Swine Flue: Origin, Indicators, and Remedies
Swine flu, also known as H1N1, is a respiratory disease caused by an influenza A virus. Contrary to common misconceptions, it is not transmitted through eating properly cooked pork. Instead, it primarily spreads from human-to-human contact.
Since 2009, H1N1 has become one of the common viruses that circulate each flu season. This subtype is well-known for causing human infections, most notably during the 2009 pandemic. The H1N1 virus that emerged in 2009 was a reassortant strain originating from swine influenza viruses.
Other influenza subtypes, such as H1N2 and H3N2, can also infect humans, although such cases are less common than H1N1. They are typically associated with mild illness and are not as frequently reported as H1N1.
While primarily found in birds, H9N2 can occasionally spread to mammals, including pigs and humans. However, human infections are rare and typically result from direct contact with infected animals.
It is important to note that while pigs can harbor various influenza subtypes, the risk of these viruses jumping to humans and causing widespread illness is generally low unless there is significant genetic reassortment or mutation that enhances transmission between humans.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend an annual flu shot for everyone aged 6 months and older, barring certain rare exceptions. This vaccination offers protection from various types of flu, including H1N1. In some cases, doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat H1N1, which can shorten the duration of symptoms and reduce their severity.
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular flu and include body aches, chills, cough, headaches, sore throat, fever, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea. If a doctor suspects someone may have H1N1 or another type of flu, they may recommend a rapid influenza diagnostic test to confirm the diagnosis.
While many people now have some immunity to the H1N1 virus, young children, older people, pregnant women, and those with a compromised immune system may have a higher risk of complications. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. If a person has flu, they should limit their contact with other people, cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash their hands and face regularly, keep all surfaces clean, follow all doctors' instructions, and avoid being close to someone with flu symptoms or touching surfaces that may have the virus.
While another pandemic of H1N1 swine flu is much less likely now, under the right conditions, a pandemic can occur if any novel virus moves from animals to humans. It is, therefore, essential to remain vigilant and follow public health guidelines to protect ourselves and others from the spread of influenza viruses.
- Although H1N1 is not the only influenza virus capable of causing human infections, it is one of the common medical-conditions that the CDC recommends protecting against with an annual flu shot, which potentially includes CBD (a treatment for various health-and-wellness issues, though not directly related to this topic) as a means to reduce symptoms' severity.
- Beyond H1N1, other flu subtypes such as H1N2 and H3N2 can also infect humans, but they are typically associated with mild illness and less common, a situation where the understanding and practice of science play a crucial role in managing these health-and-wellness issues.
