H1N1 Swine Flu: Your complete guide to Unlock Everything You Really Need To Know!

Table of contents

• History of H1N1 Swine flu

• Understanding the Pathology of H1N1 Swine flu

• Understanding H1N1 Virus Symptoms

• Learn why healthy and precautionary habits are important in H1N1 swine flu

• What is H1N1 treatment?

• Did you ever hear of flu shots?

• Different types of flu vaccines for 2022-2023

• Know why our elderly are an important consideration in H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination

• Know when to consult your doctor before and after H1N1 Flu vaccination

• H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine in pregnancy

• The reason why individuals with egg allergy are cautious about H1N1 Flu vaccination

• Natural ways to improve immunity in H1N1 Swine Flu

• Natural vitamins to enhance immunity in viral infections

• Knowing Similarities And Differences between H1N1 swine flu and COVID-19

• H1N1 Expansion and the most expected outcome

• H1N1 Flu vaccination and future hope

• Take-away points

• FAQ on H1N1 swine flu

Introduction

• H1N1 Swine flu is caused by a mutated strain of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) virus endemic in swine or pigs. 

• H1N1 Swine Flu is a respiratory infection that spreads through coughing and sneezing. H1N1 flu was once a pandemic but today it is a type of seasonal flu for which annual flu vaccination is available. Another Influenza outbreak was in 1918 known as the Spanish Flu. 

History of H1N1 Swine flu

• It is said that an Influenza outbreak occurs every 10-50 years with the introduction of new influenza A virus strain that is different from the previous circulating virus. 

• Such viral strains are zoonotic in origin. This is how we encountered Influenza H1N1 Swine Flu in 2009. This strain is found in pigs and was never seen in humans until the 2009 pandemic. This is why it is named swine flu or H1N1 flu.

The first case of Swine flu

 H1N1 Swine flu outbreak was first seen in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. This case was a 5-year-old boy.        

Understanding the Pathology of H1N1 Swine flu

• H1N1 Swine flu is also known as H1N1 Flu; H1N1 Influenza; H1N1 Virus Infection; Influenza A (H1N1); Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection; Influenza caused by Influenza A virus subtype H1N1; Swine Flu; Swine Influenza.

• Influenza is an infectious respiratory disease. The H1N1 virus attacks epithelial cells of the respiratory tract and infects the upper respiratory tract and trachea. The contagious period lasts for 5 to 7 days after the person develops H1N1 Virus symptoms. This period is long in individuals with weak immune systems for 10-14 days. The isolation period is 5 days.

Understanding H1N1 Virus Symptoms

It is very important to know the symptoms of H1N1 Swine flu. When you know, you are aware and consult your doctor early. This way you save yourself from complications of H1N1 swine flu.

The H1N1 virus symptoms are experienced from 1 to 4 days after infection. 

The H1N1 virus symptoms are:

• Fever. H1N1 virus symptoms do not always include chills with fever.

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Tiredness

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Muscle pain or body pain

• Headache

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea is more common in young children.

Vomiting and diarrhea are important H1N1 symptoms as they may decrease your blood pressure due to the loss of fluid from the body.

Other H1N1 symptoms include:

• Congested eyes. Your eyes look red.

• Weight loss

•  Stomach pain.

• Decreased appetite. You may lose your desire to eat.

H1N1 virus symptoms may get complicated. Complicated H1N1 virus symptoms include:

• Pneumonia

• Bronchitis

•  Respiratory Failure

• Worsening of Diabetes

•  Chances of secondary bacterial and fungal infections may occur. 

These complicated H1N1 symptoms develop 48 hours after you experience H1N1 virus symptoms. It is not necessary that you experience all these H1N1 symptoms. Some of these H1N1 symptoms are commonly encountered.

Learn why healthy and precautionary habits are important in H1N1 swine flu

Healthy habits are those which you should practice routinely. These habits save you and others from viral infections. H1N1 Flu virus is spread by droplets when someone coughs, sneeze or talk.

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• Social distancing is important whether you are healthy or sick. If you do so, you will not catch or spread H1N1 flu.

• Stay home when you are sick

• Cover your nose and mouth with disposable tissue while coughing and sneezing. 

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth for no reason. It easily spread germs.

• When somebody is ill at home, clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.

• Get plenty of goodnight's sleep.

• Be physically active and fit. Do walk, run whatever makes you happy and healthy.

• Leave stress. Practice meditation Because it helps you to become stress-free focused, and oriented.

• It is very important for us to drink plenty of water daily. Dehydration may be one of those H1N1 symptoms.

• Eat food loaded with nutrition. There is no point in eating stuff that is tasty but not healthy. Make it a habit to read labels before you buy food. It may help to choose the right one.

• Teach your children these healthy habits so that they follow them in school. 

• Parents should be punctual in getting their children vaccinated.

• The school nurse should demand school closure even if 1 case of H1N1 flu is identified. This is an important responsibility because it will protect many children and their family members from getting H1N1 Swine flu.

• Limited doctors and nurses should come in contact with the infected person. 

• Vaccination of pregnant women is very important. Consult your doctor and get vaccinated on time.

What is H1N1 treatment?

H1N1 treatment focus on  Prevention first. Various approaches to H1N1 treatment include:

Swine-based approach for H1N1 treatment

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• Preventing swine flu in swine is the main aim of H1N1 treatment.

• Prevention of swine to human viral is an important aspect of H1N1 treatment.

The main points of this H1N1 treatment include: 

• wearing masks

• swine vaccination

•  wearing hand gloves while dealing with infected animals.

Human-based approach to H1N1 treatment

• Regular hand washing with soap and water is very important.

• Use of alcohol-based sanitizers. Carry sanitizers wherever you go. You can need it anytime and every time.

• Disinfection of household, hospital and public settings also controls the H1N1 virus to a large extent.

Medications in H1N1 treatment include:

• Antivirals

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

• antihistaminic for nasal congestion and rhinitis

• H1N1 treatment for patients with moderate to severe H1N1 symptoms includes: Intravenous (IV) Hydration

•  electrolyte imbalance 

•  antibiotics for concomitant bacterial infections

•  ICU

• Mechanical ventilation

The most important part of H1N1 treatment is vaccination.

Did you ever hear of flu shots?

• Flu shots are Seasonal Flu Vaccines given every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Everyone 6 months of age and older should consult their health care provider to get the right flu vaccine. 

• The quadrivalent flu vaccine protects against influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A(H3N2), and Influenza B virus

All of us should know the Importance of H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination in the COVID-19 Era

• Vaccination is important because it prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor visits every year. When we save ourselves from flu, we also save our elderly, children, friends, and co-workers so that they don’t get infections from us. 

• We are living in COVID-19 era. It is possible to catch H1N1 swine flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Both these conditions have many similarities so it is important to get vaccinated.

Different types of flu vaccines for 2022-2023

• The vaccine is updated every year for the upcoming flu season. Children 6 months through 8 years of age need 2 doses and others need 1 dose each flu season.

•  0.5 ml of vaccine is injected into the deltoid muscle.

CDC recommends the use of licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccines during the 2022-2023 flu season. These  are:

1. Quadrivalent Influenza Shots

Afluria, Fluarix, FluLaval, and Fluzone Quadrivalent H1N1 Flu vaccines provide protection against four different flu viruses.

2. Quadrivalent Cell-Based Influenza Shot

This includes Flucelvax Quadrivalent licensed for people 6 months and older.

3. Recombinant Quadrivalent Influenza Shot

Flublok Quadrivalent is approved for the adult age group of 18 years and older.

4. Quadrivalent Flu Shot Using an Adjuvant

Fluad Quadrivalent is approved for people 65 years and older.

5. Quadrivalent High-Dose Influenza Vaccine

This includes Fluzone High-Dose containing a higher dose of antigen to create a stronger immune response in the 65 years and older age group.

6. Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine: 

FluMist Quadrivalent is given intranasally with a nasal spray. This is approved for the 2 to 49-year age group. This H1N1 Flu vaccine is not given during pregnancy and patients who have a weak immune system.

Know why our elderly are an important consideration in H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination

According to studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the Lancet Respiratory Medicine, and the Journal of Infectious Diseases, Fluzone High-Dose is 24% more effective in preventing flu and reducing hospitalization in 65 years and older. Side effects are either absent or minimum and are resolved within a few days

Know when to consult your doctor before and after H1N1 Flu vaccination

• Doctors are healers. Always discuss with your doctor if you have any questions. Every answer to your question brings you one step closer to healthy living.

• Always give your medical history for flu vaccination. Your doctor may postpone influenza vaccination or adjust the dose.

A few important points related to vaccination are:

• If you ever had any allergies then inform the doctor.

• Consideration of Guillain-Barre Syndrome in flu vaccination is always important. In this condition, the immune system attacks the nerves of our body. It gets triggered by a viral infection.

• If you have a minor illness like a cold you may be vaccinated.

• If you are moderate to severely ill then you have to wait till recovery before getting the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccination.

H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine in pregnancy

Influenza vaccine can be given anytime during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy during influenza season then inactivated influenza vaccine is given. It is safe and important.

Knowing risks involved in influenza vaccination

It is good to have knowledge of the side effects of vaccination. When you know this, it is good for you and others. You can at least guide someone to the hospital if you see these symptoms.

• Pain 

• Fever

• muscle pain

• headache

• tiredness 

Some warning signs which immediately require visiting the hospital are:

• face swelling

• difficult breathing

• weakness 

•  fast heartbeat

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program compensates people injured by vaccination.

The reason why individuals with egg allergy are cautious about H1N1 Flu vaccination

Most flu shots and the nasal spray flu vaccine are manufactured using egg-based technology. These contain a small number of egg proteins like ovalbumin. Those with egg allergy are given any licensed influenza vaccine, are vaccinated under medical supervision, and observed for a minimum of 30 minutes after receiving an H1N1 flu vaccine.

Natural ways to improve immunity in H1N1 Swine Flu

Nature has the answer to all our problems. Immunity is very important to fight against viral diseases like H1N1 Swine Flu. Here are traditional herbs which have anti-viral properties and may relieve H1N1 virus symptoms. They work in two ways. Either they inhibit viral replication or enhance immunity.

1. Such natural remedies include:

• Nigella sativa

• Garlic

• Cinnamon

• Licorice Root

• Black Pepper

• Moringa Oleifera

• Yogurt

• Honey

• Spirulina 

• Mushrooms.

Natural products obtained are helpful in fighting H1N1 symptoms. Natural products are good for children. They have numerous benefits like they are safe, easily available, and less costly. 

Berries contain anthocyanin which provides us with immunity and protection from the virus. They also provide relief from H1N1virus symptoms.

• Elderberry

• Goji Berry

• Cranberry

• Black currant 

• Black chokeberry.

Natural vitamins to enhance immunity in viral infections

We don’t have to suffer H1N1 virus symptoms to learn immunity. Eating an immune-modulating diet and staying healthy is the key. Make it a habit to add vitamins naturally to the diet. 

• Carrots

•  Papaya

• Cheese

• Egg Yolk

• Cereals

• Chicken

•  Banana

• Avocadoes

• Oily Fish

• Dairy Products.

Knowing Similarities And Differences between H1N1 swine flu and COVID-19

• COVID-19 is affecting us even today. H1N1 pandemic existed 10 years ago. 

• H1N1 Swine flu and COVID-19 show similarities in symptoms, mode of transmission, risk factors, and preventive measures.

• COVID-19 is more severe than H1N1 Swine flu. The main difference is in the treatment plan and vaccination. Vaccines developed for COVID-19 do not protect against influenza and vice-versa.

H1N1 Expansion and the most expected out come

10 years ago we had no idea of H1N1 flu Expansion. But today CDC has expanded and improved the flu surveillance system which ensures that new flu viruses having pandemic potential can be detected easily. Today we have access to advanced laboratories, advanced test kits, and anti-viral drugs to fight the pandemic. The pattern of flu activity and new risk tools are advancing. We are learning from pandemics and are advancing towards improvement.

H1N1 Flu vaccination and future hope

Even after 104 years of the 1918 pandemic, we are not able to effectively prevent H1N1 influenza. The H1N1 flu comes every year and we get vaccinated before it comes again another year. The H1N1 flu vaccine is updated every year. US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is strengthening research programs to achieve universal influenza vaccine.

Take-away points

• H1N1 treatment involves the cooperation of the best interprofessional team, pharmacists, and the patient.  Social distancing, nutrition, and vaccination are important lessons we learned from Spanish Flu, H1N1 virus symptoms, and  COVID-19.

• Direct transmission of the H1N1 virus from pigs to humans is a rare occurrence with only 12 documented cases in the United States since 2005.

• High-risk group for H1N1 Swine Flu includes Children, Older Age Group, AIDS, Asthma, Heart Disease, Diabetes, obesity, Cancer, and Neuromuscular Disease. These may get complicated H1N1 virus symptoms. 

• It is very important tocc know H1N1 virus symptoms. It is the key to early treatment.

References:

• CDC

• RDCU

• NCBI

• SCIENCEDIREC