Swine flu, popularly known as H1N1, is a respiratory disease caused by influenza A virus that was first identified in pigs, but a variant type has been found in humans. This virus can be easily transmitted through saliva droplets and respiratory secretions that are suspended in the air after the infected person sneezes or coughs.
Swine flu symptoms usually appear 3 to 5 days after contact with the virus and are similar to those of the common flu, with fever, discomfort, body and head pain. However, swine flu virus infection can lead to serious complications and, as a result, in 2009 it was declared a health emergency by increasing the circulation of the virus among the population and the high number of deaths associated with the infection.
- Swine flu symptoms usually appear 3 to 5 days after contact with the virus.
- With the development of common flu signs and symptoms.
- Such as:.
In some cases, a person infected with the variant of the swine flu virus may develop severe respiratory complications within a few days of the onset of symptoms, which can lead to respiratory failure. In addition, as in some cases it is necessary to breathe with devices, there may also be secondary bacterial infections, with an increased risk of sepsis, which can be life-threatening.
Swine flu is transmitted through saliva droplets and respiratory secretions that are suspended in the air when the infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. In addition, this virus is able to remain on surfaces for up to 8 hours and therefore it is possible that the disease is also transmitted by contact with contaminated surfaces.
Swine flu can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected pigs, but transmission does not occur when meat is consumed by these pigs, as the virus is inactivated and eliminated when exposed to high temperatures.
If there are suspected signs and symptoms of swine flu, it is important to go to the hospital for tests to diagnose the disease, and then it is possible to start the most appropriate treatment. Treatment is usually done with the isolated person, to prevent transmission of the virus to another person, and involves rest, water intake and the use of certain antivirals.
In the most severe cases, mechanical ventilation may also be necessary to prevent respiratory failure and, in such cases, the use of antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections, which can further complicate a person’s health, may also be indicated.
It is important that measures are taken to help prevent infections and disease transmission, and it is recommended that you avoid sharing personal items, avoid staying too long in a closed or low-air environment involving multiple people, avoid contact with people suspected of swine flu, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing your hands regularly.
Watch the video below on how to wash your hands properly to avoid illness: