Also known as H1N1 influenza, swine flu technically refers to influenza in pigs. However, occasionally pigs are able to transmit this virus to humans, particularly people who come into contact with them often, such as hog farmers or veterinarians. Even more rarely, a person infected with swine flu is able to pass this infection on to other people.
Despite the low risk of this happening, in the spring of 2009, the rates of swine flu in humans were increasing so much across the globe that the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic. Fortunately, the pandemic was declared over by August of 2010, but H1N1 is still one of the viruses that circulates in humans every flu season. Because of this, the seasonal flu vaccine for 2015-16 included protection against this strain.
Swine Flu Symptoms
You will usually start to experience the symptoms associated with H1N1 influenza approximately one to three days after you are exposed to the virus. The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of other flu strains. They include:
- Body aches
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
Since most cases of the flu can only be treated with symptom relief, it is not always necessary to go to the doctor if you are experiencing basic flu symptoms such as body aches, cough, and fever. However, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and you are pregnant or have a chronic disease such as asthma, emphysema, diabetes, or a heart condition, you should call your doctor as soon as possible because you are at an increased risk for complications. Also, if you are vomiting excessively or have diarrhea, you should see your doctor so you don’t become dehydrated.
Swine Flu Causes
Just like other strains of the influenza virus, you contract swine flu by inhaling contaminated droplets or by transferring the live virus from a contaminated surface to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Contrary to popular belief, you cannot contract swine flu by eating pork.
Swine Flu Treatments
Like most cases of the flu, treatment for swine flu will usually only involve relieving symptoms. There are antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) that can be prescribed within the first few days to reduce the severity of your symptoms and your risk of complications. However, since flu viruses can develop resistance to these medications, antivirals are usually only reserved for people who are at a high risk for complications. These include:
- People in a hospital, nursing home, or long-term care facility
- Children younger than 5 years of age
- People 65 years old and older
- Women who are pregnant, especially if within 2 weeks of delivery
- People who are morbidly obese with a body mass index of 40 or above
- People with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, emphysema, heart disease, diabetes, neuromuscular disease, or kidney, liver, or blood disease.
- American Indians or Native Alaskans
- People who are immunosuppressed because of HIV or taking certain medications
