What is Influenza A (H1N1)?

Influenza is an acute viral infection that affects mainly the nose,throat, Bronchi and,occasionally lungs. There are three types of influenza viruses: Type A, B and C. Type A viruses are further classified into sub types based on different kinds and combinations of virus surface proteins. On such sub type of influenza-A virus is Influenza A (H1N1), commonly referred to as Swine Flu. How does novel H1N1 virus spread? Spread of novel H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something – such as a surface or object – with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. The symptoms of H1N1 are usually like those of regular seasonal flu and include:

• ·       Headache
• ·       Chills
• ·       Cough
• ·       Fever
• ·       Loss of appetite
• ·       Aches
• ·       Fatigue
• ·       Runny nose
• ·       Sneezing
• ·       Watery eyes
• ·       Throat irritation
• ·       Nausea and vomiting
• ·       Diarrhea
• ·       In people with chronic conditions, pneumonia may develop.

Severe symptoms

Certain symptoms may require emergency medical attention. In children, signs of respiratory distress, for instance, those might include blue lips and skin, dehydration, rapid breathing, excessive sleeping, seizures and significant irritability that includes a lack of desire to be held. In adults, shortness of breath, pain in chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness or confusion may indicate the need for emergency care. In both children and adults, persistent vomiting or the return of flu-like symptoms that include a fever and cough may require medical attention. The virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

Wash your hands frequently - Use the antibacterial soaps to cleanse your hands. Wash them often, at least 15 seconds and rinse with running water.

Get enough sleep - Try to get 8 hours of good sleep every night to keep your immune system in top flu-fighting shape.

Drink sufficient water - Drink 8 to10 glasses of water each day to flush toxins from your system and maintain good moisture and mucous production in your sinuses.

Boost your immune system - Keeping your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection is important in flu prevention. So stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables, and vitamin-rich fruits.

Keep informed - The government is taking necessary steps to prevent the pandemic and periodically release guidelines to keep the pandemic away. Please make sure to keep up to date on the information and act in a calm manner.

Avoid alcohol - Apart from being a mood depressant, alcohol is an immune suppressant that can actually decrease your resistance to viral infections like swine flu. So stay away from alcoholic drinks so that your immune system may be strong.

Be physically active - Moderate exercise can support the immune system by increasing circulation and oxygenating the body. For example brisk walking for 30-40 minutes 3-4 times a week will significantly perk up your immunity.

Keep away from sick people - Flu virus spreads when particles dispersed into the air through a cough or sneeze reach someone else nose. So if you have to be around someone who is sick, try to stay a few feet away from them and especially, avoid physical contact. Consult your doctor if you have a cough and fever and follow their instructions, including taking medicine as prescribed. Stay home from work and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Avoid crowded areas - Try to avoid unnecessary trips outside. Before you travel, find out what vaccines you will need and where to get them. Visit your doctor or a travel health clinic before your departure date. If you get sick when you are travelling, seek medical assistance.If you are sick when you return to India, or have been near someone who is, you must tell a customs or quarantine office, who will decide if you need further medical assessment. If you get sick after you return to India, see a health care provider. Be sure to tell him/her the countries you visited, if you were sick while away and any medical care or treatment you have received.