What is Swine Flu – Its Symptoms, Causes, Risks and Preventive Methods

Swine flu, or otherwise known as H1N1 or Pig Influenza, is a viral disease that showcases the symptoms of a regular flu, but at its later stage, it turns fatal and even life threatening in nature. It’s a contagious that has, over the past decade, affected millions of lives worldwide and continues to do so today as well. Here below, we detail upon the symptoms, causes, risks, and preventive measures for swine flu.

But before that, let’s understand, what is swine flu virus? It’s an influenza virus that affects the respiratory system of the body and results in severe coughing, decreased appetite, restlessness, and nasal secretion. The virus is communicable in nature and hence, its earliest treatment is imperative.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

Many people often confuse the signs of swine flu with those of common flu. So, what is swine flu symptoms? These are as follows:-

• Coughing
• Chills
• Fever
• Body Ache
• Sore Throat
• Diarrhea
• Running nose
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

Causes of Swine Flu

Swine flu is typically caused by an influenza virus that affects only the pigs. Unlike other known diseases, swine flu transmission doesn’t happen from animal to human, useless eaten half cooked. Once a person acquires the disease, he/she can spread the influenza to people around him/her through sneezing, coughing, and touching a surface that’s germ-covered and further touching one’s eyes or nose.

Risk Factors of Swine Flu

A person is suspected to be at a higher risk of acquiring the swine flu virus if he/she spends time in areas with a large number of people infected with the virus. At the same time, some people are known to be at a higher risk of getting the infection and becoming severely ill. Such people include:-

• Individuals above the age of 65 years.
• Children falling under the age of 5 years
• Individuals under the age of 19 years who are undergoing a long-term aspirin therapy
• Those with a weak immune system.
• Pregnant women
• Those suffering from a chronic disease like as asthma, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, or neuromuscular disease

Preventive Methods

The best way to prevent oneself from this fatal disease is by adhering to its preventive methods, known what is swine flu vaccine and seek a doctor’s assistance. Easy ways to steer away from swine flu include:-

• Wash your hands frequently with a hand sanitizer or a soap.
• Do not touch your nose, eyes, or mouth if you’ve been in an area with infected people around.
• Stay back home if you are ill. Avoid going to work or school.
• Avoid large gatherings during the swine flu season.