Doctor's Notes on Swine Flu (Novel H1N1 Influenza and H3N2v)
Swine flu is a type of influenza that originates in pigs. Swine flu is caused by a specific strain of the H1N1 virus and the newest swine flu virus, H3N2v. There are many strains of the virus that only infect pigs. Only certain strains also affect humans. Swine flu is contagious and is spread from person-to-person.
Symptoms of both H1N1 and H3N2v strains of the swine flu include a respiratory infection. Signs of respiratory infection include
- fever,
- cough, and
- sore throat.
Other symptoms of swine flu include
Symptoms in very young children may include listlessness or shortness of breath.
Rarely, swine flu can cause severe symptoms including pneumonia or respiratory failure leading to death.
What is the treatment for swine flu?
Most people with swine flu are treated at home with drinking liquids, resting and over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol. The FDA has approved these drugs to treat during the first day or two of the flu:
- Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
- Zanamivir (Relenza)
- Peramivir (Rapivab)
- Baloxavir (Xofluza)
Some patients may develop severe flu and may require hospitalization. The H1N1 viral strain has been included in a seasonal flu vaccine.
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REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.