Swine flu or even known as H1N1 Influenza has created much panic all around the globe, with many people succumbing to the illness and many contracting it. But there is no need to worry at all. It's all about being careful and aware of the disease.
What exactly is an H1N1 Influenza Virus and why is it called swine flu?
The H1N1 Influenza Virus is also called swine flu because the virus is very similar to influenza viruses that causes the same illness in pigs. In the year 2009, this virus was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) because of its complete massive spread across the world.
How does it spread?
The Swine flu is contagious!! Yes, this is a statement which entails the reason behind its pandemic nature. Influenza viruses are designed to infect the cells lining of your nose, throat and lungs. It spreads in the similar manner as the seasonal flu. The virus has indeed spread when you touch an infected surface or even breathe cough and sneeze droplets in the air.
It is important to note that people who have swine flu can be contagious from a day before they have any symptoms, and can remain the same as many as 7 days after they get sick. This duration is longer for children and they can remain contagious for as long as 10 days.
How Do I recognize Symptoms of Swine Flu?
Here are some common signs and symptoms that indeed start to develop after you are infected with the virus. They are the following:
Fever – As in the case of a normal flu, H1N1 influenza virus as well causes an increase in the body temperature. Recognized as the first-line of attack by the immune system, the body is supposed to produce immune cells to kill the foreign bodies. This in turn is something that causes the release of cytokines and histamines, which increase the body temperature.
Headache – The second and another common symptom after the fever is a headache. At this juncture, you may get confused with the common cold and flu. However, it is very important to always check other common signs to rule out the seasonal flu.
Chills – One most common symptom that most people experience is severe chills accompanied by high fever. Although all these chills along with fever presents a typical case of common cold and flu, it might at times even signify infection with H1N1 influenza virus.
Diarrhea – You may at times experience diarrhea and severe loose motions, which is quite common once all the disease progresses. Also, it is quite a lot common in children as well as adults. Children have usually vomit.
Sore throat – Some people who are infected with the virus might indeed develop a sore throat. It however takes some time after getting infected with the virus to grow a sore throat. This usually initiates with a scratchy, dry or itching in the throat.
Cough – A common symptom the most people experience owing to changes in the temperature or even a drop in the temperature, is coughing. Swine flu always leads to coughing. It can be caused due to progression of a tremendous sore throat.
Sneezing – As the infection progresses, you may as well suffer from sneezing. This is the time when the chance of spreading this infection is more and the virus becomes active. Hence, you should always cover your mouth with a handkerchief while sneezing in order to prevent the spread of the infection.
However, if any of these Symptoms of Swine Flu do not subside within a period of three days or you have a high fever or at times sudden breathlessness, always consult your doctor immediately.
Source : articlesbase.com
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