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 doctors 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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