Swine Flu

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Introduction

Swine influenza has many names like swine flu, pig influenza, pig flu and hog flu.

Swine flu is an infection in pigs which is caused by any one of the swine influenza viruses.

This infection got the name Swine flu because the first outbreak was seen mainly in people associated with pigs.

Factors about Swine Flu Swine flu though tends to transmit among pigs but

sometimes it can cross the barrier of species and enter humans.

In pigs the infection gets transmitted mostly through direct contact between the infected pig and the uninfected one.

The direct contact occurs mainly during transportation of animals in vehicles.

In some cases people carry out intensive farming where too many pigs are raised up in a small place.

Dried mucus or touching of nose by pigs can be the common cause of transmission.

Wild boars can also spread the disease in farms.

Different Swine Flu strains

Swine influenza virus (SIV) infection is prevalent in pigs.

Its infection can also cause death in pigs. It lasts for

about 2 weeks in pigs that manage to survive.

The SIV strains are influenza C and subtypes of influenza A which include H1N1, H1N2, H2N1, H3N1, H3N2 and H2N3.

In humans the infection is caused by H1N1 type.

The latest swine flu virus causing swine flu is the influenza A subtype H3N2v which is also termed as H3N2v.

The outbreak of this infection was in 2011.

“v” denotes that the virus is a variant which can cause infection in pigs but now it is infecting humans also.

Transmission in humans

The transmission of swine flu virus from pigs to humans is not commonly seen and it will not always cause human flu.

It can lead to formation of antibodies in the blood. The transmission which does not cause human flu is

known as zoonotic swine flu. People who are in constant contact with pigs like

farmers, pork processors are at the greater risk of swine flu.

It is transmitted amongst humans by sneezing, coughing, inhalation as the droplets contain virus of infected people.

The disease does not spread by consuming cooked pork products.

Symptoms

Temperature (fever) Cough Runny or stuffy nose Body aches Headache Chills Fatigue (unusual tiredness) Sore throat Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting

Other causes for swine flu

Pneumonia which can leading to sepsis

High fever causing neurological issues

Dehydration due to excessive vomiting and diarrhoea

Kidney failure

Electrolyte imbalance

Tests for swine flu

The doctor or nurse takes a swab of the throat or nose of the infected person for taking the sample.

Further analysis of the swab is done in laboratory using several genetic and laboratory methods for identification of the specific virus.

These tests are done to check whether the patient is infected with influenza A or B virus.

The test result is either positive or negative. In case it is positive (type A or B) there are other

possibilities also. If the test done is positive for type B it cannot be said instantly that the infection is swine flu.

Preventive Measures against Swine flu

Farmers, pork dealers and veterinarians who are in contact with pigs have high risk of getting infected. They should wear masks on faces in farms especially while dealing with infected pigs.

Avoid smoking when in contact with infected pigs. It can easily transmit the virus.

Wear gloves while working in farms and use disposable gloves if possible.

Exercise regularly. Avoid stress in life.

It is good to wash your hands with soap regularly. Most of the infections are transmitted through our hands.

You can do some stress management programs if you are under constant work pressure.

Fluid intake should be adequate.

Drink plenty of water in a day.

precautions for preventing its spread amongst others

Take a break from office or school. Always cover your nose and mouth while coughing,

sneezing with a handkerchief or tissue. Ensure that used tissues are not kept anywhere. They

may spread infection. Put them in dustbins. Make it a point to wash your hands, legs and face

regularly. Stay away from children. They are more prone to

infection. Follow doctor’s instructions and take proper

medication.

Treatment for Swine Flu

If a person gets infected by swine flu virus, he or she can be treated by antiviral drugs. These drugs reduce the illness and helps in fast recovery of the patients.

The drugs can also help in preventing other complications due to flu.

Patients who are hospitalised can be treated with these medicines but under supervision.

Sometimes special care such as ventilation and supportive treatment for secondary infections like pneumonia is required in patients with severe infection.

Swine Flu Vaccines

Apart from shot, flu vaccine is also given in the form of spray-LAIV.

However, it can cause very mild to moderate respiratory side effects such as headache, cough, runny nose and sore throat.

In case of adverse effects, you need to consult your health-care professional who can help you with proper treatment.

Swine Flu Risks for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are at higher risk of getting swine flu.

According to health experts, as the baby begins to develop and grow inside the womb of a mother, it puts pressure on the lung function and breathing of the mother thereby increasing her chances of acquiring secondary infections like pneumonia.

In the past few years there have been many cases of maternal deaths due to swine flu, especially during the third trimester.

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