H1N1 (Swine Flu)
H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Flu (influenza) viruses are categorized into four categories: influenza A, B, C or D. Influenza A is the most common type and H1N1 flu is a subcategory of influenza A. HIN1 influenza (swine flu) is actually a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that infects pigs. People did not use to have gotten swine flu, however human infections began to happen. Swine flu viruses have been reported to transfer from one person to another, but in the past, this transmission was limited. The first outbreak occurred in April 2009 in Mexico, and later it spread to the U.S. and to the other countries.
Seasonal Flu vs. Swine Flu
Seasonal flu spreads from one person to another and is a common respiratory disease that occurs every winter. Symptoms of seasonal flu include; fever, runny nose, sore throat, muscle pain and coughing. The people most at risk considered are; young children, older people, and people with any health condition that weakens the immune system. It is also possible that you can prevent yourself to be infected by seasonal flu if you have a vaccine (flu shot) each year. Many people can fight off the common flu because, you can build up some immunity to help protect you over time. There are also some medicines that can help treat people with seasonal flu.
In contrast, the HINI flu is relatively a new type of flu virus, so no one has any immunity. Even if one get a flu shot this year, it will not protect the person against the H1N1 flu and in comparison to seasonal flu even healthy people are considered to be under risk of contracting H1N1 as anyone else.
Vaccines
Vaccine for seasonal flu is not the same as the vaccine for Swine flu. There are two types of vaccine that a person can have. One is named; Pandemrix and the other one is Celvapan. If Pandemrix is used, one does of shot is enough however, People who have the Celvapan vaccine will need two doses after the third week of the first dose. As with every other vaccine, it is important to consult your doctor before having the vaccine, in order to prevent unwanted effects. All vaccinations can result in side effects such as redness, soreness and swelling at the site of the injection. Flu vaccines can result in symptoms like fever, headache and muscle aches, but they should be much milder than the flu itself and should last only a day. If the situation becomes worse the person consult the doctor immediately.
Symptoms of H1N1 flu
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are considered to be pretty much the same as the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and usually include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In severe conditions symptoms can also include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. It is accepted that almost everyone with H1N1 flu will have at least two of these symptoms. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu can also cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
Prevention
As with every other flu, the best way to prevent the contamination and the spread is to have vaccine. In addition to that, wearing mask and washing your hands and your face is always important. It is also important to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze then throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you do not have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze with your hand. Then, clean your hands immediately for at least 20 seconds with soap. On top of these, disinfecting your environment on a regular basis is also important. Disinfectants prevent viral particules to stay active on the surfaces or in the air. There are important factors when choosing the best disinfectant, you can check our article on disinfectants on our blog page for further information.