Swine flu is one of the influenza (flu) diseases. Although swine flu is considered highly contagious, it usually shows a mild course.
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a form of influenza (flu disease) that can affect humans, as well as various mammals. In medicine, the influenza agent that can lead to swine flu is also known as influenza A virus H1N1. In 2009 and 2010, swine flu spread as a so-called pandemic (an infectious disease that crosses both national borders and continents). Swine flu is usually accompanied by symptoms such as fever, cough, loss of appetite, and vomiting and diarrhea. The disease is considered highly contagious. Researchers believe that the virus responsible for swine flu first appeared in 1918 in the form of the so-called Spanish flu.
Causes
Swine flu is caused by infection with the virus that causes it. Such infection can occur through droplet or smear infection, among other methods. In so-called droplet infections, the virus responsible for swine flu is transmitted to other people by droplets originating from the nasopharynx of infected people. This is possible, for example, while the person is talking or coughing or sneezing. Since the swine flu virus can also survive for some time outside the human body, a so-called smear infection is also possible. This takes place when, for example, the virus is passed from the affected person to another person when shaking hands. From here, the swine flu virus can now reach the mucous membranes of the mouth or nose. After a healed infection with swine flu, there is only limited protection against reinfection, because the pathogen can mutate and is then no longer recognized by the immune system as the same virus.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Swine flu basically presents with the same symptoms as the common, seasonal flu. This mainly includes fever and a strong feeling of illness. As part of this, there may be aching limbs, a general feeling of weakness, loss of appetite, headaches and heavy sweating. The patients also suffer from a strong cough. In addition, there is a cold and the formation of large amounts of mucus. These symptoms usually appear within four days of infection with H1N1. In most cases, the symptoms last for about a week and become weaker during this time. The fever in particular is high in the first few days, reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, but then quickly subsides. In addition, gastrointestinal symptoms occur during swine flu. Nausea and vomiting are common. There is also stomach and intestinal discomfort and diarrhea. Abdominal pain represents a common symptom. Contrary to popular belief, swine flu is not much more dangerous than the common flu. In most cases, the disease takes a very mild course and is almost indistinguishable from regular flu. However, the symptoms make swine flu highly contagious. In addition, the risk of complications is higher.
Diagnosis and course
A suspected diagnosis of swine flu can initially be made based on the presence of typical symptoms. Characteristic here, in addition to the typical symptoms of an influenza illness (influenza), such as sudden onset of fever and cough or cold, are additional signs such as vomiting and/or diarrhea. In a few cases, however, swine flu can also progress without symptoms noticeable to the person affected. However, a suspected diagnosis of swine flu can only be confirmed after a medical swab is taken from the mucous membranes of the mouth or nose. Although the course of swine flu has so far proved to be predominantly mild, there have been deaths worldwide in connection with the disease. Those at higher risk for more severe courses of swine flu include children younger than four years old, women during pregnancy, and people with certain chronic conditions.
Complications
In most cases, swine flu takes a mild to moderate course, so complications are rare. However, if they do occur, it prolongs the duration of the illness. In some cases, even danger to life is possible.Secondary infections are among the most common sequelae of swine flu. For example, the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract can be temporarily damaged by the viruses that cause the disease, so that other pathogens such as bacteria can easily penetrate the affected organism. This in turn creates the risk of additional infections such as pneumonia, otitis media or inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). The extent of the damage caused by the secondary infection, also called superinfection, depends on the patient’s general state of health. Seniors, pregnant women, young children, or people already suffering from chronic pre-existing conditions such as bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, or AIDS (HIV) are considered to be particularly at risk for secondary infections. Pneumonia is primarily seen in children as well as young adults. Another complication of swine flu is myositis (muscle inflammation). Especially in children, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) sometimes occurs. A rare but very dangerous consequence of swine flu is lung failure. In this case, the germs of the disease attack the lungs and lead to inflammation of their tissue. Because there is therefore hardly any gas exchange within the alveoli, in extreme cases the patient is at risk of death by suffocation.
When should you go to the doctor?
In the case of swine flu, immediate treatment by a physician is necessary to prevent further symptoms and complications. Only early diagnosis and treatment of the disease can prevent the death of the affected person. A doctor should be consulted if the patient suffers from a very high fever. In this case, the fever occurs without any particular reason and lasts for a relatively long time. Also, the patient suffers from severe headache, sweating, and generally a feeling of fatigue and weakness. A doctor should always be consulted for these symptoms. Similarly, rhinitis and cough indicate swine flu and should be investigated. Some patients also have chest pain or severe diarrhea and vomiting. If these complaints occur over a longer period of time, a general practitioner should be consulted. Further treatment is then also usually carried out by a general practitioner.
Treatment and therapy
Appropriate therapeutic treatment of swine flu depends initially on the course of the disease; if swine flu is mild, treatment of the symptoms that occur is usually sufficient. After consultation with the attending physician, this is possible, for example, with the aid of drugs with a fever-reducing effect or with drugs that combat cold symptoms. Occasionally, swine flu brings on various bacterial infections, such as acute bronchitis (an inflammatory disease of the respiratory tract). If this is the case, a corresponding illness can be countered, if necessary, with antibiotics, for example. Depending on the individual case, swine flu can also be treated with targeted flu medication; this may be necessary, for example, for those affected who have chronic underlying diseases. If appropriate flu medication is administered quickly after the first symptoms of swine flu, the viruses can be prevented from multiplying in the body. Prior to such medication administration, a risk assessment is usually performed by the attending physician.
Prevention
Swine flu can be prevented primarily by avoiding contact with the virus that causes it. Among other things, regular cleaning of hands and no close physical contact with affected persons can contribute to this. It is especially important not to touch your own face with unclean hands. Finally, avoiding large events or wearing respiratory protection can also help prevent swine flu.
Follow-up
Swine flu is an infectious disease that can permanently weaken the body. The patient often feels this clearly even after completion of therapy. Therefore, aftercare is primarily focused on two things: On the one hand, it aims to prevent a relapse, and on the other hand, the organism should be able to regenerate sustainably. Aftercare is usually coordinated with the treating GP.After surviving an illness, it is important that the patient does not immediately reach the limit of his or her endurance, but only gradually increases his or her performance through a bundle of possible measures. Adequate and restful sleep is an important factor after recovery. In addition, attention should be paid to a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables provide the body with vitamins. The amount you drink is also important. About one and a half to two liters of water and/or herbal tea daily are necessary so that the metabolic processes in the body can run physiologically and the circulation is stabilized. In turn, everything that is harmful to the organism should be avoided. These include alcohol, nicotine and drugs. Protection against further infections is also part of the aftercare. Clothing appropriate to the outside temperature or avoiding close contact with sick people are efficient measures here, as is reducing stress in the affected person.
What you can do yourself
For swine flu, self-help is the same as for classic flu. Taking it easy, getting enough sleep and drinking enough fluids are the factors that are paramount. Physical rest is important for recovery and to prevent the infection from spreading to the heart muscle. Drinking moistens the mucous membranes and facilitates expectoration of mucus from the bronchi, which is common in this form of viral infection. Particularly recommended are still waters and herbal teas with anti-inflammatory properties, such as sage or chamomile. For coughs, ribwort and ivy preparations have also proven effective. Inhalations can also be helpful against respiratory infections. In addition, rubs with essential oils alleviate the symptoms and for moisture in the sleeping room of the affected person, a small bowl of water can be placed on the heater or alternatively a light cloth can be hung. Neck compresses and calf compresses are among the classic home remedies. Throat compresses act directly on the respiratory tract area, while calf compresses are a proven remedy for reducing fever and can also be used well on children. For swallowing difficulties, gargling or sucking a sweet can be used. Fresh air in the affected person’s bedroom is important during a viral infection. Regular airing should be routine. Cold baths should be used with caution during a fever so as not to unnecessarily stress the patient’s weakened circulation.
