Everything You Should Know About Swine Flu

On August 23, 2016, Indian athlete Sudha Singh, who participated in the 3,000 metre steeplechase event at the Rio Olympics, tested positive for Swine Flu (spread by the H1N1 virus). This has once again sparked concern among the people of India, and rightly so.

Having killed 981 people in 2009 and 1763 people in 2010, the virus was brought under control before another outbreak occurred post 2014, when 218 people lost their lives. Things got even worse in 2015 and cities like Pune alone saw 153 deaths out of the 1,126 cases registered in the city.

In the 2016 season, more than hundred people have already been tested positive in Punjab and between August 1 to August 10, 2016, four positive samples were found in Hyderabad.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The symptoms of swine flu are like any regular fever and include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Sore Throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue

Many people with swine flu also have diarrhea and vomiting. However, you can have some of these symptoms even if you don't have swine flu, so it is better to consult a doctor before jumping to any conclusions. Also, just like any other flu or fever, they can lead to several other problems, including pneumonia, lung infection and breathing problems. If you already have asthma or diabetes, it can become worse.

Treatment

Antiviral drugs like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab) and zanamivir (Relenza), which are used for seasonal flu, also work against H1N1 virus.

The consumption of these drugs is advised within 48 hours of identifying the symptoms but only after a consultation with a doctor.

Antibiotics don't work against this ailment, since the fever is caused by a virus and not bacteria. In case you are caring for someone diagnosed with the Swine Flu or know someone who has been diagnosed, the best way to prevent contracting the illness is by ensuring personal hygiene. Usage of products like Dettol Liquid Handwash and Dettol Air Protect Masks offer protection against germs and are advisable at such times.  

Myths About Swine Flu

• Many people believe that eating pork makes them more vulnerable to Swine Flu, which isn't true. You should be more cautious about shaking hands with someone or using a public telephone than eating pork.
• People believe that a person is contagious only after he starts showing the symptoms of Swine Flu, which also isn't true. You can be contagious even before any symptoms become visible.
• It is assumed that getting a vaccine in summer makes you immune for the entire year. It is advisable to get vaccinated every winter to prevent infection from mutations of the virus.