Swine Flu (H1N1 Influenza A):A Recent Pandemic and Future Threat

Swine flu is one of the most recent pandemic that have created a global health threat. It is also known as "Swine Influenza" or "H1N1 Influenza A" due to a new H1N1 strain of influenza virus. World Health Organization (WHO) has announced it as a Public Health Emergency in April 2009. The transmission of Swine flu in human beings occurs as normal influenza either through droplet infection or by contaminated hands. Swine flu mainly affects the respiratory tract and characterized by sudden onset of chills, malaise, fever, body ache, headache, throat pain, cough and common cold. Sometimes symptoms may worsen leading to respiratory failure and death. The incubation period is of 2-3 days but could range up to 7 days. For lab diagnosis, respiratory tract specimen should be collected through the swabs from nose, nasopharynx or throat. The live attenuated vaccines and inactivated vaccines are available worldwide to control the pandemic. Patient at higher risk of developing severe or complicated illness and presenting with uncomplicated illness should be treated with Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) or Relenza (Zanamivir) following onset of illness. Nursing management includes isolation, use of mask, lukewarm water sponging, saline gargles, steam inhalation, maintaining adequate hydration, personal hygiene including frequent hand washing, ensuring adequate rest and sleep in a well-ventilated room and disinfection of contaminated articles .Vitamin-C rich diet, herbal remedies and yoga boosts the body's immune system and helps to prevent the Swine flu.