What is Swine Flu: History, Causes and Effects

Picture Credit: Lauren Randolph from Flickr

What is Swine Flu? Is it dangerous? How can I know if I am affected or not?

These are some common questions that pop up in our mind as speak of H1N1. We understand this and below, we are going to answer these questions for you.

In the mid-20th century, the influenza sub-types were identified for the first time. This lead to the accurate diagnosis of transmissions to humans. Since then, there has been only 50 transmissions. The strain of this diseases strictly passes from one human to another.

The symptom of zoonotic swine flu in humans is very similar to influenza and the similar types of illnesses. These include chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pain, headache, general discomfort, weakness and others.

The Basics of Swine Flu

Swine Flu or Swine influenza, also known as Hog Flu, Pig Flu and Pig Influenza, is an infection which originates from one of many types of swine viruses. The Swine influenza is a stain from influenza family of viruses which is endemic in Pigs.

As of 2009, the recognized swine influenza strains including Influenza C and sub-types of influenza A are termed as H1N1, H1N2, H2N1, H3N1, H3N2 and H2N3.

But what does the letters H and N stand for? H represents Hemagglutinin and N stands for Neuraminidase. They bind to cell membranes of host respiratory which allows virus to enter in host cells to infect them.

History of Swine Flu

Swine flu was first discovered in 1930’s, as a respiratory issue for the pigs. While its transmission rate to human used to sporadic, the rate is increasing in recent years. The first major outbreak of the disease was on 1976 at Fort Dix. It was an Influenza A virus with lots of similarities to present day swine flu. At that time, the government produced a nationwide vaccine to prevent this virus.

The next major outbreak of the virus was in Mexico in spring 2009. Within summer, the disease spread gradually through USA, Europe, and then all over the world. In June 2009, WHO declared it as another major flu epidemic after 41 years.

Some other major outbreaks include 2007 Philippines, 2009 Northern Irelands, 20 15 India, Nepal and 2016 Pakistan.

Causes of Swine Flu

Swine flu used to spread to people who were in direct contact with pigs. But that is not the case anymore. The latter strains of the virus are able to spread to people who never had any direct contact with pigs.

These days, anyone can catch swine flu ad any seasonal flu. People already affected by the flu spread the virus when they sneeze or cough. Anyone coming in close contact with these, touching any surface where these viruses are located, direct touch with an affected person can lead to H1N1 swine flu.

In spite of the name, you can’t catch swine flu by eating ham, bacon, or any pork product.

How Swine Flu Spreads?

Swine influenza spreads from one person to another in a variety of ways. These include inhaling the virus or touching surfaces which have been contaminated with it and later touching your nose and mouth. Moreover, the infected droplets are expelled in air via coughing and sneezing.

And how long does the H1N1 symptoms last? The Symptoms of Swine Flu consists of fever, chills, cough and body aches. These last around right days on average. There are some symptoms which can work for 24 hours after the fever have completely faded away.

Human Effect Stats

Swine flu had some remarkable effects on the humankind. Scientists and researchers have collected various data about the impact of this virus. Below, there is a summary of a few key inductions which are reported for 2010-2011 influenza season.

• Visits to doctors for influenza relate illness stayed low during the latter part of the year, with only a few reporting from regions around the world.

• By the end of April, flu hospitalizations returned to expected levels as customary hospital reporting were suspended at end of April.

• Proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and Influenza provided some interesting facts. There were a few pediatric deaths which were associated with H1N1 flu. Some of these deaths were associated with seasonal viruses.

• There are no reports of widespread or regional activity of this virus for six consecutive weeks as no states have ever cared to mention.

• The majority of influenza virus identified so far is the 2009 H1N1. This virus remains susceptible to antiviral drugs Oseltaminir and Zanamivir with a rare exception.

Unlike the early years, swine flu is no more restricted to a specific strain. Rather, there are several strains and methods for this virus to spread. In order to save yourself and your family from this deadly virus, it is highly important to know what is swine flu, how to prevent the symptoms and the available treatments.

Further Reading:

• Swine Flu FAQ

• Swine Flu (H1N1)

• H1N1 – Swine Flu

• Swine flu (H1N1 flu)