What is swine flu pandemic?
H1N1 influenza is a virus that causes illness in people and spreads from one person to another in the same way as the common flu. Detected first in April 2009 in Mexico, the disease soon spread across different countries in the world and was declared the swine flu pandemic by the World Health Organization in June 2009.
Why is the disease known as the swine flu?
After conducting several laboratory tests, it was determined that the virus responsible for swine influenza was similar to those found in pigs, thus prompting scientists to name it the swine (pig) flu.
H1N1 influenza creating havoc in India
H1N1 or swine flu has affected scores of people in India, with the maximum number of patients in Pune and Delhi. The swine flu virus has also resulted in a number of deaths with most of the deceased being children or old age people. Though there have been a few deaths, but most of the patients affected have recovered with the help of easily available medicines.
Swine flu is extremely contagious and spreads from one human to another through sneezing or coughing by the person infected with the swine flu virus. A patient with swine flu symptoms should therefore cover his or her mouth properly with a handkerchief while coughing or sneezing.
How serious is the H1N1 Influenza?
Illness caused by the swine flu virus ranges from mild to extreme in different cases. While many of the patients have recovered even without medical treatment, the virus has also caused a number of deaths as well as hospitalizations, which has made it a matter of grave concern for the authorities.
Who is at risk from the swine influenza?
Any person, irrespective of age or sex can contract the disease but the risk seems bigger in children and old age people as also in people with lower immunity levels, pregnant women and people suffering from heart disease, kidney ailment or asthma. A person displaying swine flu symptoms should consult a medical practitioner immediately and get himself tested.