By Dr Ashutosh Shukla

What is H1N1 flu?

H1N1 flu is a strain of virus that pigs contract and can be passed on to human beings. It was first identified in pigs in 1930. Now it is also spreading as flu in humans, with the potential of reaching pandemic* levels (*Pandemic -refers to any disease that spreads across to many populations)

How is the virus transmitted?

Human-to-human transmission of H1N1 flu is believed to occur the same way as seasonal flu, mainly through coughing or sneezing by people infected with the influenza virus. Infection can also spread by touching things such as key boards, telephones etc with flu viruses on it and then touching your mouth or nose.

How can someone with the flu infect others?

Infected people may pass on the infection to others even before they show any symptoms and up to 7 or more days after they report the symptoms. That means that you may pass on the flu to someone else before the diagnosis, as well as while you are sick.

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu in humans?

Symptoms of H1N1flu are similar to those of regular flu, with sudden onset of: • fever • lethargy • lack of appetite • cough

Some people with H1N1 flu may also have the following symptoms: • runny nose • sore throat • nausea, vomiting and diarrhea Ways to protect oneself from this virus

• • Wash your hands repeatedly through the day with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• • Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes with your hands unless they've been washed.
• • When coughing, cough into a tissue and throw it in the garbage. If you cough into your hand, wash your hands immediately.
• • Sanitize surfaces that may have come into contact with the virus.
• • Stay away from people who have a respiratory infection.
• • Ventilate and allow the entry of sun in the house and all enclosed places.
• • Make sure areas like the kitchen and restrooms are clean.
• • If you experience high fever, cough, headache, pain in muscle and joints, immediately seek medical attention.
• • Eat fruits and vegetables enriched in vitamins A and C (carrot, papaya, guava, orange, tangerine, lime, lemon and pineapple).
• • Avoid smoking
• • Don’t eat uncooked or undercooked eggs and meat. Avoid mayonnaise because it is made from uncooked egg. Also avoid raw salads.
• • Avoid sudden changes in the temperature
• • Stay in good general health
• • Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food

Is H1N1 Flue Treatable?

Yes. Most of the infections have been treated successfully, though there have been deaths in Mexico. In most cases, patients with this H1N1 flu have recovered on their own or the virus has been treated with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu (Oseltimivir) and Zanamivir Faqs related to H1N1 flu I never come into contact with pigs.

Am I safe from swine flu?

No. Transmission of the virus doesn't require you to come into contact with pigs. It can pass from one human to another. According to the Centre for Disease Control, US there is that people who do come into contact regularly with pigs may be immune to the swine flu.

Is it safe to eat pork?

H1N1 influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. You can not get H1N1 influenza from eating pork or pork products which has been properly handled and cooked. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 160°F kills the H1N1 flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses. People in Mexico have died from H1N1 flu, but I don't live anywhere near Mexico.

Am I safe?

No. Any contagious disease can easily be transmitted around the world within a very short period of time because of people traveling from one country to the other. Any of them may have been exposed to the flu. If they are contagious, they may transmit the virus on planes, trains, at airports or other travel-related places, exposing others who may then take it home with them.

I got a flu shot, so I am protected, right?

The seasonal flu shot (which addresses different strains of flu) will not protect us from the H1N1 flu. The seasonal flu shot was developed to combat strains that are not related to the H1N1 flu strain.

(Dr Shukla is Head, Internal Medicine, Artemis Health Institute, Gurgaon)