G4 Swine Flu: Causes, Symptoms, Complications, And Treatment

G4 specific type of Swine influenza, which can be described as a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza viruses which is mostly found in pigs. This type of outbreak of influenza in pigs can also be known as“swine flu viruses” or “swine influenza viruses”.G4 Swine Flu is quite identical to the human influenza viruses as they both possess different strains and subtypes of swine influenza viruses.

Some of the swine influenza viruses commonly found in pigs in the last few years are:

• Swine triple reassortant (tr) H1N1 influenza virus.
• trH3N2 virus.
• trH1N2 virus.
• G4 EA H1N1 virus.

Like any other influenza viruses found in humans and animals, the swine flu virus in pigs may happen because of any contact with human influenza viruses, avian influenza, or any swine influenza viruses. The pig can get infected through:

• Direct contact with an infected pig.
• Direct contact with a contaminated object.
• Infected swine herds.

When the pig is infected via different species, the virus swaps genes and creates a new version of its own, which can possess elements from both species. Scientists have discovered three main influenzas A virus subtypes that can also be found in pigs. They are H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2.

One can diagnose the surface symptoms of swine flu in pigs if they saw:

• Fever
• Discharge from the nose or eyes
• Sneezing and coughing (barking)
• Difficulty in breathing
• Red or inflamed eye
• Loss of appetite
• Depression

In some cases, infected pigs do not show any signs and symptoms mentioned above.

It is considered a rare case of influenza virus that can infect a human body. Although sporadic human infections with influenza viruses can be seen quite common among human species. When an animal virus mutates and infects a human then it is known as “variant viruses”. It is added at the end of the virus subtype designation by the letter “v”. For instance, the variant of H1N1 that is also found in humans can be denoted as H1N1v.

Influenza viruses are highly contagious as they can be directly transmitted from pigs to humans and visa-versa. The infection is commonly reported after having close contact with the infected pig or consumption of the infected pig meat.

In the case of alive and infected pigs, the droplets of the influenza virus can spread via a cough or sneeze in the open air or places that are commonly used by humans ( contamination). When a human inhales these infected droplets or gets in contact with them by touching the contaminated surface, they can get infected.

In the case of pig meat or pork, the influenza virus has shown any case of transmission to people. Although it is important to consume only well-cooked and handled pig meat.

Studies have shown that the G4 virus can also be spread via human-to-human transmission of variant flu viruses like any other seasonal flu virus. Normally, the seasonal flu virus spreads through uncovered coughing and sneezing in the open air, resulting in contamination of the surrounding air and objects, which later come in contact with a healthy individual and infect them.

Although it can be easily spread to humans via pigs, human-to-human contact with this variant flu viruses have not shown any potential to spread amongst other human beings.

Some age groups are more prone to contracting the G4 virus than others. Here is the list of health and age elements that make an individual more vulnerable to infection.

• Adults more or equal to 65yrs.
• Infants and children under the age of 2yrs. The risk can also be high up to the age of 5yrs.
• Chronic lung diseases like Cystic fibrosis, Asthma, Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
• Blood disorders like sickle cell disease.
• Endocrine disorders like diabetes mellitus.
• Heart conditions like congestive heart failure, congenital heart disease, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
• Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions.
• Kidney diseases.
• Liver disorders.
• Obesity with BMI 40 and above.
• Metabolic disorders like inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders.
• Weaken immunity due to chronic illness like HIV or AIDS, or some cancers such as leukemia.
• Weak immunity due to prolonged usage of medical treatments like corticosteroids, aspirin, salicylate-containing medications or therapies like chemotherapy, radiation treatment for cancer.

Apart from serious medical conditions and treatment vulnerability here are some other factors that make an individual more prone to the disease.

• Pregnancy or two weeks time period post-pregnancy.
• Nursing home residence or individual being in long-term care facilities.
• People with hybrid genetic material like Hispanic or Latino persons, non-Hispanic Black persons, and American Indian or Alaska Native persons.

Patients infected with animal viruses often show identical symptoms. In the case of the G4 virus, one can detect symptoms like:

• Fever.
• Lack Of Appetite.
• Eye Irritation.
• Coughing.
• Lethargy.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Runny Nose.
• Sore Throat.
• Nausea.

In severe conditions, the symptoms can worsen, contact your nearest medical emergency center if you see these symptoms in a child who recently visited places with pig/s.

• Difficulty in breathing.
• Bluish face and lips.
• Chest pain especially ribs stretch while breathing.
• Severe muscle pain or body ache.
• Severe dehydration.
• Dry mouth.
• No tears when crying.
• Seizures.
• Fever above 104°F in children less than 12 weeks.
• Worsening fever or cough.

Serious conditions that can be seen In adults:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing.
• Persistent pain in the body, especially in the chest or upper abdomen.
• Dizziness.
• Confusion.
• Seizures.
• Loss of arousal.
• Not urinating (dehydration).
• Severe weakness or unsteadiness.
• Worsening fever, cough, or existing medical conditions.

To diagnose a virus infection which is a variant of influenza A, your medical professional will collect your medical history followed by a respiratory specimen which needs to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness as at that point an infected person is commonly on a stage of virus shedding. In the case of kids, the sample can be taken a bit later as they may shed the virus a little longer as compared to adults.

Although scientists have found out the correct set of methodology for the diagnosing of the influenza viruses in pigs, human variant diagnosis still does not show accurate results.

In most cases, of G4 virus shows mild or no symptoms, which can cure on its own within a few days but in case it does not show any improvement within 24 hrs treatment is recommended

It is advised to start the influenza treatment at the initial stage to have a better recovery rate.

There are four different antiviral drugs that can be used for the treatment of influenza and they are:

• Peramivir
• Zanamivir
• Baloxavir
• Oseltamivir

After the diagnosis, Your doctor may also combine the common antivirals with H3N2v.

Other than the treatment, your doctor will advise you to maintain social distance. Don’t forget to wear a mask, if you need to visit your doctor or if going outside your secluded premises.

Antiviral drugs are a form of prescription medicine that are being used by medical professionals to cure flu viruses in the patient's body. These can be in the form of liquid, pills, inhaled powder, or intravenous solution. Due to the hazardous nature of the medication, the antiviral drug can only be available on the authentic prescription.

Another reason why antivirals are only available on prescription is their side effects. Since a virus can mutate and change its genetic imprint, the reaction caused by the antiviral on the infection can also vary from each medication. Some of the common side effects of antivirals are mentioned below.

• Oseltamivir commonly shows heavy to mild signs of nausea and vomiting.
• Zanamivir can cause bronchospasm.
• Peramivir can lead to diarrhea and stomach ache.

Other than the side effects mentioned above, a few cases have shown different and rare side effects too, it is recommended to consult your doctor in case you see any new outgrowing condition after the consumption of antiviral medications.

Even though most of the cases with viral infection does not need any medical care, It is advised to consult your medical expert as soon as you feel sick from the viral infection as antivirals show their best results when started soon after flu illness begins, especially the risk group or people who are more vulnerable to get infected like:

• If one is hospitalized due to flu infection or people with high fever and severe symptoms.
• Risk groups that are more prone to getting infected.
• People suffering from mild illness or any kind of non-serious medical condition before getting infected.

The treatment must start within 2-3 days of getting infected. Early treatment not only cuts down the recovery time but also reduces the risk of complications such as ear infections and respiratory complications in children and adults.

Apart from the side effects, the medications are safe for children, infants, and pregnant women who are infected from any viral infection. Some of the medications that are approved are:

For children:

• Peramivir
• Baloxavir
• Oseltamivir
• Zanamivir

For pregnant women:

• Oral oseltamivir
• Baloxavir

It is recommended that people with a high risk of getting infected with the disease should avoid places and food items that include pigs. Most of these people are:

• Children below the age of 5.
• Above or equal to the age of 65.
• Pregnant.
• Going through some chronic or serious medical illness like heart disease, respiratory conditions, weak immunity, diabetes, neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions).

Other than risk groups, here are some preventive measures that everyone should follow in order to avoid getting infected by the G4 virus:

• Do not consume any edible or put anything in your mouth into pig areas.
• Do not take infant's accessories like toys, pacifiers, baby bottles, cups, strollers, or relatable items into the pig area.
• Avoid any close contact with pigs that look or reflect any signs of any kind of illness.
• Use Personal protective gear like protective clothing, mask, gloves, and eye goggles to minimize direct contact with the pigs if you are working with pigs.
• Wash or sanitize your hands before and after being in contact with pigs.
• If you are working or petting pigs, look for their health status. Keep an eye on them for any signs and symptoms, call a veterinarian if you suspect anything.
• If the pig is found sick, avoid direct contact for at least a week with humans and other pigs.
• If you are sick or have symptoms identical to the G4 virus, take first aid medications to lower down the viral fever and isolate yourself from pigs or humans for at least 7 days.

Summary: G4 Swine Flu is a respiratory disease. It is caused by type influenza. It is majorly found in infected pig species. It can be identified by severe muscle pain or body ache, bluish face and lips, seizures, and worsening fever ( common in both pigs and humans).