The resurgence of Swine Flu, which is also known as H1N1 infections, is seen multiplying across the countries and states. This outbreak has created concerns in the healthcare sector since 2009, when it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. It is a type of virus that originated from pigs but since then has evolved to infect humans. Although the initial outbreak raised concerns, the H1N1 virus remains a seasonal flu strain today, as it continues to infect people.
Swine Flu was first detected in humans in the United States. The virus originated in Mexico, and it was a combination of multiple strains. It was first isolated in late April 2009 by American and Canadian laboratories from samples taken from people with Flu in a few countries, which are Southern California, Texas, and Mexico.
What is H1N1?
H1N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus and this is responsible for causing respiratory infections in humans. Influenza viruses are characterised by the proteins present on their surface, and they namely known as hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). The H2N1 virus contains one hemagglutinin (H1) and one neuraminidase (N1) protein, hence its name. This Flu is known as Swine Flu because it infected pigs and then crossed over to humans. At present times, it is established as a human virus and transmission occurs from person to person, not pigs to humans.
Back then, and resurgence of Swine Flu
The first symptoms of Swine flu were identified in 2009 when the infection rates were between 43 million to 89 million. Although, in august 2010, the WHO clearly declared that the pandemic was officially over. In 2015, nearly 31,156 positive test cases and 1,841 deaths were reported. Another case was reported in July 2024 in a child in Colorado (who got affected after attending an agricultural event) and an adult in Michigan, highlighting its growth again.
How is H1N1 spread?
H1N1 spread in the same way that other influenza viruses spread. This is primarily seen spreading through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes and talks. These droplets transfer in the mouths and noses of other people who are nearby or inhaled into the lungs. There are also possibilities that people get infected by touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them and then touching their faces. Transmission can be higher in crowded settings, including workplaces, gatherings, schools and public transportation, where close connections among people increase the chances of the spread of the Swine Virus.
The resurgence of Swine Flu in India
As of August 2024, India is experiencing rising Swine Flu after several years of low cases. The virus has shown an uptick in states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Telangana. People in these states have been affected, recording more than 8,000 cases of infection along with 72 deaths.
This resurgence is attributed to a cyclical pattern of swine Flu, which has seen a rise in cases during the monsoon and winter seasons. When the virus emerged became endemic and has since appeared in recurring outbreaks. As analysed before, the decline in cases over the years is thought to be connected to the effects of COVID-19, which have surpassed the circulation of other respiratory viruses like H1N1.
As the impact of the pandemic decreased, the Swine Flu is reemerging as a public health concern. The symptoms related to this virus are fever, cough, and body aches, along with respiratory distress. In severe cases, pneumonia is also a symptom of H1N1 influenza. Hence, as with other seasonal flu viruses, prevention initiatives are mandatory to minimise the spread of the virus.
What are the symptoms of H1N1 infection?
The symptoms of Swine Flu or H1N1 virus are similar to those of seasonal influenza, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the two without testing. However, there are major symptoms, and observing them can enable an understanding of whether a person is infected or not.
Fever: A sudden rise in body temperature above 100.4°F (30°C) is a hallmark symptom of H1N1 infection.
Cough: A persistent dry cough is one of the earliest symptoms, and it can last for a few weeks.
Sore throat: There is a likelihood that infected individuals can experience irritation and pain in the throat.
Runny or stuffy nose: Nasal congestion and discharge are typical symptoms of the swine Flu.
Body aches: Muscle pain and body aches could be regular. The infected person might experience this in body parts like the back, arms and legs.
Fatigue: Weakness and exhaustion are frequent during the course of illness.
Headache: A pounding and throbbing headache can accompany the other symptoms.
Chills: Feeling cold and shivering, despite having a fever is reported
Vomiting and diarrhoea: This is very common in children. Gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, nausea and diarrhoea, can occur in certain cases.
Severe symptoms
When an individual gets affected by Swine Flu, in some cases, it can lead to severe illness. This is particularly among young children, the elderly, pregnant women and also individuals who are vulnerable to chronic conditions. This means asthma, diabetes and heart disease. This can be interpreted by analysing the symptoms. If any of the below symptoms occur, they should take immediate medical attention –
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
- Chest pain/pressure
- Sudden dizziness and confusion
- Persistent vomiting
- Lips or face becoming bluish (can be an indication of the lack of oxygen)
What could the diagnosis of H1N1 be (Swine Flu)?
In order to confirm H1N1 infection, doctors are required to perform tests on a respiratory sample in body parts like nasal and throat swabs. Several types of tests are available and can be effective. In the first place, rapid influenza diagnosis tests (RIDTs) are one such test that can provide results in 10 to 15 minutes. However, these tests are not always accurate, as they can miss some cases of H1N1.
Tests that are more accurate are reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), having the ability to identify the specific strain of the influenza virus, even though it can take a longer time to provide results. In cases where the patient is ill and also part of a high-risk group, in such cases, doctors choose to treat the infection without waiting to get results after RT-PCR tests.
What preventive measures can be taken to stay safe from Swine Flu?
Since Swine Flu or H1N1 is now a regular strain, the protective measures for preventing, infection will be taken into account. These are similar to those used for preventing any type of influenza. Below are key preventive initiatives for staying safe –
Vaccination: Annual flu vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect against H1N1. The seasonal flu vaccine is updated each year in order to protect against the strains that are expected to circulate. This is related to protection against Swine Flu along with other common strains. When a person is going through doubts about suffering from H1N1, this would be an ideal step to opt for first.
Hygiene factors: Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways by which one can prevent the spread of the virus. Hand sanitisers containing at least 60 per cent alcohol are also effective. If the other option is not available, the infected individuals should take the preventing measure to avoid touching their face. The flu virus can enter the body through the body parts, especially through the face. Hygiene practices can also be maintained by surface cleaning. This means that, in households, regularly disinfect touched surfaces, like light switches, phones and doorknobs, which can reduce the presence of the virus on objects.
Social distancing: During flu season and outbreaks, one should avoid large gatherings, particularly in ventilated indoor spaces. This is due to crowds increasing the risk of spreading the virus. If anybody experiences Swine Flu symptoms, it is important to stay at home rather than visit schools, work or any other places to prevent spreading the virus to others. Additionally, infected people should be kept separate from the ones who are healthy from the family members.
Use of masks: Using masks is compulsory during flu season. This is specifically required in crowded and enclosed places, which can help prevent the spread of the virus. If anybody is sick with the Flu, wearing a mask can result in the reduction of spreading the virus to others when they cough/sneeze.
Boost immune system: Besides the other precautions, individuals should maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, along with whole grains. A balanced diet can support the immune system. When focusing on boosting immune health, moderate physical activity will be required to make a stronger immune system as well as improve overall health. Furthermore, drinking plenty of fluids can help the body to fight off the infections, by which a person can stay healthy if they suffer from Swine Flu.
Antiviral medications: in times when someone is diagnosed with H1N1, antiviral medications would be a necessity. These can be Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza) can be prescribed. The importance of these medications will help reduce the severity and also duration of symptoms when taken within the first 48 hours of illness onset.
