Swine Flu

The H1N1 flu, often called swine flu, is a type of flu virus. In 2009, a new type of H1N1 flu virus emerged. This new virus was a mix of different viruses that can infect pigs, birds, and people. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared this a global health emergency (called a pandemic) in 2009. That year, an estimated 284,400 people died worldwide from the H1N1 flu. By August 2010, the WHO announced the pandemic was over. However, the H1N1 flu virus from that pandemic became a regular part of the seasonal flu viruses we experience each year.

Most people recover from the flu on their own. But, the flu and its potential complications can be serious, even deadly, especially for people who are at higher risk. These high-risk groups include the very young, the very old, pregnant people, and people with certain health conditions like asthma or diabetes.

Now, a seasonal flu vaccine is available that helps protect against the H1N1 flu virus and other types of seasonal flu. Getting vaccinated is a good way to reduce your risk of getting the flu and its complications.

H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, has symptoms similar to other types of the flu. These symptoms usually appear quickly. Common symptoms include:

• Fever: Not everyone gets a fever with the flu.
• Muscle aches: Your muscles might feel sore and painful.
• Chills and sweats: You might feel cold and shiver, followed by sweating.
• Cough: A dry or productive cough is possible.
• Sore throat: Pain or irritation in your throat.
• Runny or stuffy nose: A blocked or runny nose.
• Watery, red eyes: Your eyes might be irritated and look red.
• Eye pain: Pain in or around your eyes.
• Body aches: General pain throughout your body.
• Headache: A throbbing or aching sensation in your head.
• Tiredness and weakness: Feeling very tired and lacking energy.
• Diarrhea: Loose or watery bowel movements.
• Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach and possibly throwing up. This is more common in kids than adults.

These symptoms typically start one to four days after you've been exposed to the virus.

When to see a doctor:

Most healthy people don't need to see a doctor for mild flu symptoms. However, some people are more vulnerable to flu complications. If you have flu-like symptoms and any of the following, contact your doctor:

• Pregnancy: If you're pregnant.
• Chronic conditions: If you have a long-term health problem like asthma, emphysema, diabetes, or heart disease.

Seek immediate medical attention (emergency) if you have:

Adults:

• Breathing problems: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Chest pain: Pain in your chest.
• Dehydration signs: Not urinating as often as usual, which can be a sign of severe dehydration.
• Ongoing dizziness: Constant or worsening dizziness.
• Seizures: Uncontrolled shaking or convulsive movements.
• Worsening of existing health conditions: If your existing health problems get significantly worse.
• Severe weakness or muscle pain: Intense weakness or pain in your muscles.

Children:

• Breathing problems: Difficulty breathing.
• Pale, gray, or blue skin: Discoloration of the skin, lips, or nail beds (this color change can vary depending on the child's natural skin tone).
• Chest pain: Pain in the chest.
• Dehydration signs: Not producing enough urine, which can be a sign of severe dehydration.
• Severe muscle pain: Intense muscle pain.
• Seizures: Uncontrolled shaking or convulsive movements.
• Worsening of existing health conditions: If their existing health problems get significantly worse.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, it's always best to contact a healthcare professional.

Most people can manage the flu at home if they're generally healthy. However, some people are more vulnerable to serious flu problems. If you have flu symptoms and are pregnant, have a long-term health condition (like asthma, emphysema, diabetes, or heart problems), or are experiencing other health issues, contact your doctor.

Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child are experiencing any emergency flu symptoms. For adults, these include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath: This means you're having trouble catching your breath.
• Chest pain: Pain in your chest.
• Signs of dehydration: Not peeing enough, feeling very thirsty, or being unusually dry.
• Ongoing dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
• Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled jerking movements.
• Worsening of existing health problems: If your existing medical conditions are getting worse.
• Severe weakness or muscle pain: Extreme tiredness and body aches.

For children, emergency flu symptoms include:

• Difficulty breathing: Having trouble catching their breath.
• Changes in skin color: Pale, gray, or blue-tinged skin, lips, or nails (the color changes depend on the child's natural skin tone).
• Chest pain: Pain in their chest.
• Dehydration: Not peeing enough, feeling very thirsty, or being unusually dry.
• Severe muscle pain: Extreme body aches.
• Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled jerking movements.
• Worsening of existing health problems: If their existing medical conditions are getting worse.

If you're unsure if your symptoms are serious, it's always best to contact your doctor or seek immediate medical help.

Influenza, like H1N1, is a virus that primarily affects the lining of your nose, throat, and lungs. This virus travels through the air. When someone who has the flu coughs, sneezes, breathes, or even talks, tiny droplets carrying the virus are released into the air. You can breathe these droplets in and get infected. You can also get infected if you touch a surface that has the virus on it and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Important note: You cannot get the flu from eating pork.

People who have the flu can spread it to others. They're likely contagious from about a day before they show any symptoms until about four days after their symptoms start. Young children and people with weakened immune systems might be able to spread the virus for a slightly longer period.

Influenza, or the flu, can be more serious for some people. Several factors increase your risk of getting the flu, or developing more serious problems from it.

Age: Young children (under 2) and older adults (over 65) are more likely to have a harder time with the flu and its effects. Their bodies may not respond as well to the virus.

Living or Working Conditions: If you live or work in a place with lots of people close together, like a nursing home, a military base, or a hospital, you're more likely to catch the flu. Close contact spreads the virus quickly in these environments.

Weakened Immune System: Certain medical conditions can weaken your body's ability to fight off infections, including the flu. This includes people undergoing cancer treatment, taking medications to prevent organ rejection, using steroids long-term, having had an organ transplant, having blood cancer, or having HIV/AIDS. A weaker immune system makes it easier to catch the flu and increases the chances of complications.

Chronic Illnesses: If you have a long-term health condition like asthma, other lung problems, diabetes, heart disease, or nervous system disorders, you're at a higher risk of developing serious problems from the flu. This also includes metabolic disorders, problems with your airways, and kidney, liver, or blood diseases. These conditions can make it harder for your body to cope with the virus.

Race: Some racial and ethnic groups, such as American Indians or Alaska Natives, may have a higher risk of experiencing serious flu complications. This is likely due to a complex interplay of factors related to genetics, access to healthcare, and overall health status.

Aspirin Use (under 19): If you're under 19 and take aspirin regularly, you could be at risk for Reye's syndrome if you get the flu. Reye's syndrome is a rare but serious condition that can affect the brain and liver. For this reason, people under 19 should use acetaminophen (like Tylenol) instead of aspirin if they have the flu.

Pregnancy: Pregnant people, especially during the second and third trimesters, are more likely to experience complications from the flu. This risk also extends for up to two weeks after childbirth. Pregnancy can put extra stress on the body, making it more vulnerable.

Obesity: People with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher have a higher risk of serious flu complications. Obesity can affect how well the body fights off infections.

It's important to remember that these factors don't guarantee you'll get the flu or have complications. However, understanding them can help you take steps to protect yourself, such as getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical attention if you become ill.

The flu can lead to serious problems beyond just a cough and fever. Complications can arise from the flu virus itself, or from secondary infections. Here are some of the potential problems:

• Exacerbation of existing health issues: If you already have a condition like heart disease or asthma, the flu can make it worse. Your symptoms might become more severe, and you might need extra medical care.

• Pneumonia: The flu can damage your lungs, making it hard to breathe. Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that can be caused by the flu virus or by bacteria that takes advantage of weakened lungs, and requires prompt medical attention.

• Brain and nervous system problems: The flu can sometimes affect the brain and nervous system. This can cause problems like confusion, headaches, and even seizures.

• Breathing problems (Respiratory failure): In some cases, the flu can make it hard for your lungs to work properly. This can lead to a serious condition called respiratory failure, where the body doesn't get enough oxygen. This is a life-threatening situation requiring immediate medical attention.

• Bronchitis: The flu can inflame the airways in your lungs, causing bronchitis. Bronchitis involves inflammation and infection in the airways and can result in coughing and difficulty breathing.

• Muscle aches and pains: The flu often causes muscle aches and soreness. This can make it challenging to move around.

• Bacterial infections: A weakened immune system from the flu can make you more susceptible to other bacterial infections. These infections can add to the complications and need additional treatment.

It's crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you have the flu, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Early treatment can help prevent serious complications.