Swine Flu

Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs.

It ia also known as H1N1 Virus , It  is a flu virus.

When it was first detected in 2009, it was called “swine flu” because the virus was similar to those found in pigs.

Transmission from Pigs to Humans: 

The H1N1 virus is currently a seasonal flu virus found in humans.

Although it also circulates in pigs, one cannot get it by eating properly handled and cooked pork or pork products.

In 2009, H1N1 was spreading fast around the world, so the World Health Organization called it a pandemic.

Spread: 

Swine flu is contagious, and it spreads in the same way as the seasonal flu.

When people who have it cough or sneeze, they spray tiny drops of the virus into the air. If a person comes in contact with these drops or touch a surface that an infected person has recently touched, the person can catch H1N1 swine flu.

Pregnant women who contract the H1N1 infection are at a greater risk of developing complications because of hormonal changes, physical changes and changes to their immune system to accommodate the growing foetus.

Symptoms:

Most symptoms are the same as seasonal flu. 

They can include: cough fever ,sore throat ,stuffy or runny nose, body aches, headache, chills ,fatigue, diarrhea ,dyspnea ,

Prevention:

If, not controlled it can lead to more serious complications like pneumonia and respiratory failure. Influenza vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect people from contracting illness during influenza epidemics and pandemics. 

The antiviral drugs are sometimes prescribed to reduce the severity of symptoms.