This is a virus known as H1N1 flu (sometimes called swine flu), which is a type of influenza A virus. The new virus H1N1 started to cause health problems in humans in the 2009-19 flu season. It is sometimes called swine flu because it is a new combination of influenza viruses that negatively affect birds, pigs, and humans.
In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared this flu to be a pandemic which was over in August 2010. However, the strain of the H1N1 flu has become a strain that causes seasonal flu nowadays. In addition, this health condition caused 284,400 deaths around the world.
While most people recover from H1N1 flu on their own (without treatment), the complications caused by this infection can be life-threatening. Fortunately, the seasonal flu vaccine is available that helps to protect you against potential complications of the H1N1 flu and other seasonal flu viruses.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the H1N1 flu are similar to other flu viruses. Moreover, these symptoms usually begin quickly. For example:
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Chills
- Sweats
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Eye pain
- Body aches
- Tiredness and weakness
- Headaches
- Watery and red eyes
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting (which occurs mostly in children)
In most cases, the symptoms appear within 4 days after exposure to the virus.
It is advised to seek emergency care right away if the following symptoms occur. Examples include:
- Chest pain
- Breathing problems
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Worsening of other existing health problems
- Severe weakness
- Muscle pain
- Dehydration
- Skin color changes
Causes
This condition occurs when influenza viruses (such as H1N1) infect the cells located in the lining of the nose, lungs, and throat. It spreads from one person to another through air and it is released when an infected person coughs, sneezes talks, or breathes. Sometimes, people get infected with this virus when touching contaminated surfaces and then tour nose, mouth, or eyes. Moreover, it is not possible to get swine flu from pork meat.
A person is considered contagious one day before the symptoms occur and within 4 days after they happen. Additionally, children and people with a weakened immune system are contagious little more time.
Risk Factors
Anyone can get infected with this virus and the following factors could elevate your risk. Examples include:
- Age – This health condition may have worse outcomes in children under 2 years old and people over 65 years old.
- Living or working place – Those who work in facilities with many residents are more prone to get this virus. For instance, nursing homes, military barracks, hospitals, and others.
- Weakened immune system – Some treatment options can weaken your immune system which increases the risk of getting this virus. These include long-term steroid use, organ transplant, blood cancer, HIV/AIDS, anti-rejection medicines, cancer treatments, and others.
- Chronic health conditions – There are some chronic diseases that could elevate your risk of getting influenza complications. These include lung diseases (such as asthma), diabetes, heart disease, nervous system conditions, metabolic disorders, blood or liver disease, and others.
- Race – Alaska Native people or American Indians are more prone to develop influenza complications.
- Long-term Aspirin Use – People under 18 years old who use Aspirin for long periods are at increased risk of Reye syndrome, especially if are infected with influenza.
- Pregnancy – There is an increased risk of influenza complications during pregnancy, especially during the second and third trimesters.
- Obesity – People with an increased body mass index (BMI) also have an increased risk of flu complications.
What Are The Possible Complications of H1N1 Flu?
These include:
- Respiratory failure
- Bronchitis
- Muscle tenderness
- Bacterial infections
- Neurological symptoms (including confusion, seizures, and others)
- Pneumonia
- Worsening of existing chronic health problems (such as asthma, heart disease, and others)
If you experience any of the previous complications, do not hesitate to visit a doctor.
Prevention
One way to prevent flu is to get flu vaccination every year and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for everyone who is older than 6 months of age.
The H1N1 virus was included in the seasonal flu vaccine and it helps to reduce the risk of getting infected as well as develop serious health conditions due to the flu. This vaccine also helps to prevent you from staying in the hospital.
Furthermore, flu vaccination prevents you from getting 3-4 influenza viruses which are expected to occur more frequently during flu season. It is very important to get vaccinated because flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) can cause similar symptoms and both infections can spread at the same time. Vaccines also can reduce the severity of infections, which helps to lower the amount of people needing to get treatment in hospitals.
The flu vaccine is available in 2 forms (injection and nasal spray). Although nasal spray can be used in people between 2 and 49 years old, some groups of people cannot use this vaccine. These include:
- Pregnant women
- Children between 2 and 17 years old who administer Aspirin or a salicylate-containing drug
- Those who have a weakened immune system
- Adults over 50 years old
- This nasal spray also should not be used in children between 2-4 years old who have had wheezing or asthma
Check below some measures that will help to prevent the spreading of the virus:
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water
- Sneeze or cough in your elbow or into a tissue
- Do not touch your nose, mouth, or eyes
- Disinfect using an alcohol sanitizer the surfaces
- Try to avoid exposure to the virus (these include infected people)
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers usually diagnose this condition by performing a physical examination and some questions about symptoms and medical history. However, different tests to diagnose influenza are available but not everyone needs to do these tests. Doctors usually perform tests for influenza if the patient is in the hospital, has an increased risk of flu complications, or lives with someone with a high risk of complications of the flu.
Sometimes, influenza tests are done to rule out other health problems that cause similar symptoms. Examples include:
- Lung and breathing problems (including pneumonia, asthma, and others)
- Heart conditions (including heart muscle infection, heart failure, and others)
- Brain and nervous system disorders (such as encephalopathy, encephalitis, and others)
- Septic shock
- Organ failure
In addition, there is a more sensitive test that helps to determine which strain of the flu you have. This test is called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, some people may experience the flu and other viruses (including COVID-19) at the same time.
Treatment
Usually, people with flu (including H1N1 flu) require only symptom relief. These include painkillers, drinking liquids, and relievers for fever and headaches. However, for people with chronic respiratory diseases symptom relievers may be not enough and doctors can recommend some prescription medicines to lessen the symptoms.
Commonly, healthcare professionals prescribe antiviral medications for patients with this health problem. Check below some medicines approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat flu:
- Oseltamivir
- Zanamivir
- Peramivir
- Baloxavir
Additionally, some flu viruses can develop resistance to the antiviral medicines. That’s why doctors do not prescribe them for everyone who experiences flu. They are usually recommended for people with a high risk of complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can H1N1 flu be cured?
Commonly, most people with flu (including H1N1 flu) do not require treatment and need symptom relief only. Physicians usually prescribe medications for people who are in close contact with someone with an increased risk of flu complications. For more details, discuss it with your doctor.
Does H1N1 cause long-term lung damage?
Sometimes, people with H1N1 flu pneumonia can experience serious long-term complications (such as pulmonary fibrosis). In such cases, doctors usually prescribe antiviral drugs that help to prevent flu complications and reduce the symptoms.
What is the best medicine for H1N1 flu?
Healthcare professionals usually prescribe Oseltamivir or Zanamivir to destroy the virus. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
