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Published on: 23rd January 2024
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Sundus Malik
The First Response Home Healthcare team has put together this informational article about useful trivia on H1N1 and Influenza trends in Ras Al Khaimah region. Here are 20 things you should know about the Swine Flu virus this Influenza season! Are you ready to get all Influenza-related updates under one roof in a jiffy? Then read further, delay no more!
1) The seasonal Influenza virus is usually expected to hit its peak during the months of December to February every year.
2) The H1N1 virus strain, one of the most common causes of seasonal Flu, is a subtype of Influenza Type A virus.
3) There are, in all, 4 types of Influenza viruses. Influenza A, Influenza B, Influenza C and Influenza D. Influenza A and B are more common than Influenza C. Influenza A, B, and C affect humans while D only affects cattle.
4) Influenza or Flu is an acute respiratory infection caused by the contagious Influenza virus.
5) Sore throat, extreme fatigue, chills, fever, headache, body pain, runny or stuffy nose, and cough are all some of the common Influenza virus symptoms.
6) Influenza symptoms are not to be confused with Stomach Flu.
7) There are a lot of similarities between Influenza symptoms, Covid-19, and Common Cold.
8) Influenza caused by the H1N1 virus strain is also called Swine Flu, which in the year 2009, claimed the lives of over 150,000 people globally as per the records found.
9) Seasonal Influenza symptoms are not very different from H1N1 virus symptoms.
10) The H1N1 virus – just like normal Flu – spreads through droplets of sneeze or cough from one infected person to another. It can also spread from direct contact with contaminated surfaces in case you have touched an infected area with secretions before touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.
11) In most cases, symptoms caused by the Influenza virus tend to be mild. The H1N1 virus typically runs its course over time without requiring specific medication. However, there are certain categories of patients who may develop severe H1N1 symptoms leading to further health complications, in turn requiring hospitalization. If left untreated, in such patients, H1N1 could even be fatal.
12) Your doctor may conduct your detailed medical assessment by not just checking for the symptoms but also calling for a rapid Flu test to confirm which type of Influenza virus you are infected with.
13) As of today, the Influenza H1N1 virus is observed to be a much controlled disease, thanks to the massive immunization and vaccination over the years.
14) H1N1 virus strain is currently included in the Flu shot that you need to get every year.
15) In healthy people, it is recommended that, once you develop symptoms of the H1N1 virus, take adequate rest, sleep well, eat right, and have a lot of fluids. You may also take antiviral medication in case your doctor recommends the same.
16) In high-risk patients, the symptoms of the Influenza virus may remain for a prolonged period or the H1N1 virus symptoms may aggravate problems of breathing, diarrhea, nausea, confusion, etc. calling for immediate medical intervention.
17) Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, older persons above 65 years, patients with underlying chronic health conditions of the lungs, and heart, patients with illnesses like cancer, and diabetes, nurses and doctors working in long-term care units, and immunocompromised individuals are all usually considered to be at a higher risk of getting the Influenza virus.
18) Under your doctor’s supervision, you may be asked to get over-the-counter medications for fighting Flu-like symptoms such as cold, cough, and fever. However, it is advised to never give aspirin or any medication containing aspirin to children (<18 years of age) as it may lead to Reye's syndrome in them.
19) Influenza virus and H1N1 can spread to other individuals even one day before the symptoms actually develop. Adult patients are likely to continue to transmit the infection up to 7-8 days after developing the H1N1 symptoms. In children, this transmission period can go up to even 10 days.
20) General personal hygiene and overall cleanliness habits are extremely crucial to keep the Influenza virus away at all times. For instance – Wash your hands thoroughly using water and soap and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing. Practice self-isolation if you feel you have been exposed to the H1N1 virus. Ask your children to stay indoors if they are feeling sick. Use a mask in crowded places. Avoid direct contact with people who are unwell. Get an annual Flu vaccine without fail for yourself and your loved ones too. Keep your surroundings clean. Disinfect areas frequented by infected persons. Keep your personal items separate like toothbrushes, towels, and books, and do not share them with infected individuals.
Did you find this article on influenza updates, H1N1, and influenza trends helpful? Then head straight to First Response Home Healthcare’s blogs corner for more such useful articles on different topics around nutrition, health, medical screening, doctor at home consultation, and general wellness. First Response Home Healthcare is a licensed and trusted home healthcare specialist, offering premium medical services at your doorstep 24X7 in the Ras Al Khaimah region. Book your appointment now!
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 to any medical consultation provided by professionals. First Response Home Healthcare strictly recommends reaching out to qualified healthcare providers and medical experts for personalized advice and further information.
