How to treat h1n1 flu at home. Swine flu - influenza A (H1N1). The use of antiviral drugs in children

Influenza A (H1N1), formerly known as swine flu, is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease of pigs caused by one of several swine influenza A viruses. It typically has high morbidity and low mortality (1-4%). The virus is spread among pigs by airborne droplets, by direct and indirect contact and by carrier pigs that do not show symptoms of the disease. Outbreaks of the disease occur in pigs throughout the year, and in temperate zones - most often in autumn and winter. Many countries routinely vaccinate swine populations against swine flu.

Most often, swine influenza viruses belong to the H1N1 subtype, but other subtypes (such as H1N2, H3N1 and H3N2) circulate in pigs. In addition to swine influenza viruses, pigs can also be infected with avian influenza viruses and seasonal human influenza viruses. The porcine H3N2 virus is believed to have been introduced into pig populations by humans. Sometimes pigs can be infected with more than one virus at the same time, allowing the genes of these viruses to mix. This can lead to the emergence of an influenza virus containing genes from different sources - the so-called "reassortant" virus. Although swine influenza viruses are usually species-specific and only infect pigs, they sometimes cross the species barrier and cause illness in humans.

Outbreaks and isolated cases of human infection with influenza A (H1N1) have been reported from time to time. As a rule, its clinical symptoms are similar to those of seasonal influenza, but the recorded clinical picture varies widely - from asymptomatic infection to severe pneumonia with fatal outcome.

Because the typical clinical presentation of influenza A (H1N1) infection in humans is similar to that of seasonal influenza and other acute upper respiratory tract infections, most cases are discovered incidentally during seasonal influenza surveillance. Mild and asymptomatic cases may go undiagnosed; therefore, the actual prevalence of this disease in humans is unknown.

Since the implementation of the IHR (2005)1 in 2007, WHO has received notifications of influenza A (H1N1) cases from the United States of America and Spain.

Humans usually get influenza A (H1N1) from infected pigs, but in some cases people have no previous exposure to pigs or the environment where the pigs were. In some cases, human-to-human transmission has occurred, but it has been limited to people and groups of people who have had close contact with sick people.

Yes. There is no evidence of transmission of influenza A (H1N1) to humans through consumption of properly processed and cooked pork (pork meat) or pork by-products. The virus is killed during cooking at 70°C (160°F), according to the general guidelines for cooking pork and other meats.

Swine influenza is not subject to notification by international animal health authorities (OIE - International Bureau of Epizootics, www.oie.int), so the extent of its international distribution in animals is not well known. In the United States of America, the disease is considered endemic. Pigs are also known to have outbreaks in North America, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Sweden and Italy), Africa (in Kenya) and parts of East Asia, including China and Japan.

In all likelihood, most people, especially those who do not have regular contact with pigs, do not have immunity to swine flu viruses that can prevent viral infection. If effective human-to-human transmission of influenza A (H1N1) virus is established, an influenza pandemic may occur. The impact of a pandemic caused by such a virus is difficult to predict: it depends on the virulence of the virus, existing immunity in humans, cross-immunity from antibodies acquired from seasonal influenza infection, and host factors.

There are no vaccines containing the current influenza A (H1N1) virus that causes illness in humans. It is not known whether available vaccines for human seasonal influenza can provide any protection. Influenza viruses change very quickly. To provide maximum protection to humans, it is important to develop a vaccine against the currently circulating strain of the virus. Therefore, WHO needs access to as many viruses as possible so that the most suitable virus can be selected for a vaccine.

Antiviral medicines for seasonal influenza are available in some countries and are effective in preventing and treating the illness. There are two classes of such drugs: 1) adamantanes (amantadine and rimantadine) and 2) influenza neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir and zanamivir).

Most patients in previously reported cases of influenza A (H1N1) recovered completely from the disease without any medical attention and antiviral drugs.

Some influenza viruses develop resistance to antiviral drugs, limiting the effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis and treatment. Viruses obtained from patients in recent cases of swine flu in the United States of America were found to be susceptible to oseltamivir and zanamivir, but resistant to amantadine and rimantadine.

There is insufficient information available to recommend the use of antivirals for the prevention and treatment of influenza A (H1N1) virus infection. Clinicians should make decisions based on clinical and epidemiological assessment, and on the harms and benefits of prevention/treatment for the patient. For the current outbreak of influenza A (H1N1), in the United States of America and Mexico, national and local health authorities recommend the use of oseltamivir and zanamivir for the treatment and prevention of the disease, taking into account the susceptibility characteristics of the virus.

Although there is no clear evidence that current human cases of swine flu are related to recent or ongoing influenza-like illness in swine, it is desirable to minimize contact with sick pigs and report such animals to the appropriate animal health authorities.

Most people are infected through prolonged close contact with infected pigs. To prevent exposure to pathogens, proper hygiene must be maintained in all animal contact and especially during slaughter and subsequent handling. Sick animals or animals that have died of disease should not be subjected to primary treatment. The recommendations of the relevant national authorities should be followed.

There is no evidence that influenza A (H1N1) is transmitted to humans by eating properly processed and cooked pork (pork meat) or pork by-products. Influenza virus is killed during cooking at 70°C (160°F), according to the general guidelines for cooking pork and other meats.

In the past, people infected with swine flu were usually mildly ill, but could lead to severe pneumonia. However, the current outbreaks in the United States of America and Mexico have a different clinical picture. None of the confirmed cases in the United States of America had a severe form of the disease, and the patients recovered without any medical attention. In Mexico, some patients reportedly had a severe form of the disease.

To protect yourself, take general preventive measures against the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have a fever and cough.
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, and staying physically active.

If there is a sick person in the house:

• Try to give the sick person a separate room in the house. If this is not possible, ensure that the patient is at least one meter away from other people.
• Cover your mouth and nose while caring for the sick. You can buy commercially available masks or make them from scrap materials, provided they are disposed of or washed properly.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after each contact with a sick person.
• Try to improve the flow of fresh air to the patient. Open doors and windows when there is a fresh breeze.
• Keep your home clean with available household detergents and cleaners.

If you live in a country where influenza A (H1N1) affects people, follow additional advice from national and local health authorities.

If you feel unwell, have a fever, cough and/or sore throat:

• Stay at home and, if possible, avoid going to work, school, or crowded places.
• Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Cover your mouth and nose with disposable handkerchiefs when coughing and sneezing, then dispose of them properly.
• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing.
• Inform family and friends about your illness and ask them for help with household chores that require contact with other people, such as shopping.

If you need medical help:

• Contact your doctor or health care provider before you visit and report your symptoms.
• Explain why you think you have swine flu (for example, if you have recently traveled to a country where there has been a human outbreak of swine flu). Follow the advice given to you.
• If it is not possible to contact your health care provider in advance, report your suspicion of swine flu as soon as you arrive at the health facility.
• Make sure that your nose and mouth are covered during the trip.

In 2009, almost the entire world was covered by an epidemic caused by the h1n1 flu, also called "swine flu". This viral disease is still considered one of the most dangerous, and therefore each person needs to have basic knowledge about its symptoms and manifestations in order to start treatment in a timely manner and avoid not only severe complications, but also death.

h1n1 influenza

Influenza h1n1 is essentially a mutation of a viral disease characteristic of pigs, which has occurred by combining with strains of avian influenza viruses and seasonal classical influenza. The virus resulting from such a symbiosis is distinguished by its contagiousness and high threat to the health and life of people.

The active spread of the h1n1 influenza virus is due to its molecular composition, which includes hemagglutinin and neurominidase, which contribute to the penetration of the pathogenic virus into the body at the cellular level, and most importantly, into the circulatory system.

Two main ways of infection with swine flu have been identified:

• airborne droplets during coughing and sneezing of an infected person;
• contact-household - through a handshake, touching the same objects, etc.

You should not be afraid of becoming infected through the consumption of pork, as the strain dies during heat treatment.

The negative consequences of infection with the h1n1 virus include:

• rapid transition to viral pneumonia (within 1-2 days), which is dangerous due to the likelihood of pulmonary edema;
• increased blood clotting and, accordingly, a high risk of thrombosis;
• the risk of developing kidney nephritis;

It should be noted that for all its aggressiveness, the h1n1 influenza virus is not able to stay in the environment for a long time (maximum 8 hours), and when treated with antiseptics, ordinary soap or an alcohol solution, it immediately dies.

Thanks to the research and the collection of statistical data, categories of people were identified that are especially susceptible to the h1n1 attack, these include:

• small children under the age of five;
• people of the older age group (from 65 years old);
• women who are in position;
• persons who have various severe chronic diseases, oncology, HIV, diabetes and others.

What vaccines are used against the h1n1 virus

Predicting the activity of the h1n1 virus allows you to create the necessary vaccines that help in the formation of immunity to this disease. Vaccination should be done a month before the expected start of the epidemic.
The swine flu vaccine is a clear, colorless or yellowish liquid that, depending on the type, is given by injection or nasally.

There are two main types of classification of injections:

• by country of origin - foreign (Germany, Belgium, France, etc.) and Russian. Their performance indicators are equal, but Russian ones contain fewer viral particles;
• according to the type of antigen - based on live or inactivated bacteria, as well as biosynthetic ones. The live virus is weakened so as not to harm the body. In the other two species, fragments of the protein substance of bacteria are used.

Long-term storage of vaccines is not provided. New species are developed annually, taking into account the modification of the h1n1 virus.

For those who are guided by clichés, the h1n1 flu vaccine may seem like the source of the disease, but it is thanks to it that a person is able to avoid the serious consequences of this serious illness.

Symptoms

The duration of the incubation period of swine flu does not exceed three days and the symptoms of the disease do not appear immediately. The manifestation and course of the disease directly depends on the immunity of the patient.

Since this flu is not characterized by the primary signs of a common ARVI, namely a runny nose and sore throat, it is necessary to know the main symptoms that indicate the h1n1 flu. These include:

• the rapid onset of fever (on a thermometer from 38.0 to 41.0 C) and fever, which do not decrease even when taking Paracetamol or Nurofen. In children, intense heat can cause convulsions and confusion;
• severe weakness throughout the body reaching aches, drowsiness, lack of appetite;
• severe migraine and increased photosensitivity;
• persistent nausea and vomiting, recurring at short intervals;
• diarrhea;
• a strong dry cough from the first days of the onset of the disease, which is accompanied by chest pains;
• shortness of breath (shortness of breath), which prevents you from taking a deep breath and exhaling.

If high temperature, body aches can still be taken as signs of a simple cold, then the last two symptoms (dry cough and shortness of breath) should not go unnoticed. In the absence of timely and prompt treatment of h1n1 influenza, pneumonia and pulmonary edema can develop.

Treatment

If a patient has h1n1 influenza, his treatment, firstly, is prescribed by a doctor, and secondly, it will be based on the following scheme:

1. Carrying out therapy that will ensure the normal functioning of organs and normalize metabolism. It includes:

• the appointment of a plentiful drink, which will be enriched with vitamins (for example, fruit drinks);
• a diet that contains a sufficient amount of protein and vitamins A, B, C, but the food should not be fatty, spicy and pickled;
• intake of fermented milk products with a low percentage of fat to normalize the intestinal microflora;
• bed rest.

2. Symptomatic treatment that fights the manifestations of influenza and improves the well-being of the patient, with the help of:

• Taking antipyretic drugs (Teraflu, Fervex, Nurofen, etc.), which, among other things, can relieve severe headaches.
• Drugs that thin sputum and improve expectoration, such as Lazolvan, ACC. Erespal and others. In no case should you take cough medicines, as they will only aggravate the situation.
• Medicines that fight diarrhea and vomiting. Imodium, Loperamide and their analogues will stop diarrhea. Cerucal and Motilium help with vomiting. Intestinal antiseptics, for example, Ecofuril, can clear the flora of the digestive tract. In parallel, you should take drugs that normalize the water and salt balance in the body (Regidron).

All medicines, including antibiotics, that are designed to fight the h1n1 virus itself are prescribed directly by a doctor after a diagnosis is made and taking into account existing chronic diseases. In severe forms of influenza, hospitalization is mandatory.

It must be remembered that the drugs taken are effective only if all the doctor's instructions for taking them are followed.

Swine flu is a type of acute infectious disease caused by a specific type of H1N1 influenza virus. Such influenza is characterized by a rapid transition of individual outbreaks of the disease into a pandemic due to high contagiousness, severe course and an increased number of complications, up to death.

History of swine flu

The very name of the disease - "swine flu" - causes a lot of criticism from the experts of the World Health Organization. Experts protest against the names of diseases based on ethnic, territorial, professional characteristics or the inclusion of epithets designating the animal world as a source of infection (avian, swine flu). Such a choice of name for the diagnosis discriminates against living beings from certain groups, while the original swine flu viruses, as well as bird flu, did not carry such a threat to humans. Thus, as a result of the widespread name for a new type of disease, mass destruction of pigs began in some countries, not only as a preventive measure, but also with political aspects of the action. For example, in Egypt, where the majority of the population is Muslim with a ban on eating pork, farm animals belonging to local Christian communities were destroyed.

The group of swine flu viruses was discovered in 1930 by Richard Shope. For half a century, individual episodes of diseases were noted in the territories of Mexico, Canada and the United States among the pig population. In rare cases, swine flu infected people who were in close contact with animals (cattlemen, veterinarians, etc.), but the course of the disease differed sharply from the swine flu that exists today.

The cause of the 2009 pandemic was a mutation that occurred when one of the types of the swine flu virus and the human influenza A virus were crossed. Such mutations occur annually, but not all new viral species are able to actively reproduce and can affect humans.

The spread of the virus: how to get infected with swine flu

The new flu, type H1N1, is capable of infecting both humans and pigs. Therefore, both can become a source of infection. The disease does not appear immediately: the incubation period of swine flu lasts from 24 to 48 hours before the onset of symptoms, depending on the carrier. At this time, the virus is already actively multiplying, is released into the external environment and can be transmitted to other people and animals. The average duration of the period of high contagiousness of the patient is 7 days from the onset of the manifestation of the disease. However, approximately one in 6 people is able to infect others up to 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms despite therapy.
The high contagiousness of the swine flu virus is explained not only by its pandemic nature, but also by the methods of infection spread. The pathogen is transmitted from a carrier or a sick person to others in the following ways:

• aerogenic or airborne: the virus spreads with the smallest drops of biological fluids (, nasal secretions when coughing, sneezing). Radius of propagation - up to 2 meters;
• contact-household, when liquids get in during sneezing, coughing, using dishes, towels, from the hands of the patient to surrounding objects.

In a non-aggressive environment, the swine flu virus remains active for two hours, presenting an increased danger to those who come into contact with a sick person or a carrier of the infection.

People of all ages are susceptible to the H1N1 influenza virus, regardless of gender, race or place of residence. However, there are several groups with an increased risk of developing severe forms of the disease, complications, up to death:

• early age of the patient (up to 5 years);
• people of the advanced age period (65 years and older);
• women during the period of bearing a child, regardless of the duration of pregnancy;
• people with immunodeficiencies of various etiologies (due to diseases, pathologies of the immune system, during therapy with immunosuppressive drugs, etc.);
• persons with chronic diseases of the respiratory, cardiovascular system, endocrine diseases (diabetes), diseases of the liver, kidneys, etc.

Increased risks in these population groups are associated both with the characteristics of the body's defenses, and with the specific effect of the swine flu virus on the human body:

• the virus causes changes in the structure of the blood, provoking an increase in the number of platelets, as a result of which blood clotting increases and the risk of thrombosis increases;
• the course of the disease is often complicated by inflammation of the lungs of viral etiology, accompanied by swelling of the lung tissue;
• nephritis, kidney damage, is also a common complication of swine flu;
• one of the complications of swine flu is myocarditis, damage to the heart muscle.

With a reduced resistance of the body or the presence of diseases and pathologies of the corresponding organs and systems, the likelihood of a hurricane development of complications increases dramatically.

Swine flu virus: symptoms of infection

Swine flu at the very beginning of the disease does not differ in a special clinical picture and is similar to the course of most common influenza and acute respiratory viral infections.
In order to distinguish the manifestations of influenza from the "cold", an acute respiratory disease of bacterial etiology, it is necessary to know the pronounced manifestations characteristic of various types of diseases.

The incubation period for swine flu most often lasts from 1 to 4 days, less often - up to 7 days.
Features of swine flu symptoms in uncomplicated form:

• hyperthermia up to 38-39°C;
• nausea, vomiting against the background of high body temperature, regardless of food intake, diarrhea (up to 45% of patients);
• deterioration of health, drowsiness, feeling of weakness, lethargy;
• muscle, joint pain, "aches" in the body;
• respiratory symptoms are expressed in cough, sore throat, feeling of lack of air.

Symptoms of severe H1N1 influenza

The most common symptom that indicates the development of a severe form of influenza type H1N1 include severe headache with additional features:

• localization of pain most often in the frontal region, near the superciliary arches;
• muscle movements in this area (blinking, facial expressions) increase pain;
• possible development of photophobia;
• pain in the eyeballs when moving the eyes.

Swine flu, which occurs in severe form, is accompanied by severe respiratory failure: a feeling of lack of air, an accelerating rate of respiratory movements, a feeling of insufficient filling of the lungs (it is difficult to take a deep breath).

Complications of swine flu (H1N1 virus)

Complications of swine flu are the main cause of increased mortality of the disease. Among the most dangerous complications caused by the H1N1 influenza virus, the development of primary is distinguished. Inflammation of the lungs against the background of swine flu can be caused directly by this virus, that is, have a viral etiology; can be triggered by the addition of a bacterial infection to the underlying disease; and can also be a mixed bacterial-viral infection.

Primary pneumonia in swine flu is the most dangerous. It develops 2-3 days after the onset of symptoms of infection with respiratory failure, accompanied by rapid (2-3 times more often than normal) shallow breathing involving the muscles of the diaphragm, abdominals, symptoms of lack of oxygen (cyanosis, blue nasolabial triangle, fingers, legs), shortness of breath, dry, unproductive cough with clear discharge.

Inflammation of the lungs of viral etiology can lead to a distress symptom, the development of pulmonary tissue edema, which, without emergency therapy, causes death.
Pneumonia of bacterial etiology develops, as a rule, on the 7th-10th day of illness. In contrast to the viral type, there is an increase in cough, chest pain, cloudy discharge from the lungs, with a purulent tinge. Secondary intoxication causes a new wave of hyperthermia and deterioration of well-being. The treatment is long, up to 1.5-2 months, the prognosis for recovery depends on the timely diagnosis of the pathogen. Almost half of all pneumonias of bacterial etiology are caused by pneumococci, every 6 patients have contamination with Staphylococcus aureus, less common is such a pathogen as Haemophilus influenzae. With pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus, an inflammatory process in the tissues of the lung, an abscess, often begins.

Pneumonia of mixed etiology is manifested by the whole spectrum of symptoms that change during the development of the disease. Treatment is complex, long-term, in a hospital.
Among other common complications of swine flu, there is a high probability of developing pericarditis, myocarditis, hemorrhagic syndrome, blood clots, nephritis, encephalitis, and serous meningitis.

Swine flu: signs of complications

What signs indicate the beginning of the development of severe complications of the disease in influenza type H1N1?

• Rapid breathing, increasing shortness of breath, bluish skin tone.
• Severe headaches, chest pain.
• , lethargy combined with dizziness, episodes of confusion.
• Indomitable, repetitive vomiting, at an early age - an increased number of regurgitation.
• Resumption of symptoms (fever, cough, respiratory failure) after improvement of the patient's condition.

Therapy and general measures for swine flu

Swine flu in patients who are not at risk, with timely treatment, in most cases proceeds without pronounced complications. What is included in the list of general measures for influenza (H1N1 virus):

• mandatory bed rest during the entire illness and 7 days after the end of severe symptoms in order to prevent possible complications;
• limiting the number of contacts both to reduce the likelihood of the spread of the virus and to prevent the accumulation of new infections;
• enhanced drinking regimen (compotes, fruit drinks with a high content of vitamin C: from rosehips, black currants, citrus fruits);
• a complete diet with easily digestible proteins (lean boiled meat, dairy products, eggs, etc.). Fatty, fried, spicy foods, canned foods, semi-finished products of industrial preparation are excluded;
• use of individual dishes for eating, frequent change of bed linen, towels, general hygiene of the room.

Patients at risk are hospitalized for treatment in a hospital setting, regardless of the presence of signs of complications.
Medical therapy includes the following areas:

• (Relenza, Tamiflu) is recommended when diagnosed with a specific type of H1N1 virus, as well as in the presence of characteristic symptoms for this disease and / or suspicion of them in patients from an increased risk of developing complications. Patients outside risk groups with mild and moderate forms of the disease may be prescribed drugs from interferon groups;
• symptomatic therapy aimed at reducing the severity of the symptoms of the disease: antipyretic, analgesic decongestants, local vasoconstrictor drugs to facilitate nasal breathing, mucolytic drugs that facilitate sputum discharge;
• pathogenetic therapy is carried out only in a hospital setting and includes the appointment of glucocorticosteroids, sympathomimetics in order to detoxify the body and reduce the likelihood of developing a distress syndrome.

Treatment of secondary pneumonia against the background of this type of influenza is carried out with antibacterial agents, depending on the identified pathogen, symptomatic drugs, it is possible to prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures at the final stage of the disease and during the rehabilitation period.

Prevention methods

General methods of prevention include limiting contact and staying in public places during epidemics, personal hygiene: frequent washing of hands with soap, rubbing with alcohol-containing solutions, use of separate dishes, etc. Important for the prevention of infection and the development of complications in case of illness are immune status of the body, state of health, good nutrition, mode of work and rest.

Non-specific drug methods may include taking antiviral drugs in contact with a possible carrier (Viferon, Kagocel, Tamiflu, etc.), taking vitamin complexes or individual vitamin-containing preparations (A, B, C), the use of barrier methods of prevention (Oxolinic ointment).
For specific preventive measures, a complex vaccine has been developed that protects against the most common influenza viruses in accordance with the forecast of specialists for the coming season.

Influenza A (H1N1) is a viral respiratory infection with an acute course, which often occurs with life-threatening complications.

The cause of swine flu is getting into the upper respiratory tract, and then into the blood - influenza A virus, serotype H1N1. This virus is the most common cause of epidemic outbreaks in the world.

Influenza A (H1N1) is manifested by severe intoxication in the form of a headache, muscle pain, an increase in body temperature to high numbers of 38-40C, as well as a dry cough.

Important! The danger of the disease is that it is often the basis for the development of viral and bacterial inflammation of the lungs, which, if not treated in time, lead to death.

Who is at risk for developing severe swine flu and its complications?

• Children under five.
• Persons over 65 years of age.
• Women during pregnancy.
• People with chronic pathology.
• Persons with congenital or acquired immunodeficiencies.
• Patients with diabetes.
• People with hormonal disorders.

Members of the risk group often suffer from severe influenza A (H1N1) and are prone to complications. Often the disease ends in the death of the patient.

Important! To prevent the disease in these categories of people, it is recommended to carry out specific prophylaxis with influenza vaccines.

Causes and mechanism of development of influenza A (H1N1)

Swine flu affects domestic animals, especially pigs, which is where the name of the disease comes from. Influenza A (H1N1) is common among domestic pigs in Mexico, South America, China and other Asian countries. The virus is also detected in people who often come into contact with these animals (farmers, veterinarians, farm workers, and others).

Direct infection with swine flu from an animal is rare. It is impossible to catch the virus through pork meat.

Infected with influenza by airborne droplets and contact-household routes.

In the medical literature of the 14th century, there is information about a mass disease similar to influenza. But, they could consider and identify the pathogen only at the beginning of the twentieth century, when electron microscopes appeared. In 1931, scientists from America were able to see the influenza virus, and in 1933 they identified influenza A.

In 2009, influenza A (H1N1) caused a worldwide pandemic, thanks to which it gained notoriety among the inhabitants of our planet. Mass panic gripped every country, and the WHO declared a swine flu pandemic.

Swine flu began to spread from North America. Influenza A (H1N1) virus is the result of mutations in swine, avian and human influenza viruses. Panic appeared due to the unknown pathogen. Although the mortality from this flu was at the seasonal level.

The swine flu virus could only infect pigs, but after numerous mutations, it acquired the ability to spread to humans. We can say that a mutated swine flu virus is circulating in the human population, since the original swine flu virus cannot be transmitted to humans.

After many mutations, the swine flu virus is quickly and easily transmitted from person to person and is highly contagious.

Interesting! The swine flu pandemic in 2009 was caused by the H1N1 influenza virus. The following influenza A serotypes can also be associated with swine flu: A/H1N1, A/H1N2, A/H3N1, A/H3N2, and A/H2N3.

What are the differences between the H1N1 swine flu virus?

During the 2009 California swine flu pandemic, some features of the influenza virus were observed:

• More often sick with swine flu young people aged 20-35 years;
• Most people of working age (under 50) died from swine flu. Most of the deaths were caused by primary viral pneumonia.

Clinical picture of H1N1 influenza

The incubation period averages 2-4 days. With a fulminant form of swine flu, clinical manifestations develop within a couple of hours after the pathogen enters the body. The maximum incubation period is one week.

Depending on the rate of development and the severity of the symptoms of the disease, influenza A (H1N1) can occur in mild, moderate and severe forms. occur acutely.

In patients with swine flu, you can find the following symptoms:

• fever (39-40 ° C), chills or heat in the body;
• severe general weakness;
• myalgia - pain in muscles and joints;
• arthralgia - pain in the joints;
• severe headaches, especially in the frontal part;
• cough;
• decrease or lack of appetite;
• in severe cases - shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, indomitable vomiting;
• rarely - sore throat, hyperemia of the posterior pharyngeal wall, soft palate and mucous membranes of the eyes, hoarseness, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea.

With mild and moderate forms of swine flu, recovery occurs as early as 7-10 days. The recovery period can last from a week to a month.

Patients feel residual weakness, fatigue, lowering blood pressure, irritability, sleep poorly.

Important! Swine flu with moderate to severe course, especially in people at risk, is complicated by various conditions.

In most cases, signs of complications join the symptoms of swine flu in 2-3 days. The most common complications of influenza A (H1N1) are:

• viral or bacterial pneumonia, abscesses of the lungs and pleural cavity, pulmonary insufficiency;
• infectious-allergic myocarditis, pericarditis, exacerbations of chronic pathology of the cardiovascular system, cardiovascular insufficiency;
• meningitis, encephalitis, meningo-encephalitis, neuritis and neuralgia;
• Reye's syndrome;
• hemorrhagic syndrome.

The absence of specific symptoms of swine flu greatly complicates the diagnosis. Information about the patient's contact with a sick flu or his arrival from the swine flu outbreak region will be much more helpful.

The following laboratory methods will help to reliably diagnose influenza A (H1N1):

1. rapid method for diagnosing swine flu;
2. swab from the nasopharynx, followed by examination of the material by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR detects influenza virus RNA.
3. Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). In smears from the nasopharynx, using ELISA, the surface proteins of the swine flu virus are determined. The method is informative in the first 3-5 days of illness.
4. Analysis for the reaction of complement fixation with antigen-antibody complexes (RCC). The titer of antibodies to influenza virus antigens is counted. An increase in titer more than four times is a direct sign of the presence of influenza.
5. Analysis with evaluation of the hemagglutination inhibition reaction (RTGA).
6. Sowing material on cell culture or chicken embryo. The disadvantage of the method is its duration.

Influenza A (H1N1) treatment

• Etiotropic therapy consists in the use of antiviral drugs. The most effective drugs against influenza A (H1N1) are Oseltamivir and Zanamivir. Mild cases of influenza do not require anti-flu medications.
• Antipyretic therapy. In order to lower body temperature, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based on Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, Nimisulide, Acetylsalicylic acid are used (do not prescribe to children under 16 years of age).
• Detoxification therapy. In case of severe intoxication, intravenous infusions of saline and protein solutions are carried out - Hemodez, Physiological sodium chloride solution, Trisol, Rheosorbilact and others. In mild cases, an increased drinking regime perfectly removes intoxication - teas from raspberries, viburnum or green tea with honey. Berry fruit drinks. Fresh juices.
• To alleviate cough and improve sputum discharge, sputum thinners are used - breast fees, Ambroxol, ACC and others. Alkaline inhalations, vibration massage, inhalations of expectorants through a nebulizer are also carried out.
• In order to increase immunity, immunomodulators and immunostimulants (, Laferon, Viferon), vitamins and multivitamins (ascorbic acid, Alphabet, Undevit, Multi-tabs) are used.
• Bed rest is recommended for periods of fever. During the illness, you should limit physical activity, rest more, stay warm.
• Nutrition should meet the energy needs of your body. It is better to choose easily digestible foods and dishes with gentle heat treatment. Soups and broths, sour-milk products, lean meat and fish are perfect.

How to protect yourself from influenza A (H1N1)?

General principles for the prevention of swine flu often wash your hands with soap or treat them with antibacterial gels. Avoid crowded places during the flu season.

Interesting! When leaving the house, drip Nazoferon into the nose and apply a little Oxolinic ointment on the nasal mucosa, and after coming from the street, it is recommended to rinse the nose with saline solutions.

The virus can settle on furniture and surfaces in the house, so do wet cleaning more often and ventilate the rooms.

In addition to general preventive measures, there are also specific ones - the introduction of an influenza vaccine into the body, which contains antigens of the H1N1 strain. Vaccination may not protect you from swine flu, but it will make it easier to get through and reduce the risk of complications and death.

Today, many citizens at the word "pork", in addition to their favorite gastronomic delights, have another association - this is a dangerous and severe with its complications influenza A H1N1, which everyone is afraid of because of the threat of death. Despite the danger of infection with swine flu, pork in many families occupies a dominant place on the table. And this is not surprising! Pig meat is considered one of the most common sources of zinc and iron in the diet of the inhabitants of our country. Pork dishes can be consumed from a young age, its chemical composition prevents the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases, effectively lowers cholesterol levels in the blood.

But in recent months, pork has also been at the heart of much of the health debate - according to some impressionable people, pork could be cause of human infection with swine flu. Let's say right away that the transmission of the virus from a live pig to a person is possible and leads to the disease of zoonotic swine flu. In the current epidemiological situation, citizens need to know where this disease came from, what ways you can get infected and how to resist a dangerous disease.

First reports of swine flu A H1N1

Discovered in 1930 in North America, the H1N1 swine influenza A virus only affected pigs in Mexico and the United States. Periodically, the disease in a non-aggressive form was found in local veterinarians or workers of large farms, and even then, more often only by the presence of antibodies to the H1N1 virus in the body. But doctors started talking about a serious danger much later.

In the world media, both on TV, in newspapers and in online publications, 2009 was marked by the emergence of a new strain of the pandemic influenza A(H1N1) virus. The first outbreaks of swine flu "pleased" Mexico and America, then the infection was found in residents of Japan, China, Russia and a number of other countries. Nearly one million people have been severely ill with swine flu, and more than a thousand infected worldwide have died.

The name "swine flu" was given to the new virus because of the similarity in molecular structure with the epileptic disease that affects pigs. But everything turned out to be even more complicated: when a pig gets sick with two types of flu at the same time, particles of the human virus penetrate the particles of the swine variation of fever. As a result, a process of reassortment occurs, after which a new virus infects the human body and is completely unfamiliar to the human immune system.

H1N1 swine flu transmission routes

The influenza virus can be transmitted both between humans and from pigs to humans. By and large, the symptoms and course of the disease are practically no different from ordinary flu. But at the same time, complications are approaching so quickly that sometimes the sick person seeks medical help too late and the doctors are powerless. This is the main insidiousness of H1N1 - unlike the 5-day development of the normal version of the virus, swine flu can be fatal on the third day.

The routes of infection with H1N1 swine flu are not diverse, so it is important to know that swine flu can be contracted in two ways:

1. Airborne. Coughs and sneezes can transmit the infection up to 1.5 meters away.
2. Contact household way. Using the same household and cutlery, household items, products with infected ones, you can become infected when particles from the hands get into the mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth.

The most susceptible to infection and the rapid development of a severe form of H1N1 influenza are considered to be pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, and the elderly over 65 years of age. The H1N1 A virus can become a great danger for people suffering from concomitant severe diseases in a chronic form - oncology, liver and lung diseases, diabetes mellitus, infectious and immunodeficiency (HIV) diseases.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 swine flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are almost indistinguishable from the symptoms of regular flu, which we encounter from time to time during the annual flu epidemics in Russia and around the world. However, let's voice and remember that the basic symptoms of swine flu include:

• headache;
• temperature increase;
• pain and aches in the body;
• cough;
• chills;
• a sore throat;
• runny nose;
• fatigue;
• labored breathing;
• nausea and diarrhea;
• stomach ache;
• lethargy.

One of the most complex and dangerous types of complications, experts consider segmental lung damage. With timely detection, the resulting pulmonary heart failure is cured in 3 days, but the hypertoxic form ends in pulmonary edema and hemorrhagic pneumonia.

Swine flu treatment and prevention

With a possible diagnosis of swine flu, immediate hospitalization is carried out. After a laboratory-confirmed diagnosis, specific therapy and a number of organizational and regime measures are prescribed. The fever period and the 5-day period with normal temperature are carried out strictly in bed. The usual course of treatment can be 5-7 days, based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the degree of complications.

Given that in 30% of cases of infection, the causative agents of the virus are as resistant as possible to the effects of various modern medicines, treatment is prescribed after a complete examination of the patient. At the same time, doctors try to act as quickly as possible, since pulmonary edema, respiratory arrest, hypoxia can manifest themselves within 24 hours.

Please note that to prevent swine flu it is important to avoid or minimize contact with sick people, wash hands frequently with alcohol-containing products, and use prophylactic drugs. It is worth refraining from traveling to countries that are hotbeds of the recently identified swine flu. In the form of specific prophylaxis, it is possible to undergo an annual optional vaccination for the time being.

Remember, no self-treatment! Delaying exposure and symptoms of swine flu can cost you or your loved ones their lives!