Today we are taking a break from our regular back pain articles, in order to talk about this disease.
So what is Swine Flu?
Swine Flu or H1N1 is a contagious disease that is caused by Influenza A virus. As the name suggests, Swine Flu is a virus that normally causes flu in swine, such as pigs, boars, etc. Since a few years, the virus has started spreading in humans too. The disease can multiply by coming in direct contact with an infected person.
Prevention
So far, the disease has not spread from infected animals to humans. Once you come in contact with an infected person, the virus can enter your body through mouth or nose. So, it is important to keep yourself clean.
- The most vital practice to prevent Swine Flu is to wash your hands properly after getting back home or touching an object.
- Always cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing.
- If you have cold, then make use of tissues and dispose them off carefully.
- Avoid getting contacted with infected persons.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth often.
- Avoid going to public places that are unhygienic.
Moreover, if you are infected with Swine Flu then ensure that you stay at home until you are fully cured. This will avoid spreading of the virus further. If your area is swine-flu endemic then always wear a mask to cover your nose and mouth, especially in public places. These are surgical masks that are commonly available in pharmacies as they are worn by doctors and nurses.
Symptoms
The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu as they include fever, runny nose, cough, sneezing, body ache, head ache, fatigue, weakness, chills, tiredness, etc. Some people have even reported symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhoea. As there aren’t any unique symptoms of Swine Flu, it is advisable to seek emergency medical care if your body is showing an indication.
How does it spread?
The disease can spread from person-to-person. You can get infectedif you inhale the droplets spread by an infected person during sneezing or coughing. The droplets can contaminate the entire room of the infected person. So, even if you touch anything in the room and then touch your mouth or nose, you can get infected with the disease.
Will I get Swine Flu by eating pork?
No! Swine Flu cannot spread through food. However, ensure that you clean and cook the pork properly. This will reduce the risk of food-borne illness.
Can I travel if I have Swine Flu?
If you have symptoms of Swine Flu then you should avoid traveling. In fact, you should not even come out of your home as you will end up spreading the disease. It is important that you take good care of your health and hygiene by wearing a mask and cleaning your hands at short intervals.
Treatment
There are certain antiviral drugs that are effective in treating patients with Swine Flu. As soon as you notice flu symptoms, you should visit the doctor immediately. The practitioner will prescribe the medicines that will treat Swine Flu. In severe cases, the patient will have to be hospitalized and kept in an isolated room.
