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ISSN 0973 - 0958
Infectious Disease through
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Infectious Disease through
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SWINE FLU - CURRENT EPIDEMIC
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WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU ?
It is usually seen in young previously not symptomatic individuals. The usual symptoms of
fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting are all possible. Persons with these symptoms should call their health care provider promptly. In young children or infants there may be lethargy, poor feeding, reduced activity, cyanosis, apathy, altered mental status and extreme irritability.
Last Updated: 3rd May 2009
WHY IS SWINE FLU DANGEROUS ?
Though flu would be mild in most patients, it can cause severe pneumonia, distress and breathing problems in some individuals that may even lead to death.
HOW CONTAGIOUS IS SWINE FLU ?
The duration of illness is typically 4-6 days. The infectious period for a confirmed case is defined as 1 day prior to the onset of symptoms to 7 days after onset. Once a human becomes infected, he or she can then spread the virus to other humans, presumably in the same way as seasonal influenza is spread (ie, via coughing or sneezing).
HOW IS SWINE FLU DIAGNOSED ?
A confirmed case of Swine origin influenza virus (S-OIV) infection is defined as a person with an acute febrile respiratory illness with laboratory confirmed S-OIV infection at WHO by one or more of the following tests: Real-time RT-PCR and/or viral culture.
WHEN TO SUSPECT A SWINE FLU CASE ?
Swine influenza should be suspected in a person with acute febrile respiratory illness with onset
Within 7 days of close contact with a person who is a confirmed case
of S-OIV infection, or
Within 7 days of travel to community where there are one or more confirmed cases of S-OIV infection, or
Resides in a community where there are one or more confirmed cases of S-OIV infection.
HOW IS SWINE FLU TREATED ?
Treatment is largely supportive and consist of bedrest, increased fluid consumption, cough suppressants, and antipyretics and analgesics (eg, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for fever and myalgias.
Oseltamavir and Zanamivir have been approved for the use in influenza A H1N1. For dosage and method of taking these drugs one must contact your doctor.
Oseltamavir and Zanamivir have been approved for the use in influenza A H1N1. For dosage and method of taking these drugs one must contact your doctor.
HOW CAN SWINE FLU SPREAD BE STOPPED ?
Home isolation of affected individuals for seven days.
Encouraging the use of face masks while in community.
Frequent hand washing with soap and water.
School dismissal and childcare facility closure.
Social distancing-reducing group meeting etc.
Use of antiviral chemoprophylaxis (for details meet your doctor).
IS THERE A VACCINE FOR THIS OUTBREAK ?
No the existing vaccines do not have this strain and hence cannot confer immunity to patients against this new strain - A H1N1.
Last Updated: 3rd May 2009
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