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Published on: 2nd June 2025
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Farheen Malik
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Farheen Malik
From December till February: This is usually that time of the year when the Flu season is at its peak, isn’t it? When the weather changes, seasonal Influenza cases tend to swell as well amidst other outbreaks and infections. Here’s how you can be better prepared this year against the Influenza virus that causes the infection of the upper and lower respiratory tract in humans.
- Use water and soap to regularly wash your hands properly
- After coming in contact with objects (like door knobs, table surfaces etc.) that could have been infected with contaminated droplets of an infected person, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to stay protected and don’t touch your mouth, nose, or eyes
- Cover your mouth while talking; sneeze and cough into your elbow or you can even use a tissue to avoid droplets from spreading into the air and infecting others around you
- Stay indoors and isolate yourself if you are feeling sick due to any Flu-like symptoms
- Do not send your children to school or classes if they are showing any Influenza virus symptoms as kids tend to share their belongings with each other leading to uncontrolled transmission of the Influenza infection
- Avoid going to crowded places and always use a mask when you’re in the vicinity of a lot of people who may be carriers of the virus
- Seek urgent medical advice from your doctor if you are experiencing Influenza symptoms for a prolonged period
- Watch out for any adverse and severe symptoms like shortness of breath, confusion, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, pain in the chest/stomach etc.
- Do not come in close or direct contact with people who are keeping unwell
- Insist your near and dear ones to get the annual Flu shot in time
- Disinfect areas frequented by the infected person and keep them clean always
- A big no to sharing any of your items like toothbrushes, towels, or books with the infected person
First Response Healthcare’s blogs are curated exclusively by our in-house medical experts who aim to bring to your fingertips highly useful information about epidemics, infections, illnesses, and medical conditions. The articles strive to keep you updated with all trends in healthcare: everything you need to know right from their home healthcare services, advanced homecare nursing, and lab tests at home, to physiotherapy on call and doctor on call consultation. Not just that, these blogs provide you with a one-stop solution to all your health queries.
Book an appointment now with First Response Healthcare’s well-trained and experienced doctors, here’s all you can ask them about the H1N1 virus and Influenza trends in Abu Dhabi. Below is a short guide to help you get one-on-one personalized Influenza updates at home:
- What are some self-care measures I can adopt and guidelines that I can follow to prevent seasonal Flu?
- Where can I get to know about Flu vaccination’s availability and eligibility?
- What are the different types of H1N1 virus strains?
- What are some common causes of seasonal Flu?
- How to diagnose Influenza illness?
- How can I care for someone who’s fighting the H1N1 virus?
- What are the symptoms of H1N1?
- How to prevent H1N1 Flu?
- How to avail treatment for Influenza infection?
- How can I get Flu vaccination at home?
- When should I reach out to a medical expert for immediate assistance?
The Influenza virus causes Influenza infection or Flu in humans. Influenza, a common contagious illness, with mild to severe symptoms, primarily affects the respiratory system (nose, throat, and lungs). Sore throat, body pain, headache, fatigue, chills, fever, runny or stuffy nose, and cough are some common Influenza virus symptoms.
Are there any similarities between Influenza, COVID-19, the Common Cold, and Stomach Flu? Yes, indeed. The symptoms of the Influenza virus are quite identical to the symptoms of the other conditions mentioned above. Humans can get infected with Influenza Type A, Influenza Type B, and Influenza Type C, however, Influenza Type D affects only cattle. H1N1 is a subtype of Influenza Type A virus. Symptoms of H1N1 virus are very similar to the symptoms of normal seasonal Flu. Also, the spread of the H1N1 virus is not very different from the spread of a regular Flu virus i.e. through contaminated droplets from an infected person’s sneeze or cough which may be inhaled by the other person. Alternatively, it can also spread when an individual touches their face (eyes, nose, and mouth) after touching the infected surfaces containing the droplets that may have settled on those objects, frequented earlier by the infected person.
H1N1 virus is also popularly known as Swine Flu as a similar respiratory infection was seen to be found even in pigs. H1N1 virus can get serious in people who fall under the high-risk category: Pregnant women, infants under the age of 5, elderly people above 65 years, patients with chronic health conditions of the lungs, and the heart, patients with metabolic diseases like diabetes, cancer patients, immunocompromised individuals, healthcare professionals and nurses in long-term care facilities etc. In others who are healthy, Influenza illness caused by the H1N1 virus needs no special medical treatment, it resolves on its own. Adequate rest, liquid intake, a good amount of sleep and exercise coupled with a healthy diet and antiviral medication if any as prescribed by the doctor can help you to bid a gradual bye to Influenza symptoms sooner. In individuals who are at a higher risk, the H1N1 virus may even require hospitalization and lead to several complications like pneumonia, and bronchitis, turning fatal in certain cases. If your Influenza symptoms last for a longer period, or in case you develop any of the following signs like breathing difficulties, dizziness, and confusion, speak to your doctor to get prompt medical support. First Response Healthcare also offers lab testing at home to support you in the nick of time with convenient and reliable home healthcare services right at your doorstep.
Disclaimer: This content piece is no substitute for direct medical advice. The purpose and intent of this blog is just to impart knowledge, share general tips, and spread awareness about health. It is not a replacement for any medical consultation provided by professionals. First Response Healthcare strictly recommends reaching out to qualified healthcare providers and medical experts for personalized advice and further information.
