By Dr Ritesh Kohli, MD
The much-dreaded H1N1 flu which is spreading fear across the globe is actually a cocktail of three viruses, namely Avian flu, human flu and swine flu, making it difficult to contain.
According to WHO, several influenza viruses keep on circulating among humans, birds and animals like pigs, and keep combining with each other. These changes cause genetic variations among these viruses and new viruses emerge in the process.
Most of the time this recombination does not have much effect and goes unnoticed. But sometimes (as in the present case) the viruses’ capacity to increase multiplies and that is when they cause major damage to their carriers.
The last time the world saw the emergence of such a virus was in 1918 when the Spanish flu outbreak carried off nearly 50 to100 million people across the globe.
Here are a few frequently asked questions which I have tried to answer.
Is this H1N1 (swine) flu virus contagious?
It has been determined that this virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people?
The symptoms of H1N1 (swine) flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhoea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
How do you catch H1N1 flu?
The spread of H1N1 flu can occur in two ways:
●Through contact with infected persons or environments contaminated with H1N1 flu viruses.
●The human-to-human spread occurs through the coughing or sneezing of infected people
Are there medicines to treat H1N1 (swine) flu?
Yes. It is recommended to use Oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (brand name Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection by H1N1 influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fight against the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms).
For how long can an infected person spread H1N1 flu to others?
People with H1N1 infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following the onset of illness. Children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against H1N1 flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
● Cover your nose and mouth with a tis sue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
● Wash your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze, with an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
● Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
● Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
● If you get sick with influenza, it is recommended that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others.
How can someone with the flu infect someone else?
Infected people may be able to infect others beginning a day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
Does breastfeeding protect babies from this new flu virus?
There are many ways that breastfeeding and breast milk protect babies’ health. Mothers pass on protective antibodies to their baby during breastfeeding. Antibodies are a type of protein made by the immune system in the body. Antibodies help fight off infection.
Flu can be very serious in young babies. Babies who are not breastfed get sick from infections like the flu more often and more severely than babies who are breastfed.
Is it ok to breastfeed my baby if I am sick?
Yes. This is really important.
● Do not stop breastfeeding if you are ill. Ideally, babies less than about 6 months of age should get their feedings from breast milk. Breastfeed early and often. Limit formula feeds as much as possible. This will help protect your baby from infection.
● If you are too sick to breastfeed, pump and have someone give the expressed milk to your baby.
Is it okay to take medicine to treat or prevent H1N1 flu while breastfeeding?
Yes. Mothers who are breastfeeding should continue to nurse their babies while being treated for the flu.
Can people catch H1N1 (swine) flu from eating pork?
No. H1N1 influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled cooked pork and pork products are safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the H1N1 flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you live in areas that have reported cases and become ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhoea, you should contact a doctor, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your doctor will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
