Swine Flu - General information

Swine Flu, caused by influenza virus A, subtype H1N1, is a new type of Flu which causes illness in people all around the world. First detected in US (April 2009). It spreads from person to person like any other flu. If you eat cooked pork, you won't get it.  'Swine Flu' got it's name due to resemblance of the virus to that found in pigs in the North America. Further studies have shown that the virus is really different from that found in North America's pigs, but contain two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia, avian genes and human genes.

Symptoms of H1N1 (See the video below). Just remember that it starts like any other Flu, but later affects all systems of your body. There is no specific symptom by which you can say a person has swine flu.   Children below 5 yrs, pregnant ladies and elderly people (above 65 yrs) are at higher risk of getting the infection.

Diagnosis is by taking nasopharyngeal and throat swabs.

Ordinary masks will not give from swine flu. N-95 Respirator or higher is required if you are in close contact with an infected person.

Drugs used in treatment, other than supportive measures are Oseltamivir and Zanamavir.

For more details on the diagnosis and treatment see the posts that follow.