Swine flu – H1N1 flu virus – Pandemic influenza (H1N1) in 2009 year

Description of swine flu

As of August 2010 year, the H1N1 flu is no longer considered a pandemic.

H1N1 flu virus (the original name of swine flu) – respiratory infection. Pandemic flu H1N1 has reached the level of a pandemic – outbreaks worldwide. Course of the disease may be accompanied by mild and severe symptoms.

Causes of swine flu

There are two main types of influenza virus is a type A and type B. Flash 2009 year due to new mixtures of different types of influenza A. Flu – the disease is highly contagious and can spread extremely fast.

H1N1 swine flu spreads in the same way as seasonal flu:

• Inhalation of droplets, after, as the infected person coughs or sneezes;
• When you touch an infected surface (the virus can stay on surfaces and infect a person for 2-8 hours) and then the eye, nose, or mouth.

Risk factors

The main risk factor – Contact with an infected person. The presence of chronic diseases (eg, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, cancer) may increase the risk of developing a severe form of the infection. Besides, people with disabilities may be more at risk, because they cannot easily identify symptoms or to take preventive measures against influenza a H1N1.

H1N1 flu virus more affects young people, than older, because older people may have immunity against the virus.

Eating pork or products, drinking water from the tap is not a risk factor for H1N1 influenza.

Factors, that increase the risk of developing complications from the H1N1 influenza virus:

• Age: children under two years of age and people aged 65 and older;
• People under the age of 19 years receiving aspirin;
• Pregnancy;
• Recent births (less than two weeks);
• Diabetes;
• Weakened immune system, eg, as a result of:
  • Hiv Infection;
  • Receiving immunosuppressive;
• Disease, that can affect breathing;
• Chronic lung disease, hearts, kidney, liver, nerves, blood disease;
• Being in a medical institution;
• Obesity (based on early reports).

H1N1 flu symptoms

Given the symptoms may be caused not only by the H1N1 flu virus, and other diseases.

• Fever and chills;
• Sore throat;
• Cough;
• Muscle aches;
• Severe fatigue;
• Headache;
• Cold, nasal congestion;
• Sneezing;
• Watery eyes;
• Gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, diarrhea, vomiting).

Need to see a doctor in the following cases:

• Temperature 37,8 ° C or above in combination with any of the symptoms:
  • Bunged up nose (It is difficult to breathe through the nose);
  • Cold;
  • Cough;
  • Sore throat;
• Contact with the H1N1 flu virus:
  • Finding near patient or suspect the presence of H1N1 flu;
  • Finding in place, where there were confirmed cases of H1N1 flu.

We need to see a doctor, If symptoms worsen or the patient starts to feel better within three days after the onset of symptoms.

Development of the H1N1 influenza virus can cause pneumonia. Deaths due to swine flu are quite rare. H1N1 flu can also worsen diseases, that, perhaps, already have a.

If there are alarming symptoms need to seek emergency medical care:

• Symptoms in adults include:
  • Temperature 37,8 ° C or higher for more than three days;
  • Trouble breathing or shortness of breath;
  • Bloody or coloured sputum;
  • Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen;
  • Sudden dizziness;
  • Confusion;
  • Severe vomiting or vomiting, that does not stop;
  • Flu symptoms pass, but return with a fever and cough increased;
• Anxiety symptoms in children include:
  • Fast breathing or trouble breathing;
  • Blue or gray skin color;
  • Reluctance to drink enough fluids;
  • Severe vomiting or vomiting, that does not stop;
  • Difficulty waking up;
  • Irritability;
  • Lack of desire to play and socialize;
  • Inattention;
  • Flu symptoms pass, but return with a fever and cough increased;
  • Fever with a rash.

Diagnosis of H1N1 flu

The doctor asks about the symptoms and medical history. Diagnosis of the flu, usually, is based on symptoms.

In some cases, the physician may take a sample from the nose or throat, to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of swine flu

Antivirals, prescription

Most people, with the flu do not need antivirals. The patient may need antiviral medication, if it is in a high risk group, or if he has a serious illness (eg, breathing problems).

Antiviral drugs do not cure flu. They can reduce the symptoms and reduce the duration of sickness. The medication must be taken within 48 hours after the first symptoms.

Antivirals, used to treat H1N1 pandemic influenza include:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) – some types of seasonal influenza viruses are resistant to this drug , but it can be used against pandemic H1N1 flu;
• Zanamivir (Relenza) – may worsen asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• Peramivir – new medicine analyzed, used for hospitalized patients, If other antiviral drugs do not work. This medication is administered intravenously.

Oseltamivir (and, perhaps, zanamivir) It may increase the risk of self-injury and confusion after taking, especially in children. Need to watch carefully for signs of unusual behavior of children after taking these drugs.

Other antivirals, sometimes used to treat certain types of seasonal flu (amantadine and rimantadine) do not work against pandemic H1N1 flu.

Other measures to combat swine flu

• We need more rest, to help the body fight flu;
• You should drink plenty of fluids, including water, juice, but not tea and caffeinated drinks;
• You can take analgesics, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or (for adults) aspirin. Aspirin is not recommended for children and teens with a current or recent viral infection due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. We need to ask the doctor, what medications are safe for baby;
• Need to use other OTC remedies (eg, decongestants, saline nasal sprays, cough medicines);
• You should talk with your doctor about how to, which drugs can be taken without risk to health. For Example, some cough and cold medications can cause serious side effects in young children;
• You can use alternative therapies, for example, elderberry extract. Researchers found, what medications (eg, Sambucol and ViraBLOC), containing elder showed reduced flu symptoms in some studies.

Prevention of influenza H1N1

Vaccination

There is a vaccine against influenza a H1N1, which comes in two forms: nasal spray and injections. The nasal spray is made in two steps (for a period of one month) for children 2-9 years, and as a single dose for persons aged 10-49 years. Tuck is performed in two steps (two doses of) for children aged from six months to nine years, and as a single dose for people aged 10 and older.

How to avoid influenza H1N1?

• It is necessary to wash hands frequently, especially after contact with flu patients. Wash hands in more recommended 15-20 seconds with soap and water. Also useful for wiping hand cleaner alcohol-based;
• To avoid close contact with people, who are sick with respiratory infections. Influenza can spread the day before and up to seven days after the onset of symptoms;
• It is recommended that you avoid frequented places, especially if there is a high risk of complications from H1N1 flu. You can use disposable face masks while in place, where there is a possibility of contracting swine flu;
• Need to cover mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing;
• No need to splevyvat;
• You do not need to give patients the flu their personal belongings or drinks;
• You cannot bite your nails or rub hands eyes, mouth or nose;
• The surface should be cleaned (tables, chairs, cabinets, etc.) using household bleach;
• You do not need to use supplements and medications, tablets without prescription, for alleging that they can prevent the flu H1N1.

Precautions when placed next to a sick H1N1 flu

• To prevent infection by the human need to keep, who suffers from, in one of the rooms of the House;
• You need to wash your hands after contact with sick;
• If you cannot avoid close contact with sick man, you need to cover your mouth and nose mask (or respirator);
• Need to restrict contacts with other members of the family or of society during the care of patients;
• Man, that is sick must have minimum contacts with other people and not go to school or work until the end of the disease;
• When symptoms of influenza-like illness should contact a doctor.

Preventive medicines for people at high risk of influenza H1N1

Medicines to prevent H1N1 influenza, like zanamivir (Relenza) or oseltamivir (Tamiflu), can be recommended for the following groups of:

• People, who have close contact with an infected person (confirmed or suspected) and have the disease, that increase the risk of complications:
• Chronic diseases and weakened immune system;
• Age younger than 19 years and long-term use of aspirin (There is a risk of getting Reye's syndrome);
• Age – 65 and older;
• Children under five years of age;
• Pregnancy;
• Health workers, having contact with an infected person (confirmed or suspected).

Ways to avoid the spread of the H1N1 flu

In the presence of the H1N1 flu, the following measures are recommended, to avoid spreading it to other people:

• To avoid close contact with healthy people. Before going back to school or work, symptoms should disappear within 24 hours without the aid of sohm. It may take up to seven days after the appearance of the first symptoms. When you have the flu you want to stay home, leaving it only to the doctor;
• If you cannot avoid close contact, you need to cover your mouth and nose mask;
• It is necessary to wash hands frequently. Also useful for wiping hand cleaner alcohol-based;
• It should cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. No need to spit.
• You cannot give your drinks or personal belongings of healthy people;
• It is necessary to wash dishes with hot water and soap;
• You cannot bite your nails or rub hands eyes, mouth or nose;
• The surface should be cleaned (tables, chairs, cabinets, etc.) using household bleach;
• You need to use a special decontamination unit before washing of infected personal belongings.