Swine Flu – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
The H1N1 influenza virus, commonly called swine flu, is a specific type of influenza A virus. It gained worldwide attention in 2009-2010.
This particular strain represented a new combination of viral genetics, merging elements from viruses that typically infect pigs, birds, and humans.
In 2009, the World Health Organization classified the H1N1 outbreak as a pandemic due to its rapid global spread. This virus claimed approximately 284,400 lives worldwide before the WHO declared the pandemic over in August 2010.
Although the pandemic ended, the H1N1 strain became integrated into the regular seasonal flu circulation. Today, it continues as one of several viruses that cause seasonal influenza.
Protection Options:
- Annual seasonal flu vaccines now include protection against H1N1
- These vaccines help reduce infection risk and severity
- Particularly important for vulnerable populations
Signs and Symptoms
H1N1 flu, or swine flu, causes symptoms that look a lot like regular flu. These symptoms usually start quickly, about 1-4 days after catching the virus.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever (though not everyone gets one)
- Muscle aches and pains
- Chills and sweating
- Coughing
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Red, watery eyes or eye pain
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Feeling tired or weak
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting (more common in children)
When Medical Help Is Needed
Most healthy people can recover from flu at home. However, certain people need to be more careful.
Contact your doctor if you have flu symptoms and:
- You’re pregnant
- You have chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart problems
Seek emergency care right away if adults show:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Dehydration (not urinating)
- Persistent dizziness
- Seizures
- Worsening of existing health conditions
- Severe weakness or muscle pain
For children, get emergency help if you notice:
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish or grayish skin, lips, or nail beds
- Chest pain
- Signs of dehydration
- Severe muscle pain
- Seizures
- Any existing conditions getting worse
Causes
H1N1 influenza viruses attack cells lining the respiratory system. The virus travels through air droplets when infected people cough, sneeze, talk, or even breathe.
You become infected after inhaling these droplets or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.
People carrying the virus can spread it approximately one day before showing symptoms until about four days after symptoms begin. Children and individuals with weakened immune systems might remain contagious slightly longer.
You cannot get this illness from eating pork products.
How the virus spreads:
- Through airborne respiratory droplets
- By touching contaminated surfaces then touching your face
- From person to person in close contact
- In crowded, enclosed spaces
The contagious period typically lasts 5-7 days from when symptoms first appear.
Risk Factors
Several factors may raise your chance of getting H1N1 or other flu viruses and developing complications:
Age Groups at Higher Risk:
- Children under 2 years old
- Adults over 65 years old
Living Environments:
- Nursing homes
- Military barracks
- Hospitals
- Other crowded living facilities
Immune System Issues:
People with weakened immune systems due to:
- Cancer treatments
- Organ transplant medications
- Long-term steroid use
- Blood cancers
- HIV/AIDS
Health Conditions:
Having these ongoing health problems increases risk:
- Lung diseases (like asthma)
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Nervous system conditions
- Metabolic disorders
- Kidney, liver, or blood diseases
Other Important Risk Factors:
- Race: American Indians and Alaska Native people face higher risks of flu complications.
- Aspirin Use: People under 19 taking long-term aspirin therapy risk developing Reye syndrome if they get the flu.
- Pregnancy: The risk of complications is higher, especially during the second and third trimesters and up to two weeks after giving birth.
- Obesity: People with a BMI of 40 or higher face increased risks of complications.
Possible Health Issues
Influenza can lead to several serious health problems, including:
- Worsening of existing health conditions like heart disease and asthma
- Lung infections (pneumonia)
- Brain-related symptoms from confusion to seizures
- Breathing difficulties that may require medical support
- Airway inflammation (bronchitis)
- Muscle pain and soreness
- Secondary bacterial infections
Ways to Prevent Flu
Getting your yearly flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the flu, including the H1N1 virus. The CDC suggests everyone 6 months and older should get vaccinated each year.
This vaccine helps lower your chances of getting sick and reduces the risk of serious complications that might require hospital care.
Each year’s vaccine targets the 3-4 flu viruses expected to be most common during flu season. This protection is especially important now that both flu and COVID-19 can spread at the same time and cause similar symptoms.
Getting vaccinated can help prevent confusion between the two illnesses.
The flu vaccine comes in two forms:
- Injection (Shot): Available for most people.
- Nasal Spray: For people aged 2-49 who don’t have certain health conditions.
Who should not get the nasal spray vaccine:
- Children under 2 years old
- Adults 50 and older
- Pregnant people
- Children taking aspirin
- People with weakened immune systems
- Caregivers of people with severely weakened immune systems
- Young children with recent asthma or wheezing
Even if you have an egg allergy, you can still receive a flu vaccine safely.
Beyond vaccination, these everyday actions help prevent flu:
Wash Hands Properly: Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap isn’t available.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow, then wash your hands right away.
Avoid Face Touching: Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent germs from entering your body.
Clean Frequently Touched Surfaces: Regular disinfection prevents the virus from spreading through contact with contaminated objects.
Limit Exposure To Sick People: Stay home when you’re sick, and try to avoid contact with others who have flu symptoms.
When flu is spreading in your community, consider maintaining distance from others in indoor spaces with poor ventilation. People at high risk for flu complications should avoid swine barns at fairs and similar locations where viruses might spread easily.
