How Does Swine Flu Affect Your Body?

Swine flu, influenza caused by the H1N1 virus is typically a respiratory disease of the pigs. However, in 2009, a variant of the same virus spread the infection from pigs to people and then from people to people. Moreover, in just a short period, the situation became alarming. Declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization, this flu infected millions across the globe.

Thankfully, a vaccine for the same was developed soon after, and the pandemic declaration was lifted. However, this influenza continues to rear its ugly head, leaving many people in distress. It is essential that precautions such as regularly washing hands with Dettol HandWash and covering mouth when in public places must be taken.

How does Swine Flu spread in Humans?

Causes of Swine flu in human beings can take two forms. Infection from pigs usually occurs when people come in close contact with infected pigs, whether in pig barns or fairs. However, a more common cause of transmission is when a person comes in contact with another infected person. Similar to other flu types, this also spreads through coughing or sneezing of infected people. A person may also become infected if they touch something with H1N1 virus on it, and then their mouth or nose.

Who is Most Vulnerable to Swine Flu?

Just like in the case of any other disease, some people are more vulnerable to the H1N1 virus than the others. People with asthma, immunodeficiency, sickle cell, neurological disorder or any kind of congestive heart disease are at higher risk of catching this virus. Also, people who are under multiple medications have chances of complications when infected with the H1N1 virus.

Doctors have also shared that children, particularly under the age of 5, older people and pregnant women are more prone to catching this contagious infection. So, it is essential that these groups of people take precautions like using Dettol Hand Sanitizer from time to time and covering their face when out in crowded places.

How Does Swine Flu Affect Your Body?

This kind of flu seems to have symptoms mostly like that of any other flu. An infected person will have a fever with chills, cough, cold, sore throat, weakness and body ache. In addition to this, the patient may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. Just because this flu has symptoms like any other flu types, doesn’t mean one should take it lightly. It is important to understand how it affects our body.

While normal influenza affects only breathing and lungs, the H1N1 virus affects the entire respiratory system more adversely.

The respiratory system comprises of three major parts:
• Airway, which consists of the nose, mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi and bronchioles
• Lungs, that consist of the capillaries and alveoli
• Muscles of respiration that include the diaphragm and intercostal muscles

The swine flu virus infecting various parts of the respiratory system can thus cause extreme breathing issues and further escalations in patients. H1N1 is not that harmful to people with healthy immune systems. However, it can become serious for people who have compromised immune systems already. It can further cause them bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus and ear infections. Also, this flu can cause prolonged fatigue in the body, which may last for several days. It also causes headaches and pain in various parts of the body.

What to Do When Recovering?

Since this is a contagious flu, therefore practice precautions in the recovery stage. It is essential to take a rich diet so that you can counter weakness and boost your immunity. You can increase the intake of immunity-boosting foods like green vegetables, garlic, ginger, mushrooms, and probiotic drinks. Also, avoid returning to work soon after, as it may slow down your recovery. 

Moreover, going much in public places should be avoided to prevent the spread of the virus further. You should also continue to practice hand hygiene by using Dettol Hand Sanitizer at frequent intervals. Also, spread awareness amongst your family and friends about how best to safeguard against Swine Flu!