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Swine Flu
Urgent
Swine flu generally refers to influenza caused by influenza A viruses that can infect humans, including the H1N1 virus associated with the 2009 pandemic. The illness usually resembles other forms of influenza and may cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms.
Body System
Respiratory System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Swine flu can range from a mild respiratory illness to severe influenza with complications. Seek prompt medical assessment for worsening fever, breathing symptoms, dehydration, or significant weakness. Emergency care is needed for severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, bluish lips or skin, severe dehydration, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Symptoms
4
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Swine flu generally refers to influenza caused by influenza A viruses that can infect humans, including the H1N1 virus associated with the 2009 pandemic. The illness usually resembles other forms of influenza and may cause fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms.
Symptoms 4
Chest Pain
Dry Cough
Fever
Increased Appetite
Causes 1
Swine flu is caused by influenza A viruses that are capable of infecting humans. These viruses spread mainly through respiratory droplets and smaller particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. Transmission can also occur through close contact with contaminated secretions. Different influenza strains can circulate at different times.
Infection
Risk Factors
The risk of influenza complications varies with the circulating virus and individual health. Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and individuals with certain chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems may have greater risk of serious illness. Crowded settings and close contact with infected people can increase the chance of transmission.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis is often based on influenza-like symptoms together with knowledge of circulating influenza viruses and local transmission. Rapid influenza tests or molecular tests may be used when confirmation is clinically useful, particularly for people at higher risk of complications or those who are seriously ill. Testing methods and availability vary by healthcare setting.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Annual influenza vaccination is an important way to reduce the risk of influenza and its complications
Hand hygiene, good indoor ventilation, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with people who are ill, and staying home when sick can reduce transmission
People at increased risk of complications should follow current medical advice about vaccination and treatment
Prevention Guidance
Annual influenza vaccination is an important way to reduce the risk of influenza and its complications. Hand hygiene, good indoor ventilation, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with people who are ill, and staying home when sick can reduce transmission. People at increased risk of complications should follow current medical advice about vaccination and treatment.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Warm Fluids
Help relieve throat irritation.
Fresh Fruits
Provide immune-supporting nutrients.
Vegetable Soup
Supports hydration and recovery.
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May worsen dehydration.
Processed Foods
Low nutritional quality.
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Swine flu is a respiratory illness caused by H1N1 influenza virus.
Fever, cough, sore throat and body aches are common.
It spreads through respiratory droplets from infected individuals.
Laboratory testing confirms the infection.
Vaccination and hygiene measures reduce risk.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.