface or object with the flu virus on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Additionally, H1N1 Influenza A also has the ability to cross international borders, due to the increased frequency of people who travel via aeroplanes.

Symptoms: - Clear symptoms of flu caused by the H1N1 Influenza A virus are similar to those of other flu types, and include:
• Sudden fever – a temperature of 380C (100.40F) or above
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Lack of appetite
• Body aches or joint pain
• Headache runny nose, eye irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Most people recover within a week, even without special treatment. If you notice any of the early warning signs below, then please visit a doctor:
• Fever remains high and is not coming down
• There is difficulty in breathing or a pain in the chest when breathing
• Blood in the sputum when coughing
• Change in behaviour such as confusion, incoherent speech or loss of consciousness
• In young children, irritability, not accepting feeds, vomiting, fast breathing rate and seizures

Lastly, if you feel you are having flu like symptoms and you consider yourself part of the high risk groups listed below, then please visit a doctor.

High Risk Groups The H1N1 Influenza A in humans is most infectious during the first five days of the illness, although some people, most commonly children, can remain infectious or up to ten days. Infected person may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. High risk groups that are more likely to develop seasonal flu related complications include:
• Children younger than five years, especially children younger than 2years
• Pregnant Women
• Elderly (>65 years)
• People who have medical conditions such as:
. Asthma
. Chronic Lung Disease
. Heart Disease
. Blood Disorders
. Kidney Disorders
. Liver Disorders
. Diabetics
. Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
. Neurological & neurodevelopment conditions.

Prevention & Control You can decrease the risk of catching or passing on H1N1 Influenza A by:

• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throwing the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing (hand washing for at least for 20 seconds). If soap and water are not available then use an alcohol based hand rub that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth as germs spread through these areas.
• Avoiding close contact with sick people
• Cleaning infected surfaces such as table tops, bed steads thoroughly with suitable disinfectant.
• Avoid crowded places as far as possible.
• Annual seasonal vaccination of high risk groups (listed above) with trivalent influenza

Vaccine is recommended by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP). IAP also recommends that the best time for offering vaccine would be just before the onset of rainy season.
Treatment The best remedy is to rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. You can take Paracetamol or ibuprofen to lower a high temperature and relieve body aches. If further treatment is needed or if complications develop, medication is available to treat flu caused by the H1N1 Influenza A virus such as:

• Antiviral medications – Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of  Serious complications
• Antibiotics – to combat bacterial infections such as pneumonia, which may occur as a complication of influenza

(This fact sheet has been compiled by experts at the Public Health Foundation of India and the Indian Institute of Public Health Hyderabad.)

(Source: The Shillong Times)