SWINE FLU ADVISORY

The human respiratory infection caused by a particular influenza virus H1N1 strain —
popularly known as swine flu — was first recognized in spring 2009. Swine flu viruses may
mutate (change) and are easily communicable among humans.

Symptoms: In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza, such as:

• Fever • Headache
• Cough • Chills, and
• Sore throat • Fatigue
• Runny or stuffy nose • A few patients have also reported
• Difficulty in breathing blood in sputum, diarrhea and
• Body aches vomiting

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COLD, SEASONAL FLU & H1N1 SYMPTOMS

SYMPTOM COLD SEASONAL FLU H1N1

FEVER Fever is rare Fever is common Fever is usually present with H1N1
in up to 80% of cases, with a
temperature of 101 F.
COUGHING A hacking, productive A non-productive (dry and A non-productive (dry and
(mucus producing) cough is hacking / non mucus hacking/non mucus producing)
often present producing) cough is often cough is usually present
present
ACHES Slight body aches and pains Moderate body aches are Severe aches and pains are common
may be present common
STUFFY NOSE Stuffy nose is commonly A runny nose is commonly Stuffy nose is NOT commonly
present present present

Typically resolves within a

week
CHILLS Not common Mild to moderate 60% of people experience chills
TIREDNESS Fairly mild tiredness Moderate and often referred Moderate to severe tiredness
to as lack of energy
SNEEZING Commonly present Commonly present Sneezing is NOT common
SYMPTOM Cold symptoms tend to Develop over a few days; H1N1 has a rapid onset within 3-5
ONSET develop over a few days Include flushed face, loss of hours. H1N1 hits hard, and fast;
appetite, dizziness and / or Includes sudden symptoms such as
vomiting, nausea high fever, aches and pains.

Symptoms usually last 4-7 Symptoms usually last 4-7 days

days, depending on depending on individual cases.
individual cases. Diarrhea is Diarrhea is also common
also common
HEADACHE NOT common A headache is fairly A headache is VERY common and
common present in 80% of cases
SORE Commonly present Commonly present Sore throat is commonly NOT
THROAT present
CHEST Mild to moderate Moderate Chest discomfort is often SEVERE
DISCOMFORT
Spread of Infection:

Swine Flu is thought to mainly spread from person-to-person through coughing or

sneezing of infected people.

Incubation Period:

The Virus has an incubation period of 1 -7 days. Swine flu cannot be spread by pork
products, since the virus is not transmitted through food.

Swine flu in humans is most contagious during the first five days of illness, although
some people, commonly children, may remain contagious for up to ten days.

Laboratory test: A diagnosis of swine flu can be confirmed by laboratory testing using
RT PCR Test.

Prevention

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the
tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. The virus can spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick, limit your contact with other people as much as possible. Do not
go to work or school, if ill.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may
prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze if you do not have a tissue. Then, clean your hands,
and do so every time you cough or sneeze.
• Hand washing –
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. Wash with
soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
• When you wash your hands with soap and warm water, wash for 15 to 20
seconds.
• If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water
to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.
• Prophylaxis with Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), after consultation with a doctor, to all
close contacts of confirmed cases of Swine Flu.
Vaccination:

CDC (Center for Disease Control & Prevention, USA) and WHO (World Health
Organization) strongly recommend vaccination of high-risk individuals.

Recommendation for Vaccination:

• Pregnant women
• Health care and emergency medical services personnel
• Children aged 6 months through 4 years (59 months);
• People aged 50 years and older;
• People who are immunosuppressed (including immunosuppression caused by
medications or by human immunodeficiency virus);
• People with chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except
hypertension), renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders
(including diabetes mellitus);
• People who are residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities;
• People who are morbidly obese (body-mass index is 40 or greater);

If any of the symptoms develop or for any query and further information, please contact
location Medical center doctor / family doctor.