H1N1 is an influenza A virus which is the causative pathogen for swine flu. There have been seasonal outbreaks every year. The reason being, it is contagious, and mutations in the virus strain put everyone at risk every season. Awareness about this disease and its transmission, prevention, and management is critical to control the spread of the disease. We also need to clarify few myths associated with this disease https://www.icliniq.com/articles/infectious-diseases/swine-flu-everything-you-need-to-know

1. Swine Flu Virus

2. 1. What is H1N1 or swine flu virus?
H1N1 is an influenza A virus, also called as swine flu virus and it
has maximum genes from the swine strain. It represents a
quadruple reassortment - two swine strains, and one human as
well as avian strain each.

3. 2. Who are at maximum risk?
It may affect all the age groups but, it is more common in young
children and the elderly. The risk is high among those with an
underlying condition such as diabetes, lung disease, liver and
kidney disease or any immunocompromised state.

4. 3. How is the illness diagnosed?
The illness is diagnosed after ruling out other causes when a
patient presents with a fever along with a cough and sore throat.

5. 4. How is swine flu confirmed?
Those patients presenting with an influenza-like illness and are
positive for H1N1 either tested through RT-PCR (reverse
transcription polymerase chain reaction) or viral culture, are
regarded as confirmed cases.

6. 5. Is it contagious?
Yes, it is contagious and gets transmitted from one person to
another through sneezing or coughing and spreads by
large-particle droplets. It may also get transmitted through
contaminated objects, close contact, and handshakes.

7. 6. What is the period of transmission?
Transmission from an infected person to a healthy person may
occur from one day prior to the onset of symptoms to seven days
after.

8. 7. How to prevent its spread?
As its transmission is from one person to another, prevention can
be achieved by isolating those infected with H1N1, and those in
close contacts, such as health care providers and attendants can
wear a triple-layer mask. Those who are at a higher risk should
get vaccinated.

9. 8. Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
Trivalent vaccine is approved for seasonal influenza. Vaccination
should be done yearly. The efficacy of the vaccine is 70 to 80 %.
Vaccines take two to three weeks to develop immunity. So, it is
recommended to get vaccinated at least a month before the start
of the season.

10. 9. What are the warning signs and criteria for
hospitalization?
The warning signs are a high-grade fever, breathlessness, pain or
pressure in the chest and abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion
and severe or persistent vomiting. If these signs are present, the
patient should consult a physician for hospitalization.

11. 10. What care should be taken during the home
management of swine flu patients?
Patients need to be kept in isolation for seven days. They should
follow cough etiquettes, take plenty of fluids, avoid handshaking,
wash their hands frequently, avoid visitors, avoid smoking, and
wear a mask all the time.

12. 11. Can swine flu be treated?
Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) is approved for the treatment as well as
prophylaxis of swine flu. Treatment is given after evaluating and
categorizing the patients based on signs, symptoms and
underlying illnesses as category A, B or C. Only in category B and
C, treatment with Tamiflu is required, and only in category C
testing and hospitalization is required.

13. Article Source
Originally published at www.icliniq.com on August 23, 2017

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