Swine flu: symptoms, causes and how to treat it

Definition

What is swine flu?

Swine flu, also known as H1N1 influenza virus, is a human respiratory infection that is usually transmitted by pigs.

The spread of this disease can occur in farms or veterinarians. However, in some cases, the H1N1 flu virus can spread from one infected person to another. Generally, the process of properly cooking pork until it is cooked cannot transmit this virus to humans.

Like other types of flu, the H1N1 virus is very contagious, especially between humans. A person who sneezes can spread germs and viruses through the air. In addition, viruses can also survive on tables, doorknobs, and other surfaces.

This virus first appeared in 2009, and experts identified it as a combination of viruses from pigs, birds and humans. Swine flu shows symptoms such as flu in general, namely sneezing, fever, cough, nasal congestion, and reddish eyes.

How common is this condition?

When it first appeared in North America in the spring of 2009, the disease quickly spread from country to country. Its relatively rapid spread made WHO announce swine flu was a world pandemic disease in June 2009.

At the time of this announcement, the disease had spread to 74 countries. In August 2010, WHO finally declared that the swine flu pandemic was over.

Now, swine flu is classified as a fairly rare disease. The percentage of deaths caused by this disease is quite low, namely around 1-4%.

In addition, this disease mostly affects children aged 5 years and under and people aged 65 years and over.

This disease can be overcome by recognizing the existing risk factors. To find out more information about this disease, you can consult your doctor.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu?

The signs and symptoms of swine flu in humans more or less resemble those of the common cold, such as fever, cough and runny nose.

However, because the symptoms are similar to those of the common cold, this disease is sometimes difficult to detect. Here are some of the most common swine flu symptoms:

• Sudden fever (not always): usually above 38 degrees Celsius
• Cough (usually dry)
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Watery and red eyes
• Pain in the body
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting

Like most flu, swine flu can cause neurological symptoms, especially in children. This condition is classified as rare, but can be fatal.

These symptoms include seizures, confusion, and changes in cognitive habits.

In some situations, symptoms can worsen and lead to flu complications, such as:

• Hard to breathe
• Pneumonia
• Changes in mental status (from changes in behavior to confusion, seizures)
• Dead

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Usually, you don't need to see a doctor if you are in good health and only have flu symptoms. However, if you fall into the high-risk group, you should visit your doctor from the first signs and symptoms appear.

If you have any of the signs or symptoms above or any other questions during an outbreak, consult your doctor. In addition, if you or your child has a worsening fever, difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, confusion or convulsions, you should visit the emergency room immediately.

Each sufferer's body shows signs and symptoms that vary. To find out the most appropriate treatment and according to your health condition, always consult a doctor or the nearest health service center.

Cause

What causes swine flu?

The H1N1 type virus is a combination of flu virus genes that generally cause influenza, both in pigs, birds and humans. The influenze virus subtype H1N1 is what causes swine flu (swine flu).

This flu virus is highly contagious and can spread quickly. However, unlike typhus, the mode of transmission of flu is more common from one human to another, not from animals to humans.

However, it does not rule out that transmission can occur if humans come into contact with infected pigs, especially if an outbreak is occurring.

Sometimes, people can also become infected by touching an object with the swine flu virus and then their hand touching their mouth or nose. Swine flu viruses usually cannot be transmitted by consuming processed pork products that are cooked until they are cooked.

Swine flu is spread by coughing, sneezing and / or talking to an infected person. This is because the virus is easily spread through the air, saliva, and mucus particles (droplet) on the body.

Risk factors

What increases my risk of developing this disease?

Swine flu is a disease that can affect people of all ages and racial groups. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of contracting the H1N1 virus.

Having one or all of the risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop this disease. There is also a chance that you may still be infected even if you don't have any of the risk factors.

The following are the risk factors that trigger the emergence of this disease:

1. Age

Infants and children under 5 years of age have a high enough risk of developing this disease. In addition, the incidence of flu is also widely found in people aged 65 years and over, especially those who are rarely infected with other types of influenza.

2. Pregnant women

If you are pregnant or pregnant, your chances of contracting this disease are greater.

3. People with chronic diseases

If you have chronic health problems, such as asthma, lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney problems, liver disorders, or neurological conditions, your risk of contracting these diseases is higher.

4. People with poor immune systems

A poor immune system makes the body more susceptible to viral infections, including the H1N1 virus. This will be worse if the sufferer also has a disease that weakens the immune system, such as HIV.

5. Work on a farm or become a veterinarian

If you work on a farm where there are pigs, or if you are a veterinarian who has frequent physical contact with pigs, your chances of getting the disease are greater.

Diagnosis & treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is this condition diagnosed?

The symptoms of this disease more or less resemble the common cold, including seasonal flu. However, if you have serious complications, you should immediately consult a doctor.

To diagnose this disease, the doctor will usually perform a thorough physical examination. The doctor will also ask about the symptoms you are experiencing.

After that, if your doctor suspects that you have the H1N1 virus, you may need laboratory tests. To detect a viral infection, health workers will take a sample of mucus from the nose or throat (swab test).

The sample will be analyzed using a variety of genetic and laboratory techniques to identify the strain of the virus. However, the test isn't done routinely, you only need it if:

• You are already in or hospitalized
• You belong to a group that is at high risk for complications
• You live with someone who is at high risk for complications

The doctor also may order other tests if you show symptoms of other health problems, such as

• Heart problems, such as heart failure or heart muscle infection
• Respiratory problems, such as asthma and pneumonia
• Nervous system and brain problems, such as encephalopathy or encephalitis

How to treat swine flu?

Generally, people with this disease will get better in 7-10 days without special treatment. Treatment usually aims to relieve or eliminate the symptoms that appear.

However, if you have chronic respiratory disease, your doctor may prescribe additional medication to help your breathing.

There are 4 types of drugs that are effective against swine flu and have been approved by Food and Drug Administration . This medication is usually taken within the first 48 hours of initial symptoms appearing. The aim is to reduce the severity and risk of complications. Here are the remedies:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• Zanamivir (Relenza)
• Peramivir (Rapivab)
• Baloxavir (Xofluza)

However, it is possible for the flu virus to develop into a virus that is resistant to these drugs.

To prevent drug resistance from developing, doctors will add antiviral medication to people who are at high risk of developing complications. High-risk groups include:

• People in nursing homes or other long-term care
• Children under 5 years, especially under 2 years
• Seniors over 65 years
• Pregnant women, especially 2 weeks before delivery
• People under 18 years of age should not use aspirin because of the risk of developing Reye's syndrome.
• People who are very obese, with a body mass index above 40
• People who have chronic health conditions (such as asthma or lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, liver problems, or neurological conditions)
• People with HIV or other weak immune system problems

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat swine flu?

If you are not in the above groups, self-medication at home can be done, such as:

• Using paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and muscle aches. Non-aspirin pain relievers should be given to children under 18 years of age to reduce the risk of Reye's syndrome.
• Drink as much fluids as possible.
• Take breaks while you are still feeling tired.
• Get enough sleep.
• Take vitamins for flu or supplements to maintain endurance.

Do not go to work, school, busy locations and social gatherings at least 24 hours after the fever has disappeared to prevent transmission.

The best way to prevent swine flu is vaccinations. You can get it in the form of a nasal injection or spray under certain conditions. Nasal sprays are only recommended for healthy people between 2-49 years and who are not pregnant.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a flu shot for people over 6 months of age. The flu shot also protects against 2-3 influenza viruses that are common during the flu season.

Apart from getting the flu shot, there are a few tips you should follow in order to stay healthy and reduce your risk of catching the flu:

• Make sure you wash your hands properly
• Carrying out the etiquette of coughing and sneezing by covering the nose and mouth
• Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly
• Have a healthy lifestyle by adopting a balanced diet for flu, exercising regularly and getting adequate rest.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.