050503388
050503388
Published on: 2nd June 2025
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Sohail Bana
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Sohail Bana
Table of Contents
- What is the H1N1 virus?
- What is the peak season for Influenza virus infection?
- How can I keep myself informed of all Influenza updates?
- What are the symptoms of Influenza?
- Can H1N1 cause pandemic outbreak?
- Is the H1N1 virus fatal?
- How can I prevent the H1N1 virus in the first place?
- Who falls under the high-risk category of H1N1 virus?
- When does the Influenza H1N1 virus start to spread to others?
- What are some steps I can take to stay healthy this Flu season?
- How does First Response Healthcare Center help fight Flu-like symptoms?
What is the H1N1 virus?
The Influenza virus which causes the contagious respiratory infection of your nose, lungs, and throat, can be of three types in humans, i.e. Influenza Type A, Influenza Type B and Influenza Type C. There’s also another type, Influenza D, however it affects only cattle. H1N1 is a subtype of Influenza Type A virus. Symptoms of H1N1 virus and the spread of the H1N1 virus are very similar to those of the regular seasonal Flu.
What is the peak season for Influenza virus infection?
The period from December to February is usually observed as the peak Influenza season.
How can I keep myself informed of all Influenza updates?
Various renowned hospitals, specialized health organizations, Governmental bodies, and healthcare practitioners issue self-care measures, how-to guides, and detailed articles on new strains of the Influenza virus suggesting precautionary ways to prevent the spread of seasonal Flu. Moreover, the media and publications also inform the netizens of several Influenza updates every year and raise alarm for any spike in H1N1 cases. In the meanwhile, individuals can proactively search online for Influenza trends in Qatar and look for information on the Flu vaccination’s availability and eligibility.
What are some important questions I should ask my healthcare provider to be prepared for the upcoming Flu season?
- What is an H1N1 virus strain?
- What causes seasonal Flu?
- How to diagnose Influenza symptoms?
- How does the H1N1 virus spread?
- What are Influenza virus symptoms?
- How to prevent the H1N1 Flu?
- What is the treatment for Influenza?
- How to get Flu vaccination at home?
What are the symptoms of Influenza?
Sore throat, extreme fatigue, chills, fever, headache, body pain, runny or stuffy nose, and cough are some common Influenza virus symptoms. While the symptoms may still look similar, Influenza virus is very different from the Stomach Flu, COVID-19, and the Common Cold.
Can H1N1 cause pandemic outbreak?
In the past, H1N1 virus strains have caused massive outbreaks and health emergencies, and countless lives have been lost due to these pandemics. In the 2009 H1N1 (Swine Flu) pandemic, according to sources, about 150,000 deaths had been reported worldwide. In the 1918 pandemic, another H1N1 virus strain (Spanish Flu) infected about 500 million people killing over 50 million globally. However, as of today, the chances of the H1N1 virus strain turning into a pandemic yet again have gone down significantly.
Is the H1N1 virus fatal?
In healthy people, H1N1 isn’t actually that dangerous. In fact, it goes away on its own with just mild symptoms that resolve within just a few days to two weeks at maximum, with additional homecare support like good sleep, nutritious food, adequate fluids, antiviral medications prescribed by the doctor, etc. However, in high-risk patients, the H1N1 virus symptoms can be really severe leading to pneumonia, bronchitis, asthma complications, breathing troubles, further diabetes problems, and other health severities. In certain cases, the patients may even need hospitalization and can succumb to the illness leading to death.
How can I prevent the H1N1 virus in the first place?
By taking the flu vaccination year after year without fail, you can bring down your chances of getting H1N1 in the first place. The H1N1 virus strain is included in the Flu shot that’s being administered.
Who falls under the high-risk category of H1N1 virus?
- Children under 5 years
- Elderly people above 65 years
- Pregnant women
- Patients with metabolic diseases like diabetes
- Patients with chronic medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease
- Cancer patients
- Nurses and doctors in long-term medical care units
- Individuals with weakened immune system
When does the Influenza H1N1 virus start to spread to others?
Adults can transmit Influenza infection even a day before the symptoms of H1N1 virus actually develop and they can continue to spread the Influenza Type A virus till 7-8 days after developing symptoms. Children may carry the virus for even longer.
What are some steps I can take to stay healthy this Flu season?
Seasonal Influenza cases go up usually between December to February. The following preventive measures can help you and your family stay safe, alleviating the risk of getting infected by the Influenza virus this Flu season:
- Wash your hands frequently using water and soap
- Use an alcohol-based sanitizer after coming in contact with any infected surface like the table, door, etc.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue while sneezing or coughing
- Isolate yourself if you think you may have been exposed to the Influenza virus
- Don’t send your kids to school or tuition if they complain of feeling sick
- Using a mask helps especially when you are in a large group
- Do not ignore if your influenza symptoms stay for a prolonged period
- If your family member develops severe symptoms of the Influenza virus, like breathlessness, confusion, nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, pain in the chest/stomach, etc., consult your doctor immediately
- Keep your distance from people who are unwell
- Do not skip the annual Flu vaccine
- Disinfect areas frequented by infected persons and keep your surroundings clean
- Items like toothbrushes, towels, and books are not to be shared with infected persons
How does First Response Healthcare Center help fight Flu-like symptoms?
If you develop any of the above-mentioned symptoms of seasonal Influenza or if your H1N1 virus symptoms stay unresolved for a prolonged period, you can promptly reach out to First Response Healthcare Center, Qatar’s leading home healthcare service provider, and avail of health checkup at home. Moreover, you can get your health queries addressed through their blog page where a plethora of health articles are published on various medical conditions, with simple home hacks you can adopt to remain healthy.
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 Healthcare Center strictly recommends reaching out to qualified healthcare providers and medical experts for personalized advice and further information.
