H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, is a viral illness caused by the H1N1 virus, which can be easily spread from person to person through droplets released into the air when a person with a flu coughs or sneezes.
The H1N1 virus is a subtype of the influenza A virus and affects the respiratory system, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, a runny or stuffy nose, or loss of appetite, for example.
The diagnosis of H1N1 flu is made by the general practitioner, pulmonologist or infectologist, and the treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, which may be indicated by the doctor for rest, increased fluid intake or use of anti-inflammatory, antihistamine or antiviral drugs.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of infections caused by other subtypes of the influenza A virus and usually appear 1 to 3 days after infection with the H1N1 virus, the main ones being:
- Fever;
- Chills;
- Cough;
- Sore throat;
- Runny or stuffy nose;
- Sneezing;
- Shortness of breathe;
- Headache;
- Body ache;
- Tiredness;
- Red or watery eyes;
- Nausea;
- Loss of appetite;
- General malaise.
In addition, diarrhea and vomiting can also occur, especially in children and the elderly, which can cause dehydration, which can be perceived through symptoms such as severe headache, tiredness, intense thirst, dry mouth and little urine, for example. Check out other symptoms of H1N1.
how the transmission happens
The H1N1 virus is highly contagious, being transmitted through direct contact with infected people or through inhalation of droplets of saliva or nasal secretions released when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
In addition, transmission can also happen by touching a surface contaminated with the H1N1 virus and putting your hand to your eyes, nose or mouth.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of H1N1 flu is made by a general practitioner, infectologist or pulmonologist through the analysis of symptoms, in addition to being indicated in some cases for laboratory tests to identify the virus responsible for the symptoms.
When confirming the H1N1 infection, the doctor can indicate the most appropriate treatment, which depends on the severity of the symptoms presented.
How is the treatment done
The treatment of H1N1 flu depends on the severity of the symptoms, and it is usually indicated to increase fluid intake to avoid dehydration, rest and eat light and easily digestible.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend treatment with drugs such as:
- Anti-inflammatories or analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever and relieve body pain or headache;
- Antihistamines, such as loratadine, to relieve nasal congestion;
- Antivirals, such as zanamivir, oseltamivir, or peramivir, to decrease the rate of virus multiplication, reduce the severity of symptoms, and prevent complications. These remedies are usually indicated to be started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
In addition, it is important that during the treatment of H1N1 flu, the person remains in isolation for about 5 days to avoid transmission to other people. Understand how the flu treatment is done.
In severe cases, hospitalization and treatment with saline applied directly into the vein, use of antibiotics, or even non-invasive mechanical ventilation or ECMO may be necessary.
how to prevent
To prevent infection with the H1N1 virus, it is recommended that a person with flu-like symptoms remain in isolation for 5 days, as this way it is possible to prevent transmission of the virus to other people.
In addition, it is recommended to avoid being indoors or with many people, washing your hands regularly and using alcohol gel frequently, using a face mask and always covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Another important recommendation is to take the flu vaccine that protects the body against the most common flu viruses, such as H1N1, H3N2 and Influenza B. See when the flu vaccine should be taken.
possible complications
The main complications of H1N1 flu are dehydration, viral or bacterial pneumonia, hemorrhagic bronchitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome or respiratory arrest.
These complications are more common in pregnant women or people who have other illnesses such as COPD, bronchial asthma, diabetes, autoimmune or heart disease, or who are being treated for cancer.
