H1N1 influenza is a contagious respiratory disease that causes symptoms of seasonal influenza in people.

The name "swine flu" was initially used to describe this type of influenza because laboratory tests showed that this strain of flu virus was made up of genes that were very similar to the ones that caused influenza among pigs (swine). Just like humans, pigs can get the flu. However, we now know that the H1N1 flu virus is made up of genes from several different flu viruses that normally circulate among pigs, birds, and humans. This strain was the most common cause of influenza in 2009, when it caused disease worldwide ("pandemic").

The various strains of influenza A virus infection produce identical symptoms. People may experience:

• body aches
• chills
• cough
• fatigue
• fever
• headache
• loss of appetite
• sore throat

Some people with H1N1 flu virus have also reported vomiting and diarrhea.

The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to severe and sometimes require hospitalization. In some cases, severe complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure can cause death. Like the seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may worsen existing chronic medical conditions.

Your doctor will diagnose based on signs,symptoms and a physical exam. A swab sample from your nose or throat can be used to help identify the flu virus.

There is a vaccine against H1N1 flu that is available to all Canadians who want to be vaccinated.Protection against H1N1 flu is now incorporated as part of the seasonal influenza vaccine each year.

People diagnosed with H1N1 flu generally recover fully without medical attention and without antiviral medications. However, treatment with antivirals (e.g., oseltamivir*, zanamivir) may be recommended for people who have moderate-to-severe symptoms and for people who are at risk for complications of influenza (e.g., people with underlying medical conditions).

For people who are sick, help yourself get better and prevent the spread of the virus by doing the following:

• Stay at home if you are sick. Do not go to work or school.
• Stay at least 1 metre away from other people.
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw your used tissue in the garbage. If you do not have tissue available, cover your sneezes with your sleeve or hands. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Make sure to wash your hands with soap for at least 15 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you don't have access to soap and water.

There are ways to protect yourself from catching the H1N1 flu virus. By far, the most effective preventative measure is to get the influenza vaccine just before the annual flu season (generally November through April in North America). Here are some tips to prevent flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and who have symptoms of H1N1 flu (e.g., fever, cough).
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and thoroughly. To ensure proper sanitization, you should wash your hands with soap for at least 15 seconds. Use alcohol-based sanitizers if handwashing is not convenient.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2022. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/condition/getcondition/H1N1-Influenza