SWINE flu (H1N1) is highly contagious and is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. Punjab is in the midst of a dangerous flu season.

H1N1 flu signs and symptoms in humans are similar to those of other flu strains like fever, cough, sore throat, running nose, body aches, headaches and fatigue. Swine flu patients also report diarrhoea and vomiting. This is thought to be one of the ways it differs from seasonal flu but the laboratory test is the only way to confirm.

The spread of influenza can only be prevented with the help of public awareness. You can help prevent the spread of germs by covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after you cough or sneeze. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If possible, stay home from work, school and running errands when you are sick. The best way to reduce your risk of getting seasonal flu is seasonal flu vaccine. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through that community.

Some people are at higher risk. These include infants and children, adult over age 65, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions or a weakened immune system.

Swine flu can lead to more serious problems, including pneumonia, a lung infection and other breathing problems. This can be serious, even life-threatening especially for people with weak immune systems or people with chronic diseases. Condition such as asthma, diabetes or congestive heart failure may also be aggravated by swine flu.

Dr Shireen Sadruddin
Karachi

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2018