2024-09-04

Category: Staying Healthy

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Weather-Driven Influenza (H1N1) Outbreaks: Tips to Stay Healthy

According to NCBI, The 1918 Spanish flu, caused by the H1N1 virus, was a devastating pandemic that infected about 500 million people globally and caused 50 to 100 million deaths, or 3% to 5% of the world's population at the time. It remains one of the deadliest pandemics ever. Similarly, the 2009 H1N1 virus was also declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). It spread through airborne droplets and possibly via contaminated surfaces, affecting the upper respiratory tract. The similarity in symptoms between H1N1 in humans and pigs may be due to the virus mixing with existing strains, which helped it spread more efficiently.

With a change in weather from a cold to a drier climate, and humid conditions, kids and older people alike are more prone to influenza virus infection. While influenza treatments are not specific, there are medications, and home remedies that you can adapt for recovery. Let us understand influenza's causes, signs, prevention, and treatment methods.

Influenza and H1N1: Types, Causes, And Symptoms

Swine flu or H1N1 influenza is very contagious and transmissible from pigs to humans. It is a respiratory disease that majorly affects the lungs, and spreads quite easily. However, transmission to humans is not too common until contact with environments contaminated with the virus, or through infected pigs.

Types of Influenza Flu and Transmission of the Virus

The influenza virus is divided into four categories i.e. A, B, C, and D. Here is a more detailed look at what these flu types and subtypes are like:

The types A and B lead to flu season because they result in seasonal epidemics in animals and humans. The influenza A virus has a higher probability of causing pandemics, as it spreads quickly and impacts people with weak immunity.
On the contrary, the influenza C virus leads to mild symptoms as the infection is not too dangerous, nor likely to cause epidemics.
The influenza D virus may not infect people but cattle. There is a good chance that other animals get infected due to the spread of the virus from cattle.

Correlation Between the Influenza A Type and H1N1

The influenza A viruses are categorized further depending on hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). These are two proteins present on the virus’s surface.

There are 11 subtypes of neuraminidase (N1 to N11), and 18 subtypes of hemagglutinin (H1 to H18). However, there are over 130 subtype combinations of influenza A.
These spread from wild birds and animals and get worse due to reassortment, wherein the virus swaps segments of genes. Such infection occurs when a host simultaneously contacts two different types of influenza viruses.
The subtypes of influenza A are A(H3N2) and A(H1N1). However, the subtypes are then divided into genetic clades and sub-clades.

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of H1N1?

The primary cause of H1N1 infection in humans is coming in touch with infected swine and sick people. The virus spreads through infected droplets, which begin to be released while breathing and coughing. However, the virus is unlikely to affect you if you consume cooked pig meat and products. Here are some of the signs of influenza to look out for:

Sore throat
Fever
Chills
Cough
Headache
Runny or stuffy nose
Fatigue
Body and muscle aches

The Complications of Influenza Symptoms in Adults and Children are:

Breathing problems
Lung infection
Pneumonia
Severe vomiting
Confusion
Shortness of breath
Diarrhea
Dizziness

The Impact of Weather on Influenza Flu Outbreaks

The influenza H1N1 infection is usually dominant during shifts in weather from warm to very hot, to cold climates, and vice-versa. The increasing humidity acts as a trigger for allergens, a leading contributing factor. Also, travelers are more susceptible to the infection as they travel abroad during vacation and may get infected by the flu.

The influenza virus symptoms are often mild to moderate, thus, there are usually no serious complications.
Recovery is possible by taking ample rest and following simple remedies. Along with that, include a nutritious diet, care, and trying to boost immunity.
Due to seasonal changes, apart from the H1N1 virus, people may even encounter other types of influenza A and B. The transmission is easier in crowded or shared places like workplaces, schools, etc.

Seasonal Changes and Effects on Influenza H1N1 Transmission

A potential surge in cases is seen during and after summer break due to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and dry climate. Keep a check on your health, and if you notice any signs of influenza, consult a doctor at the earliest. Elderly people over 65 years of age, pregnant women, and children are more vulnerable to respiratory infections.

People can spread the infection one day before the onset of any signs. If the influenza virus symptoms in adults disappear soon, the infection can spread for up to 7 days.
For kids, the condition remains contagious for up to 10 days. The best resort is to follow influenza treatment at home and take medicines as prescribed.
When an infected person sneezes or coughs, tiny spray drops are released in the air. These drops contain the virus, and if you come in contact with them, or touch an infected surface where the drops land, you may catch the flu.

Treatment Prevention of Influenza During Outbreaks

Here are some of the tips for prevention of influenza flu among adults and kids:

Practice wellness at home by maintaining personal hygiene. Wash your hands with soap regularly, or clean them with alcohol-based sanitizer.
As for influenza treatment at home, try to have food items high in vitamin C to B12 to boost your immune system. Have hot food to reduce uneasiness in the throat. Stick to a nutritious diet.
If you use tissues or cloth to wipe your nose and mouth, dispose of those correctly and away from direct human touch.
To limit the spread of the influenza virus, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing. Utilize medical masks to cover the mouth and nose.
If you show influenza virus symptoms, then stay home and get well. Do not venture outdoors or come in contact with others until recovery.
Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes with unwashed hands, and avoid contact with sick people.

Influenza Treatments and Vaccination Options

The known influenza treatments for flu symptoms are acetaminophen to combat body aches and fever. Your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as zanamivir or oseltamivir. These medicines can reduce the multiplication of the virus.

Annual vaccination is available for seasonal flu in injectable form or nasal spray. Immunity from the vaccine stays for a short time and lowers the severity of symptoms in case of the influenza virus infection.
Vaccines are less effective in elderly people. However, it can limit the consequences of related death and complications.
The vaccine for influenza symptoms in adults is preferably recommended to pregnant women, health workers, those with chronic medical conditions, or those over age 65. As for kids, those aged 6 months to 5 years can take it.

Conclusion

The weather changes may accelerate the chances of influenza virus attacks. However, you can prevent the condition and transmission by being careful. According to DOH, in the UAE, there is an Emirate-wide immunization registry where you can find vaccination information. So, if you encounter influenza virus symptoms, get tested on time and start with home remedies at the earliest. Follow the provided tips to stay healthy and protect the community.

Flu Vaccine by First Response Healthcare

Protecting yourself and your family from influenza during weather-driven outbreaks is crucial, and First Response Healthcare makes it easier than ever with our flu vaccination at home service. Our DHA licensed healthcare professionals can administer the flu vaccine in the comfort of your home, minimizing exposure to crowded clinics and reducing the risk of illness. Available 24/7, our team can reach you within 30-45 minutes, ensuring timely and convenient care. We offer services in multiple languages, including English, Arabic, and Hindi, so you can communicate comfortably with our healthcare providers. Choose First Response Healthcare for a safe and hassle-free flu vaccination experience at home.

To book an appointment with our doctors who are available 24 hours in Dubai, you can call us at 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also make an appointment by visiting our website or messaging us on WhatsApp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How to Protect Yourself from H1N1?

Get an annual vaccination for seasonal flu for better immunity power. Also, wash your hands with soap regularly, and cover your mouth and nose during coughing or sneezing.

Q. What is the Best Treatment for H1N1 Flu?

Take rest at home, have doctor-recommended medicine and diet, and avoid shared or crowded spaces during the flu outbreak for influenza virus treatment.

Q. What Types of Precautions Are Used for Influenza?

Keep a check on news related to influenza virus infection. Follow personal hygiene, eat immunity-boosting food items, and get due vaccination.

References & Citations:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513241/
https://www.doh.gov.ae/en/news/infectious-disease-prevention-in-abudhabi-enhanced

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