Swine Flu is a seasonal infection caused by the H1N1 virus, which was initially found in pigs. Children, pregnant women, and elderly people are usually more prone to this virus. This article aims to equip you with all the necessary information about the virus, enabling you to take the right precaution at the right time.
Swine Flu (H1N1) is a type of virus which is similar to the flu virus that affects pigs. There was a swine flu pandemic in 2009 with the H1N1 virus spreading like wild fire from one person to another across many countries around the world.
The World Health Organisation had then announced that the virus would be under control by 2010, but this did not stay true for too long.
Swine flu is caused by the H1N1 virus and can have adverse effects in babies. This virus affects the respiratory tract and causes serious health complexities. Hence, recognising the right swine flu symptoms in children and adults alike, at the right time, is important. If your baby is suffering from prolonged fever and experiencing chills, then you need to take precautionary steps. This could be an early symptom of swine flu, and you must consult a doctor immediately.
The most common symptoms of H1N1 are:
In some cases, especially in cases of young babies, the symptoms include the following:
Swine flu is a potentially fatal virus. If you observe the above-mentioned swine flu symptoms in babies, make sure you consult a paediatrician without delay.
The causes of swine flu are the same as any other flu. It gets transmitted when you come in contact with someone who is already infected by the virus. Since babies and children are not very mindful of their surroundings, they are more prone to contract the disease than adults.
Coming in direct contact with an infected pig may increase chances of catching the virus.
Children with a weak immune system and chronic health issues like diabetes, asthma and obesity catch this flu virus more easily than others. If your baby has a high fever and is sleepy, or does not want to interact and has stopped drinking any fluid, it is advisable to get him medically screened for swine flu.
If the baby displays any of the following symptoms, immediate attention may be needed:
You may be wondering now, ‘What are the tests to diagnose swine flu?’ Well, diagnosis of H1N1 flu is usually made by sampling fluid from the patient’s body. To take the sample, your doctor may swab your nose or throat and send the sample to the lab for genetic analysis to help identify the exact type of virus.
There is no definite cure for swine flu. Swine flu treatment for babies starts like any other cold or flu treatment where the focus is on easing the symptoms. Hence, medication is given to bring the fever down and to ease the symptoms. Antivirals are only given if the symptoms don’t go away even after 5 days of medication and also if the symptoms become severe or the child is admitted to the hospital.
Children suffering from H1N1 flu should be kept at home for seven days and require a lot of rest. They need to take in a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration. They should be encouraged to eat small meals whenever they feel like and should drink only cooled, boiled water.
Infant Paracetamol can be given on the doctor’s advice to bring down fever. Keeping the child cool by sponging the head and arms can also help in bringing down the temperature. It helps to be in constant touch with the doctor to report your child’s progress.
There are different types of swine flu vaccine for babies available in the market. However, the flu vaccine cannot be given to babies younger than six months. It is recommended to have a discussion with your doctor on getting vaccinated for swine flu during pregnancy in order to protect your baby for the first six months after birth.
Vaccines like Vaxigrip and Influvac are prescribed for children below five years. Fluvax is another vaccine available in the market which is only prescribed for children above 9 years old as it has severe side effects in younger children. It is important to consult a doctor before vaccinating your child against swine flu.
A seasonal flu vaccination is also available in the market which is recommended for people with weak immunity, chronic respiratory conditions, and pregnant women.
Swine flu in babies can be prevented by following a few measures religiously.
If your baby is diagnosed with H1N1, make sure that you keep them indoors and administer the prescribed medicines on time. This will prevent the virus from spreading to other children.
Yes, swine flu is contagious and spreads from one person to another either by inhaling the infected droplets suspended in the air while coughing or sneezing or by touching an object contaminated by the virus.
Swine flu works like any other flu and takes the same time to get cured. Swine flu fever lasts for 2 to 3 days with symptoms like a runny nose for 1 to 2 weeks and cough for 2 to 3 weeks. In some cases, swine flu fever may stay for almost 4 to 5 days.
For babies, you need to consult their paediatrician in case of any flu. All general physicians can treat swine flu. There are no specific doctors for treating this condition unless a comprehensive probing is required to treat different symptoms. In such cases, your child’s doctor will refer you to the right specialist.
The risk factors of getting swine flu are like any other flu. Anyone who comes in contact with an infected person or spends time in an area with a good number of infected people may easily get the virus. The following people are at a higher risk factor than others:
Yes, there are a few home remedies that can help you to treat or prevent any flu virus in your baby including swine flu. These measures can be adopted just before and during the rainy season to prevent or treat flu viruses.
Please consult your doctor before opting for any home remedies as it may not be suitable for all body types.
Swine flu is a highly contagious infection that can affect your baby and cause a lot of distress. Keep the above signs, precautions and remedies in mind to protect your baby.