Swine Flu - Prevention is b...

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H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
Reference Summary
Introduction
H1N1 flu, also called swine flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs that has now spread to
humans. “Swine” refers to animals such as pigs, hogs, and boars. “Flu” is an
abbreviation of influenza. “H1N1” is the name of the virus that has spread to humans.
People do not normally get swine flu viruses, but human infections can and do happen.
Beginning in late March 2009, cases of humans infected with the H1N1 flu virus have
been reported in the USA and internationally.
This reference summary explains what the H1N1 flu is. It discusses its symptoms,
when to seek medical help, and its treatment options. It also provides important
prevention tips.
About Viruses
Viruses are very small living particles. This section reviews information about viruses
that will help you understand the H1N1 flu virus.
Viruses are made of an outer shell that protects genetic material
packaged inside. In order for a virus to reproduce, it needs to
enter a living cell by attaching itself to the living cell’s surface.
Viruses tend to infect only specific cells in a specific species. For
example, certain viruses may only attack human cells while others
can attack only bird cells.
Once inside the cell, the genetic material of the virus blends with
the genetic material of the infected cell and copies itself hundreds,
Virus
if not thousands of times.
This document is a summary of what appears on screen in X-PlainTM. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice
of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over
time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2009 The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com id580101
Last reviewed: 5/05/2009
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The hundreds of copied viruses then kill the cell, burst out of it, and infect many new
cells. The cycle repeats itself and can make a person very sick unless the person’s
immune system destroys the virus. The immune system is responsible for defending
the body against viruses.
When a virus is copying itself, the genetic material of the virus can go through changes
known as ‘mutations’. The virus can also exchange genetic material with the infected
cell which can modify the surface of the virus. This may make it possible for the virus
to attack the living cells of different species such as pigs and humans. A virus modified
by mutation is known as a different strain.
There are three types of influenza viruses, A,
B and C. Types B and C are usually only
found in humans. Type A can be found in both
humans and animals such as birds, pigs,
horses, whales, and seals. Type A Type B & C
H1N1 Flu Infections
Influenza viruses happen naturally among pigs, hogs, and boars. Swine influenza is
very contagious among swine. It can make some domesticated pigs very sick.
It is unusual for humans to catch swine flu viruses, but occasional
cases happen, usually in people who have contact with infected
pigs. Swine flu viruses have also been reported to spread from
person to person in the past, but previous episodes of
transmission were very limited.
The recent infections are caused by a new strain (or type) of the
swine flu virus known as Type A, subtype H1N1. That is why this
flu is called Influenza A H1N1, or simply H1N1 flu. This new strain
seems to be progressing rapidly and humans have not yet had a
chance to develop antibodies or protection against it.
Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person when infected people cough or
sneeze. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu
viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
This document is a summary of what appears on screen in X-PlainTM. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice
of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over
time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2009 The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com id580101
Last reviewed: 5/05/2009
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Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs
can be spread when a person touches another person’s respiratory droplets that are
on a surface like a desk, and then touches their own eyes, mouth, or nose before
washing their hands. Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is
contaminated with germs such as a table, door knob, or desk and then touches his or
her eyes, nose, or mouth. Frequent hand washing will help you reduce the chance of
getting contaminated from these common surfaces. You cannot get the H1N1 flu from
eating cooked pork.
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms
develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. Children, especially
younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of H1N1
influenza in humans are similar to typical
human flu and include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. People
who have chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, etc.
may notice a worsening of their medical conditions.
Emergency Signs
If you have severe symptoms, your doctor can test if your flu symptoms are caused by
H1N1 flu. This section discusses when you or your child should seek medical help.
You should watch for flu-like signs. These signs are fever, body aches, runny nose,
sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Signs of the flu are often mild and do not require medical evaluation in the clinic. When
the symptoms are mild, it is important to keep yourself hydrated, get plenty of rest, and
practice good hand hygiene.
This document is a summary of what appears on screen in X-PlainTM. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice
of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over
time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2009 The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com id580101
Last reviewed: 5/05/2009
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You should seek medical care if you or child develop any of the “emergency warning
signs”. Some of the “emergency warning signs” that require urgent medical attention
are listed next.
In children, some emergency warning signs include:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• High or prolonged fever
You should also seek immediate medical attention if you notice changes in your child’s
mental status, such as:
• Not waking up
• Not interacting
• Extreme irritability and not wanting to be held
In adults, some emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Near-fainting or fainting
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• High or prolonged fever
If you or your child have flu-like symptoms that
get better but then come back with a fever and a
worse cough, seek medical attention as soon as
possible.
When you arrive, tell the receptionist or nurse about your symptoms. You may be
asked to wear a mask and sit in a separate area to protect others from getting sick.
Treatment
Which treatment is appropriate for you is based on the severity of your illness and your
doctor may consult with an infectious disease specialist to determine the best
treatment.
This document is a summary of what appears on screen in X-PlainTM. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice
of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over
time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2009 The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com id580101
Last reviewed: 5/05/2009
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Antiviral drugs approved for human influenza viruses should work in treating H1N1
influenza infection in humans. However, there are no known medications that treat
H1N1 influenza infection specifically.
Antiviral drugs are prescription medications that can help the flu by keeping flu viruses
from reproducing in your body. These include pills, liquids, or inhalers.
Antiviral medications are currently recommended only for those
patients with moderate or severe illness from H1N1 flu. Most
people get better without antiviral medicines.
Antiviral medications must be taken within 48 hours after
symptoms appear. They may diminish your symptoms, but they
may not make your symptoms go away entirely.
If supplies of antiviral medications are limited, it is necessary to
save them for people who may develop the most severe
symptoms. Other flu treatments that should work for H1N1 flu
include rest, medications to bring down a high fever, and
drinking plenty of water.
If complications happen and you become very sick, hospitalization may be needed.
Hospitalized patients may be given oxygen or use a respirator.
Children or teenagers with the flu should get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids. The
medicines that they take to relieve their symptoms should NOT contain aspirin. Never
give aspirin to children or teenagers who have flu-like symptoms, especially a fever,
without first speaking to your healthcare provider. Giving aspirin to children and
teenagers who have influenza can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye
syndrome. Reye syndrome involves brain damage and liver damage. Its causes are
unknown but it is associated with the use of aspirin in children to treat influenza and
chickenpox.
Prevention Tips
There currently is no vaccine to protect humans against the H1N1 flu virus. The
following tips will help you prevent flu infections such as the common flu and the H1N1
flu.
This document is a summary of what appears on screen in X-PlainTM. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice
of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over
time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2009 The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com id580101
Last reviewed: 5/05/2009
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Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating and after
sneezing or coughing.
You can also use an alcohol gel product available over the
counter, which is also effective in protecting against flu.
When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose
with your elbow or sleeve. Or use a tissue and be sure to
throw away the tissue after use. Wash your hands after you
sneeze or cough.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people. Avoid touching
your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to
stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be
physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids,
and eat nutritious food.
If you get sick with the flu, here are some tips to avoid spreading the disease to others:
• Stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you
cough or sneeze. Put used tissues in a waste basket.
If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your
upper sleeve.
• Wash your hands every time you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
Prevalence & Updates
An updated case count of confirmed H1N1 flu infections in the United States can be
found at the following website:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
The World Health Organization, or WHO, is coordinating the global response to human
cases of the H1N1 flu and monitoring the related threat of an influenza pandemic.
Updated information can be found at the following website:
www.who.int/en/
This document is a summary of what appears on screen in X-PlainTM. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice
of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over
time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2009 The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com id580101
Last reviewed: 5/05/2009
6
Conclusion
H1N1 influenza or swine flu is a contagious disease that is caused by the influenza
virus. Infection with the H1N1 influenza virus can result in severe illness and life-
threatening complications.
Symptoms of H1N1 flu are similar to those of the common flu and scientists are
actively studying the situation to better understand its range of symptoms and how it is
spread.
For healthy people, resting and drinking plenty of fluids
usually allows infected people to recover from the flu. For
people at high risk of developing flu complications,
medications and hospitalization may be needed.
The flu can be prevented by avoiding close contact with sick
people and by washing your hands frequently. If you have
the flu, you can help stop the spread of this infectious
disease by staying home while you are sick and by covering
your mouth and nose as you cough or sneeze.
This document is a summary of what appears on screen in X-PlainTM. It is for informational purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for the advice
of a doctor or healthcare professional or a recommendation for any particular treatment plan. Like any printed material, it may become out of date over
time. It is important that you rely on the advice of a doctor or a healthcare professional for your specific condition.
©1995-2009 The Patient Education Institute, Inc. www.X-Plain.com id580101
Last reviewed: 5/05/2009
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