Swine flu is a highly contagious disease caused by influenza virus that infects the respiratory tract.It originally was an influenza infection that affected the respiratory tract of pigs that caused a barking cough, nasal secretions and listlessness.The swine flu in humans is caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. The H1N1 virus was nicknamed swine flu because its strain was first found in pigs.
Swine flu has been the cause of numerous deaths in numerous countries all over the world ever since it became a pandemic. It is highly contagious and spreads quickly through the air. It would have spread by a person suffering from it who sneezed all over a door handle or any other object.
The symptoms of swine flu almost match those to that of a regular flu. The only way to confirm it is by taking a swab test of the nose and throat. If a lot of people in your city have been taken by the swine flu and you are developing similar symptoms, it is best to head to the doctor and get it tested.
Symptoms of Swine Flu include:
- Fever (100 degrees or more)
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nasal secretions
- Raspy cough, almost like a bark
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Rash
The symptoms are similar for most, minus a few in some people. It is not necessary that all the above symptoms have to be prevalent when the virus affects the body.
Important note: Do not ignore the respiratory symptoms of H1N1 virus as it can lead to complications, requiring the use of a ventilator for patients.
Again do not neglect the symptoms, as the progression of the virus is fast and if you do not take the necessary treatments, it can even be fatal.
Written by: Rasha Ashraf
