Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus, is a relatively new strain of an influenza virus that causes symptoms similar to the regular flu. It originated in pigs but is spread primarily from person to person. Swine flu made headlines in 2009 when it was first discovered in humans and became a pandemic.

The death of the long ailing former Union minister George Fernandes, after he contracted swine flu, has triggered concern over infection by the H1N1 virus. The name swine flu has persisted even though the virus has long bypassed the need for swine as an intermediate carrier. The reference to swine comes from 2009, when the world saw a particularly severe outbreak that the World Health Organisation labelled a “pandemic”.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading national public health institute of the United States, defines swine flu as “a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza in pigs. Influenza viruses that commonly circulate in swine are called “swine influenza viruses” or “swine flu viruses”.

Risk Factors for Swine Flu

Some people are at higher risk for becoming seriously ill if they’re infected with swine flu. These groups include:

·         adults over age 65

·         children under 5 years old

·         young adults and children under age 19 who are receiving long-term aspirin (Bufferin) therapy

·         people with compromised immune systems (due to a disease such as AIDS)

·         pregnant women

·         people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, or neuromuscular disease

Causes of swine flu

Swine flu is caused by a strain of influenza virus that usually only infects pigs. Unlike typhus, which can be transmitted by lice or ticks, transmission usually occurs from person to person, not animal to person.

This airborne disease is spread through saliva and mucus particles. People may spread it by:

o   sneezing

o   coughing

o   touching a germ-covered surface and then touching their eyes or nose

Symptoms of swine flu

The symptoms of swine flu are very much like those of regular influenza.

They include:

·         chills

·         fever

·         coughing

·         sore throat

·         runny or stuffy nose

·         body aches

·         fatigue

·         diarrhea

·         nausea and vomiting

Treating swine flu

Two antiviral drugs are recommended for treating swine flu: the oral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Because flu viruses can develop resistance to these drugs, they’re often reserved for people who are at high risk for complications from the flu. People who are otherwise generally healthy and get swine flu will be able to fight the infection on their own.

Outlook for swine flu

Severe cases of swine flu can be fatal. Most fatal cases occur in those with underlying chronic medical conditions, such as HIV or AIDS. The majority of people with swine flu recover and can anticipate a normal life expectancy.

Prevention towards this disease

The best way to prevent swine flu is to get a yearly flu vaccination. Other easy ways to prevent swine flu include:

·         frequently washing hands with soap or hand sanitizer

·         not touching your nose, mouth, or eyes (The virus can survive on surfaces like telephones and tabletops.)

·         staying home from work or school if you’re ill

·         avoiding large gatherings when swine flu is in season