Swine flu Also called: pig influenza H1N1

Swine flu

Also called: pig influenza

H1N1

A human respiratory infection caused by an influenza strain that started in pigs.

Extremely rare

Fewer than 5 thousand cases per year (India)

Preventable by vaccine

Treatable by a medical professional

Spreads easily

Requires a medical diagnosis

Lab tests or imaging always required

Medium-term: resolves within months

Swine flu was first recognised in the 1919 pandemic and still circulates as a seasonal flu virus. Swine flu is caused by the H1N1 virus strain, which started in pigs.

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, chills, weakness and body aches. Children, pregnant women and the elderly are at risk from severe infection.

Typical treatment includes rest, pain relievers and fluids. In some cases, antiviral medication and IV fluids may be required.

Ages affected

0-2	Very rare
3-5	Very rare
6-13	Very rare
14-18	Very rare
19-40	Extremely rare
41-60	Very rare
60+	Very rare

How it spreads

By airborne respiratory droplets (coughs or sneezes).

By skin-to-skin contact (handshakes or hugs).

By saliva (kissing or shared drinks).

By touching a contaminated surface (blanket or doorknob)

Consult a doctor for medical advice

Sources:  Team Fortis J K Hospital, Udaipur

Influenza A virus subtype H1N1

Influenza A virus is the subtype of influenza A virus that was the most common cause of human influenza in 2009, and is associated with the 1918 outbreak known as the Spanish Flu.

Requires a medical diagnosis

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, chills, weakness and body aches. Children, pregnant women and the elderly are at risk from severe infection.

People may experience:

Pain areas: in the muscles

Cough: can be dry

Whole body: fever, high fever, or malaise

Nasal: runny nose or sneezing

Also common: headache or sore throat

Consult a doctor for medical advice

  

H1N1 virus and was first observed in Mexico