WHAT IS  SWINE INFLUENZA?

Swine influenza (A/H1N1virus) is a contagious disease which was seen in swine’s first and spread to human beings. It is a disease which can cause very mild flu symptoms but can also cause deaths with severe pneumonia.

How does it spread?

Swine influenza virus spreads as in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. It usually spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing by the flu infected person. These small droplets can be directly taken by airway. People can also be infected by touching some surfaces with hands (door handles, tables, chairs which are infected with flu virus) and then touching to their mouth, nose and eyes with infected hands. The viruses can be transmitted by shaking hands and kissing. People having the swine influenza virus can spread the virus from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days later.

What are the symptoms of the disease?

The symptoms are like flu symptoms:

• High fever (38 ºC or higher values measured from armpit)

• Coughing

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Body aches

• Headache

• Tremors

• Fatigue

• Vomiting and diarrhea

You are having flu like symptoms

If you are sick and have flu-like symptoms stay home for at least 24-48 hours until your fever is gone and call health center. Swine influenza symptoms are not specific. For this reason you have to inform health stuff about your health history. Patients with high risk must apply to a health center. High risk situations are:

.In last 7 days having close contact with a patient carrying A/H1N1 virus

.For last 7 days visiting a country where swine influenza case is seen

How can we know if it is swine influenza or not?

Detecting the virus in first 4-5 days of illness in respiratory secretions taken from throat or nose of the patient with a special test.

What can we do to protect ourselves from swine flu?

.We must wash our hands frequently with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. Also alcohol based hand disinfectants are effective.

.In cases when we cannot wash our hands we must avoid touching our mouth, nose and eyes.

.We must keep our immune system strong. We must sleep properly, eat healthy foods (a lot of fruits, vegetables) and drink fluids frequently.

.We must avoid close contact with people having the disease.

.We must close our mouth and nose with disposable tissue while coughing and sneezing. If we cannot find any tissue we can use inside part of our jacket or elbow.

.We must try not to stay too long in closed, crowded and badly ventilated places. We must ventilate frequently the places where we stay.

.We must avoid traveling countries where swine influenza is seen.

.We must disinfect surfaces of objects (door handles, tables, telephones etc.)

Is there a protective vaccine?

Vaccines for influenza can be used to groups for protection.

Is there any treatment for swine influenza?

Antiviral drugs used for influenza are also used for swine influenza. These drugs can decrease the severity of the disease and decrease its duration if they are given in first 48 hours after the symptoms start.

While having influenza in which cases emergency help must be requested?

.Difficulty in breathing

.Severe coughing

. Sudden dizziness

.Severe or persistent nausea and vomiting

.Confusion

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