I got a call from a friend who lives in Himachal Pradesh, and he suggested me to use a mask while going outdoors. Later I got to realize that my city has been hit severely by H1N1 virus or Swine Fly. Another statement from the friend came as “It is incurable.” That’s not the case. H1N1 is curable, using a Vaccine. When Swine Flu first hit India in 2009, there was a lot of chaos. Problem was the Vaccine which became available at a later stage in full supply. In this post, we will share H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms and precautions.
H1N1 (Swine) Flu: Symptoms, Precautions and helpful links
1) What is Influenza A (H1N1) or Swine Flu?
Influenza is an acute viral infection that affects mainly the nose, throat, bronchi, and occasionally lungs. There are three types and further subtypes of influenza – one such subtype is Influenza A (H1N1). Influenza caused by A (H1N1) is commonly referred to as “Swine Flu.”
2) What are the symptoms of H1N1 or Swine flu?
The symptoms of H1N1 Flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and coughing. Some people with H1N1 flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Also, read on How to track Swine Flu Globally
Symptoms of Swine Flu in Children:
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
- Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Not waking up or not interacting
- Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
- Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
- Fever with a rash
Symptoms of Swine Flu in Adults –
- Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Severe or persistent vomiting
3) Recommended care (Dos and Don’ts) for H1N1/Swine Flu
- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water
- Drink plenty of water
- Take enough sleep
- Keep a distance of at least three feet from an infected person
- Observe a healthy diet
- Visit crowded places
- Spit in public places
- Taking medicines without doctor’s advice
Here is a list of Government Authorized Hospitals with address and phone numbers for the treatment Of H1N1. The list is from 2009, so you may have to check if the number hasn’t changed. However, it is still worth a shot to get to the right place.
Other useful links and webpage –
I hope you find the information useful and please do share what you are doing to stay away from Swine Flu.