Swine Flu: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

H1N1 Flu, also called Swine flu, is a respiratory disease that is caused by the spread of Influenza A virus. Swine flu affects both humans as well as pigs. The only difference is in the Influenza A variant that causes this disease. In humans, swine flu is caused by influenza A variant H1N1. Whereas, in pigs is caused by the variant of influenza A that has genetic features similar to H1N1.

H1N1 Flu is called swine flu because, in past, people who contracted this flu when they came in direct contact with pigs. In 2009, it was declared a pandemic because a lot of humans, all throughout the world contracted swine flu. After the swine flu outbreak in 2009, the vaccine was developed to protect humans from swine flu.

Symptoms of swine flu

Although not many people get affected by swine flu these days, it is better to stay cautious and know the symptoms of swine flu. This is important because, at any time, if someone experiences the symptoms of swine flu, he/she could consult the doctor and get swine flu test done. 

Some of the common symptoms of swine flu can be:

• Body ache

• Fever

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Chills 

• Cough 

• Congested or running nose

However, if not diagnosed on time it can become serious and lead to breathing problems like pneumonia and lung infection. If the condition worsens, people suffering from swine flu may experience symptoms like:

· Shortness of breath

· Severe vomiting

· Pain in the belly or sides

· Dizziness

· Confusion

Diagnosis

Without a lab test, it is difficult to tell whether the person is suffering from swine flu or seasonal flu as the symptoms are almost the same. Doctors, at times, ask a rapid influenza test to diagnose swine flow. However, this test can show negative results and might not diagnose swine flu. A test that accurately detects swine flu is nose and throat swab test. In this test, a healthcare professional runs a swab up inside your nose and in the back throat. Then the specimen collected on the swab is tested for swine flu.

Only a specialist lab offers a test for swine flu. If during body check-up, doctors find that their patients are suffering from the symptoms of swine flu, they may prescribe the swine flu test.