Swine influenza: These factors can increase your risk
Let's know about risk factors associated with swine influenza.
Swine flu or the H1N1 influenza A virus affected humans for the first time in 2009 and WHO declared it as a pandemic in 2010. But globally, people have now developed immunity against this virus. So, it’s no more a cause of major concern. Now, the H1N1 virus is like any other regular human flu virus that affects us during the flu season.
The H1N1 type A influenza is a viral infection which originally was transmitted from pigs to humans. Now, it spreads from one human to another. The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to regular influenza and include fever, headaches, chills, diarrhoea, coughing and sneezing. One can prevent the infection by maintaining basic hygiene and wearing a proper surgical mask during flu season. The number of cases shoots up during the summers and monsoon seasons. While there are various vaccines available to prevent the disease, a wide range of antiviral treatments are there to combat it as well. One should however only opt for these medicines under a doctor’s supervision as indiscriminate use might result in susceptibility to the virus.
Most of the manifestations of swine flu are quite similar to regular influenza. Symptoms include:
Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by the swine influenza virus (SIV). The pandemic of swine flu was caused by the SIV sub type of H1N1. But other subtypes H1N2, H1N3, H3N1, H3N2 and H2N3 can also cause the illness. The virus was termed H1N1 because it mainly exhibited two types of antigens hemagglutinin 1 and neuraminidase.
The mode of transmission is the same as any other flu. If you come in contact with virus-loaded droplets sprayed in the air as an infected person coughs and sneezes, you may catch the flu. Also, you can are likely to suffer from this condition if you touch a surface touched by an affected person or loaded with tiny drops infested with the H1N1 virus. You can get it from a person one day before the symptoms manifest and as long as 7 days after he gets sick. Children can be contagious up to 10 days. Bacon, ham, or any other pork product can’t give you swine flu.
According to the observations of various studies, some people are more likely to catch the swine flu than others. The high-risk group includes:
A lab test is essential for the diagnosis of swine flu as its symptoms are very similar to those of any other variation of influenza. Your doctor will recommend a swab test for the confirmatory diagnosis of swine flu. A swab from your nose or throat for detecting swine flu.
If you test positive for swine flu, treatment needs to be initiated immediately. According to the National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICD), swine flu can be completely treated if it is diagnosed at a very early stage.
The anti‐viral medicines oseltamivir (Tamiflu/Fluvir) and zanamivir (Relenza) are prescribed to patients with this respiratory condition. Oseltamivir is administered to adults as well as children below the age of 1 year.
According to the guidelines of NICD, medicines should be administered within 48 hours of the first symptom. These drugs work by inhibiting the ability of virus to release progeny virus particles.
Antibiotics aren’t a prescribed for this condition as it is caused by viruses. Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers are also advised alongside antiviral drugs to relieve symptoms like pain and fever. However, aspirin, an OTC drug, shouldn’t be given to children, suggest doctors.
Having the right kinds of food and avoiding some will play an instrumental role in making the healing process smooth and fast. Here is what you should eat and avoid. Here are the food rules to follow:
Let's know about risk factors associated with swine influenza.
As Mumbai witnesses the first death due to swine flu this monsoon, here we tell you how to keep yourself safe from this infection.
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Swine flu cases have been continually increasing in Rajasthan. 56 new swine flu cases have been reported taking the tally of patients to 3,564 in 49 days. So, here are some tips to deal with it.
The case was critical and complex as the foetus had to be protected from the virus while in the womb. Additionally, there was a risk of the mother developing bleeding complications and losing the unborn child. Both the mother and the baby are healthy now.
According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the H1N1 virus commonly known as swine flu has so far claimed 226 lives across the country.
Forty-four people have so far tested positive for swine flu in Himachal Pradesh.
Practise these yoga poses and stay away from the risks of getting swine flu this winter.
George Fernandes had been suffering from swine flu for the last few days.
One of the most badly affected states, Rajasthan, saw a death toll of 48 in just the first 19 days of 2019.
Amit Shah (54) is under the observation of the institute's Director Randeep Guleria for treatment of swine flu.
Health officers across the state have been asked to ensure that isolated wards are set up in hospitals for patients affected by H1N1.
In the first eight days of the year, 1,262 samples have been tested out of which 341 samples have tested positive. While 14 people lost their lives to the virus, in 2018, a total of 225 deaths were confirmed in a year, said officials.
A total of 44 new cases tested positive in the state. Overall, 88 cases have tested positive in the state in 2019, with three patients succumbing to the virus in three days from the start of the year, said officials.
Here are top 4 home remedies to tackle swine flu that you need to know about.
Hyderabad has witnessed an increasing number of deaths due to swine flu that has made doctors issue a health alert in the city.
Dr Deepak Sawant, Health Minister of Maharashtra conducted a meeting on Wednesday, to discuss about the various measures to tackle these life-threatening diseases. Reportedly, he has also ordered to investigate the water samples in rural areas to curb the gastroenteritis outbreak.
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As Mumbai witnesses the first death due to swine flu this monsoon, here we tell you how to keep yourself safe from this infection.
Swine flu cases have been continually increasing in Rajasthan. 56 new swine flu cases have been reported taking the tally of patients to 3,564 in 49 days. So, here are some tips to deal with it.
The case was critical and complex as the foetus had to be protected from the virus while in the womb. Additionally, there was a risk of the mother developing bleeding complications and losing the unborn child. Both the mother and the baby are healthy now.
According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the H1N1 virus commonly known as swine flu has so far claimed 226 lives across the country.
Forty-four people have so far tested positive for swine flu in Himachal Pradesh.
Practise these yoga poses and stay away from the risks of getting swine flu this winter.
George Fernandes had been suffering from swine flu for the last few days.
One of the most badly affected states, Rajasthan, saw a death toll of 48 in just the first 19 days of 2019.
Amit Shah (54) is under the observation of the institute's Director Randeep Guleria for treatment of swine flu.
Health officers across the state have been asked to ensure that isolated wards are set up in hospitals for patients affected by H1N1.
In the first eight days of the year, 1,262 samples have been tested out of which 341 samples have tested positive. While 14 people lost their lives to the virus, in 2018, a total of 225 deaths were confirmed in a year, said officials.
A total of 44 new cases tested positive in the state. Overall, 88 cases have tested positive in the state in 2019, with three patients succumbing to the virus in three days from the start of the year, said officials.
Here are top 4 home remedies to tackle swine flu that you need to know about.
Hyderabad has witnessed an increasing number of deaths due to swine flu that has made doctors issue a health alert in the city.
Dr Deepak Sawant, Health Minister of Maharashtra conducted a meeting on Wednesday, to discuss about the various measures to tackle these life-threatening diseases. Reportedly, he has also ordered to investigate the water samples in rural areas to curb the gastroenteritis outbreak.
Type A, type B or type C swine flu -- which is more dangerous? Read to know.
Medical and Health Minister Kalicharan Saraf said screening would be done in each and every house in the areas hit by the virus
The government has launched a campaign to educate people about swine flu.
Let's know about risk factors associated with swine influenza.
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