Swine flu (swine influenza) is a respiratory disease caused by viruses (influenza viruses) that infect the respiratory tract of human beings. It is an infection caused by any one of several types of swine influenza viruses. Swine influenza virus is any strain of the influenza family of viruses that is endemic in pigs. The known strains include influenza C and the subtypes of influenza A known as H1N1, H1N2, H2N1, H3N2 and H2N3.

Causes Top

The cause of swine flu is an influenza A virus type designated as H1N1. It has this designation or name because of the two major antigens (H and N) detectable on its surface by immunological techniques (H or hemagglutinin and N or neuraminidase).

Those at higher risk of catching it in general include those with the following:

Age of 65 years or older
Chronic health problems (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease)
Pregnant women
Young children

Symptoms Top

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to most influenza infections or are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing.

Some people have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms may include all or some of the following : Fever (100 F or greater), cough, nasal secretions, fatigue, headache, sore throat muscle pains, lethargy, runny nose and weakness. Some patients also get nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite and diarrhea.

Some patients develop severe respiratory symptoms and need respiratory support (such as a ventilator to breathe for the patient). Patients can get pneumonia (bacterial secondary infection) if the viral infection persists, and some can develop seizures. Death often occurs from secondary bacterial infection of the lungs.

Environmental Factors Responsible Top

Season – Seasonal incidence is striking, epidemics of swine flu usually occurring in winter months in the northern hemisphere and in the winter or rainy season in the southern hemisphere.

Overcrowding – It enhances transmission. The attack rates are high in close population groups such as schools, institutions, metro stations, hospitals.

Mode of Transmission Top

Swine flu spreads mainly from person to person by droplet infection or droplet nuclei created by sneezing, coughing , talking , touching infected objects, touching nose, mouth and / or eyes with infected hands. The portal of entry of the swine flu virus is the respiratory tract.

Complications Top

Pneumonia
Bronchitis
Sinus infections
Ear infections
Death

Prevention Top

Good ventilation of public buildings.
The avoidance of crowded places during epidemics.
Encouraging sufferers to cover their faces with a handkerchief or mask when coughing and sneezing.
And to stay home at the first sign of Influenza (Cough, cold, sneezing, weakness and so on).
Wash hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.