Swine Flu Causes, Precautions, Risks, Diagnosis & Treatment

The health authorities in Mumbai, Maharashtra are on their toes as Swine flu is back in the city with at least 4 people have been put on the ventilator support in the city. Since the beginning ot this year, a total of 142 cases of Swine flu have been reported from the different parts of the state. As per the reports published by the Maharashtra's Public Health Department, 7 people have already lost their lives due to the H1N1 virus- 2 in Pune, 3 in Kolhapur, and 2 in Thane in July. Mumbai alone has reported 43 cases of the H1N1, Pune, Palghar, and Nashik have recorded 23, 22, and 17 cases of the infection lately. Well, not even Maharashtra, a swine flu case has also been reported from the Fatehpur district of Uttar Pradesh. 

Although the WHO declared that the pandemic was over in August 2010, the disease made a comeback in 2013 and infected over 800 in Delhi alone. In 2020 start, the swine flu (H1N1 virus) has knocked on our doors with six Supreme Court judges falling prey to the disease. As newer cases lineup we should learn about the disease and take necessary precautions to safeguard our family members from it.

Swine flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus found in pigs. It is, in fact, a type of influenza in pigs, which gets transmitted to humans and attacks the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs). The first-ever case of swine flu in humans was discovered in the year 2009 and the disease has soon declared a pandemic as it spread around the globe.

Swine Flu Causes in Humans

Let's understand how can the swine flu virus be transmitted in human. Read What Causes Swine Flu in Humen?  

• From a pig infected with the virus

• From a person carrying the virus (through their cough or sneezing)

• By touching a contaminated surface and then touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth.

What Precaution to Take Against Swine Flu?

Protecting your children from swine flu requires simple precautionary measures that can help minimize the risk of infection.

• Swine flu is highly contagious. It spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing. It is important to keep your child away from anyone who shows symptoms of an infection.

• According to the World Health Organization, swine flu does not spread through pork meat; however, it is advisable to avoid feeding your child market-bought foods as they may have been handled by an infected person.

• Good hygiene is extremely important. Washing hands and face frequently throughout the day, particularly before meals & bathing every day ensures additional protection for your child.

• It is advisable to avoid visiting crowded places during an outbreak in your area.

• It will help to check with your child’s school regarding the precautionary measures being taken.

• If your child is infected, it is best to avoid sending him/her to school to prevent the infection from spreading to other children.

• If diagnosed with the infection, advising the child to cover their mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing will help protect others.

Risks of Swine Flu

Children under 5 years and pregnant women are at a higher risk of catching the infection due to their fragile immune system. Read these high-risk groups which include:

• Senior adults, particularly above the age of 65.

• A woman who has just delivered a baby or has had a miscarriage.

• A person having a serious medical condition such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disease.

• People suffering from a respiratory disease such as COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

• A person whose immunity has been compromised due to prolonged medication for a medical condition.

Signs & Symptoms of Swine Flu

What may be the most apparent Symptoms? Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of the regular flu. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid self-diagnosis and seek immediate medical advice if any of the following symptoms are noticed. [Explore for more swine flu-related symptoms]  

• Fever

• Body pain and headache

• Chills (cold and shivering)

• Sore throat

• Nasal congestion and Cough

• Difficulty in breathing

• Irritability and loss of appetite

• Tiredness and low energy

• Bluish skin around the mouth

• Skin rash

• Diarrhoea and vomiting in some cases

Swine Flu Diagnosis & Treatment

If your doctor suspects swine flu, they will take the child’s nasal and throat swabs for testing. A blood test and X-ray may also be done depending upon the severity of symptoms.

The patient may be required to stay quarantined till the test results arrive which takes about 24 hours.

A patient suffering from swine flu needs plenty of rest. The infection is allowed to pass on its own and antiviral medication is given to provide relief from the symptoms mentioned earlier.

In some cases, hospitalization may be needed and the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Swine Flu Vaccination

Several injectable swine flu vaccinations are available on the market, costing about Rs. 600 per dosage. It is advisable to have your child and other family members vaccinated after consulting with your GP. For more consider reading this in detail. [Explore Swine flu vaccination precautions & treatment] 

If timely treatment is not given, serious complications can develop and the infection can turn fatal. If you suspect that your child may have swine flu, it is advisable to take her for a thorough medical examination as soon as possible.