What is swine flu (influenza)?
Swine flu, known for its similarity to seasonal flu, is usually prevalent in January and February. Swine flu, which affects people of all ages, is also called influenza A H1N1.
Swine flu, which is an infectious disease, causes a critical clinical picture if not treated properly. The H1N1 virus, a virus first seen in pigs, mutated and infected humans. It was first seen in Mexico in 2009 and spread around the world within 6 months.
Swine flu (influenza) diagnostic methods
Treatment of swine flu begins with a correct diagnosis. Since it has common symptoms with seasonal flu, the diagnostic phase is extremely important. Microbiological examination is necessary to distinguish swine flu from seasonal flu. This requires micro-chemical analysis of the patient's blood samples. In addition, various radiology techniques are utilized. In addition to these examinations, a swab sample is taken from the throat and nasal mucus of the patients and PCR examination is performed.
Swine flu (influenza) symptoms
Many of the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of seasonal flu. However, some symptoms differ between patients. Symptoms that can be seen in general in patients include the following:
- Fire
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Nasal congestion
- Tremor
- Loss of appetite
- Tremor
- Rarely diarrhea
- Cough
- Rarely diarrhea
Swine flu is more difficult to diagnose in infants and children. Therefore, the symptoms that need to be taken into account include the following:
- Difficulty waking up from sleep
- Fire
- Body rashes caused by fever
- Unwillingness to consume liquids
- Restlessness
- Difficulty breathing
- Absent-mindedness
Causes of swine flu (influenza)
Swine flu is caused by the H1N1 virus. The virus is primarily involved in the upper tract. It soon progresses to the lower respiratory tract. After the virus first enters the body, the incubation period begins. This period varies between 1 and 4 days.
Swine flu (influenza) treatment methods
Mild cases of swine flu can be treated at home. What is recommended in home treatment is as follows:
- Increasing fluid intake
- Use of antipyretic drugs
- Rest
- Use of various medications to control pain
- Use of recommended medicines for runny nose
In severe cases of swine flu, hospitalization is necessary. Hospitalization involves the use of antiviral drugs and various vitamin supplements. In addition, additional treatment methods are applied if shortness of breath increases.
Swine flu (influenza) in infants
Swine flu can cause more dangerous clinical pictures in children and infants. They are also more difficult to diagnose than adults. For this reason, it is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms seen in children.
If children or babies have swine flu, they should be strictly bed-restricted. During rest, the room should be ventilated frequently and the patient should be provided with plenty of oxygen.
Children and babies eat less during illness. For this reason, foods should be preferred from options that are high in vitamins and minerals. In addition, since it is a disease characterized by high fever, special attention should be paid to increasing fluid intake.
Particular attention should be paid to the regular use of medicines. If pneumonia develops, babies and children need to be hospitalized.
When should a doctor be consulted?
Many people do not consult a doctor because the symptoms of swine flu caused by the H1N1 virus are similar to those of seasonal flu. However, if the following symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought:
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Sudden dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Blurred consciousness
- Abdominal pain
- Pain in the chest
In case of swine flu in children, urgent medical attention should be sought in case of the following symptoms:
- Dehydration
- High fever
- Skin rash
- Irritability
- Flu symptoms improve but return with more severe symptoms
- Bluish skin color
- Fatigue
- Rapid breathing
- Difficulty breathing
The difference between swine flu (influenza) and corona
Swine flu and COVID-19 are two diseases that affect the respiratory tract. However, both diseases are caused by different viruses. Common symptoms of swine flu and COVID-19 include the following:
- Fire
- Tremor
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Nasal obstruction
- Body aches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
The most important difference between swine flu and COVID-19 is the loss of the sense of taste and smell in COVID-19. In addition, the symptoms caused by COVID-19 last longer than swine flu.
How to avoid swine flu?
Among the points to be considered for protection against swine flu are the following.
- Frequent and thorough hand washing
- Avoiding crowded environments, especially in January and February
- Frequent disinfection of door handles and sink heads in crowded environments
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Sick people should use masks and stay away from social environments
- Paying attention to the cleanliness of personal belongings used at home
- Getting vaccinated for the H1N1 virus
Who has the flu (influenza) should be vaccinated?
Some people are more at risk of swine flu. These risk groups are advised not to neglect the H1N1 vaccine. These people include the following:
- Health workers
- People over 50 years of age
- Pregnant women
- Palliative care recipients
- Those with autoimmune diseases
- Nursing home residents
- People with diabetes
- Those with chronic lung and heart disease
- Those with chronic kidney disease.
