Swine Flu H1N1 is currently affecting India deadly with more than 800 people have already lost their lives since their outbreak in December 2014. With our open borders with India, Nepal is a Country most susceptible for spreading of Swine Flu H1N1, from its Neighbor.
The H1N1 flu virus, originally called as Swine flu, caused a World Wide Pandemic in 2009. It is now a seasonal Human Flu, which can also circulate in Pigs. Thus, seasonal Flu Shots (vaccines) can prevent H1N1 Flu viruses, which are presently available in Advanced Polyclinic in Kathmandu.
What is Swine Flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by H1N1 influenza viruses, that infect the pigs. Occasionally Humans with close contacts with Pigs (farmers and Vets) can get Swine flu from Pigs. Then Humans sick with Swine Flu can start spreading this Flu Virus to other Humans, thus occasionally it can spread widely and effect lot of people. Swine Flu is transmitted from person to person with Flu symptoms, which includes mainly coughing and sneezing. The droplets of sneezing and coughing contains Flu Virus and when inhaled by another person gets transmitted. First outbreak of Swine Flu – H1N1 was on 2009, since then it has been circulated in Humans as a seasonal Flu. The recent outbreak of H1N1 is in India, where more than 800 people have already lost their lives. The seasonal Flu Vaccine today covers the protection against this H1N1 virus as well and it is the best method to get protected against the Swine Flu. Advanced Polyclinic in Nepal, at Kathmandu can provide this Vaccine for the protection from Swine Flu along with the Seasonal Flu.
You cannot get Swine Flu by eating Pork.
Common Symptoms of Swine Flu:
Symptoms of Swine Flu are same as Human seasonal flu, which develop with in 3 days of exposure to the virus and lasts for 7 days, which includes:
- Fever more than 100 degrees F
- Bodyache
- Soar Throat
- Cough
- Running or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Disease Course:
Swine Flu (H1N1) is a self-limiting disease, just like Seasonal Flu, and does not require any specialized treatment. However for some people with compromised immunity can lead to complications like Pneumonia and even Death.
Treatment:
Treatment of Swine Flu is same as in seasonal flu, which requires only symptom relief. Usually anti-cold medicines like Rhinex 3 times a day for one week is sufficient. If temperature is more than 101 degrees F, then medicines to reduce fever like Flexon is recommended.
But those who have a chronic illness, like bronchial asthma, heart diseases, old age and children can develop complications, thus, it is recommended to visit doctor as soon as possible and maybe anti-viral medicines like Tamiflu might be needed to prevent complications and death. In severe cases hospitalization is required.
Prevention:
Protective measures like wearing a mask and washing hands, staying away from people with cough and sneezing, not shaking hands and not hugging are universal method of Flu protection. Season Flu vaccines like Vaxigrip are effective against H1N1 Swine flu.
