Swine flu is a disease caused by infection with the H1N1 influenza virus. Swine flu is so named because it originally occurred in pigs which kthen infect humans. Subsequent transmission occurs between humans and caused a pandemic in 2009.
Swine flu can spread quickly. This disease is transmitted when a healthy person inhales droplets from the patient's respiratory tract when sneezing or coughing. New symptoms will be felt 1-4 days after contracting the swine flu virus. Swine flu is more easily transmitted to children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weak immune systems.
Swine flu caused a pandemic in 2009 and ended in 2010. One of the effective ways to prevent swine flu is by routinely vaccinating. In 2020, several researchers found that the swine flu virus mutated and produced a new type of virus. This new swine flu virus has the potential to cause a pandemic.
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of COVID-19. Therefore, if you experience symptoms of swine flu, you should immediately consult a doctor to confirm the condition. Click the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Causes of Swine Flu
Swine flu is caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. Just like other influenza viruses, this virus will attack cells in the nose, throat, and lungs. It should be noted, this virus cannot be spread through consumption of pork.
The mode of transmission of the H1N1 virus is similar to that of other influenza viruses, namely when droplets are inhaled from an infected person who sneezes or coughs. Transmission can also occur if droplets containing the virus stick to the eyes, nose, and mouth of a healthy person.
After the WHO declared the pandemic of H1N1 infection over, the H1N1 virus was considered a seasonal flu and was considered almost similar to the common cold.
When it becomes a pandemic, swine flu often occurs in children, and young adults. In addition, the risk of contracting swine flu will increase if a person is in an outbreak area.
In some people, swine flu will usually cause mild to moderate symptoms. However, there are several factors that increase the risk of complications and worsening of symptoms and complaints due to swine flu, namely:
- Under 5 years old or above 65 years old
- Is pregnant
- Have a chronic illness, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes
- Have a weak immune system, for example because you have HIV/AIDS
- Undergoing long-term aspirin treatment, especially if you are under 19 years old
- Suffering from obesity
Swine Flu Symptoms
The incubation period for the swine flu virus (time from exposure to the virus until symptoms appear) is about 1–4 days. Swine flu has symptoms similar to the common cold, so it's hard to tell the difference between the two. Symptoms that can appear in swine flu are:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- aches
- Headache
- Runny nose and stuffy nose
- Red and watery eyes
- Sore throat
- Rash on the skin
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cough
- Hard to breathe
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above, especially if your symptoms are getting worse and if you have conditions that can increase your risk of complications from swine flu, such as having a chronic illness, being pregnant, or being elderly.
Swine Flu Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced by the patient and perform a physical examination first. After that, the doctor can advise the patient to undergo a follow-up examination to determine whether or not the swine flu virus attacks the respiratory tract.
Follow-up examinations that will be carried out by the doctor are:
- Rapid test (quick test) which is carried out with special tools, to detect the presence or absence of swine flu virus infection in a faster way but with a lower level of accuracy.
- A nose and throat swab culture that will be examined in the laboratory, to determine the type of virus.
Not all patients who experience flu symptoms and complaints are required to undergo further examination. Some of the conditions that require flu sufferers to undergo the test are:
- Have been hospitalized
- High risk of complications due to flu
- Living with people who are at high risk of flu complications
Swine Flu Treatment
Treatment of swine flu will be tailored to the symptoms and conditions experienced by the patient. The history of the disease and the presence or absence of special conditions, such as pregnancy also determine the type of treatment.
In general, swine flu sufferers whose symptoms are still mild can take the following steps to relieve complaints:
- Get enough rest
- Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration
- Taking things that can relieve fever or pain, such as ibuprofen and paracetamol
However, there are some cases of swine flu that require treatment in hospital, especially if the patient has a high risk for complications. Doctors will usually give antiviral drugs, such as:
- Oseltamivir
- Zanamivir
- peramivir
- Zaloxavir
Keep in mind, doctors will not give antibiotics to treat the flu. This is because antibiotics have no effect on killing viruses. However, antibiotics can be given if the patient has a bacterial infection that occurs along with the flu.
Swine Flu Complications
In certain circumstances, swine flu can cause complications, such as:
- Pneumonia
- Breathing failure
- Disorders of the nervous system, such as seizures and impaired consciousness
- Chronic illness, such as asthma or heart disease that gets worse
Swine Flu Vaccination and Prevention
The main way to avoid swine flu is to get the influenza vaccine. The vaccine, which is generally recommended once a year, will help in building the body's defenses against the H1N1 virus.
In addition to vaccines, there are several simple ways that can be applied to prevent the transmission and spread of swine flu, including:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Do not travel to areas with swine flu cases.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or a hand sanitizer that contains 70% alcohol.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, then throw the tissue in the trash after use.
- Avoid direct contact with swine flu sufferers.