Overview
H1N1 influenza swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by a combination of viruses from birds, pigs, and humans. This virus caused a global pandemic in the year 2009. It is now regarded as a normal type of seasonal flu.Signs and Symptoms
Fever, Chills, Stuffy or runny nose, Sore throat, Non-productive cough, Headache, Body aches, Difficulty sleeping, Red and watery eyes, Loss of appetite, Nausea and vomiting, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Fatigue or feeling exhaustedCommon Causes
Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 spread through inhalation of air droplets when people infected with the viral infection coughs and sneezes, Influenza A virus subtype H1N1 spread through contact with a contaminated surfaceRisk Factors
People below the age of 5 and above the age of 65, People staying in hospitals, care facilities or nursing homes, Having certain medical conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, kidney or blood disease, People with the weakened immune system due to the usage of certain medications or underlying medical conditions such as sickle cell disease, human immunodeficiency virus infection and cancer, People travelling to areas where people are affected by swine flu, Veterinarians or people working at swine farmsInvestigation Techniques
Medical history and travel history, Physical examination to look for signs of influenza, Blood tests including full blood count, Rapid influenza diagnostic test, Rapid molecular assays, Human influenza virus real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction detection and characterisation panel (rRT-PCR Flu Panel)Treatment and Prevention
Bed rest, Drinking plenty of fluids, Supportive oral medications such as antipyretics, analgesics, cough suppressants, Antiviral agents such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir, Can be prevented by frequent hand-washing, practicing proper cough etiquette, avoiding overcrowded places and close contact with ill people, getting the influenza A (H1N1) monovalent vaccine
