Individuals infected with the H1N1 influenza virus can experience superinfections, severe pneumonia, multiple organ failure, and in some cases, death.
What is H1N1 Influenza, How is it Transmitted, and is it Dangerous?
H1N1 influenza is an infectious disease caused by a virus that spreads from person to person. It is caused by acute respiratory infections from strains of influenza A (H3N2), influenza A (H1N1), influenza B, and influenza C, but the majority is caused by influenza A (H1N1).
According to the Department of Preventive Health, H1N1 influenza is one of the current seasonal flu diseases. The H1N1 influenza virus can easily spread from person to person, similar to how the common flu spreads through the air containing tiny droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, laughs, or talks.
- How is H1N1 transmitted?: The H1N1 virus can be transmitted from person to person through direct contact, sneezing, kissing, or touching contaminated objects. Touching the mouth or nose can lead to widespread outbreaks.
- Is it dangerous?: According to an international research team led by virologist Yoshihiro Kawaoka on the H1N1 virus, unlike common seasonal flu viruses, H1N1 can deeply attack lung cells, causing pneumonia and potentially leading to death in severe cases.
- Who is at risk?: Children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, and the elderly are more susceptible to H1N1 influenza.
The incidence of H1N1 influenza is generally high, easily spreads, and can quickly cause pandemics. The mortality rate is low, around 1-4%. Those infected with H1N1 can spread the virus one day before symptoms appear and continue for 7 days after symptoms start. The virus is destroyed at temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius.
The incidence of H1N1 influenza is generally high, easily spreads, and can quickly cause pandemics.
Symptoms of H1N1 Influenza
Although H1N1 influenza is often confused with illnesses such as the common cold and other types of flu, the symptoms of H1N1 are more severe.
After about 2 days of virus infection and incubation, patients will exhibit the following initial symptoms:
Mild H1N1 cases:
- Fever or low-grade fever lasting 1 to 2 days.
- Nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat lasting 1-2 days.
- Chest discomfort, mild to moderate cough, and dry cough.
In the next 5 days, other symptoms will subside; however, fatigue and a persistent cough may remain. Eventually, all symptoms will resolve completely within 1-2 weeks, indicating a mild flu without complications.
In patients with severe flu or at-risk groups such as young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, the symptoms of H1N1 can worsen and lead to complications such as:
Severe H1N1 cases:
- High fever continuously above 39 degrees Celsius
- Headache, dizziness
- Seizures
- Cold extremities
- Rash
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Pale or bluish skin
- Lethargy, minimal interaction
Treatment for H1N1 Influenza
There is no specific medication for H1N1 influenza, and no vaccine is available for this illness. Monitoring treatment closely is essential to prevent the spread of the disease and maintain control. Healthy individuals with a good immune system typically recover within 2 days to 1 week. Those with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, young children, and pregnant women, should be monitored closely, and if complications arise, they should seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Home treatment methods for H1N1 influenza:
1. Stay Hydrated
Individuals with influenza who show signs of fever will lose fluids and feel fatigued. Those with H1N1 should drink plenty of water to replenish fluids lost due to sweating during fever. Drinking fruit juice or vegetable soup can enhance nutrition and boost the body’s resistance.
2. Rest
Patients should rest in a cool, well-ventilated environment that is neither too hot nor too cold, avoiding air conditioning which can affect breathing. According to mayoclinic.org, individuals with influenza should aim for at least 8 hours of sleep each day to aid recovery and prevent infections.
Patients with influenza should not go outside until fully recovered.
3. Use Medication Wisely
Individuals with H1N1 should not self-medicate; they should consult a doctor regarding their health condition to receive appropriate medication.
4. Limit Movement
Patients with influenza should avoid going outside until fully recovered. They should stay away from polluted areas and wear masks to limit contact with others. When coughing or sneezing, they should use tissues to clean up and dispose of them properly to prevent spreading the infection.
5. Seek Medical Attention if Symptoms Persist
If fever persists for more than 7 days or if complications arise such as continuous high fever above 39 degrees Celsius, headache, dizziness, nausea, or chest pain, patients should be taken to the nearest hospital for timely treatment.
According to the World Health Organization, individuals at risk for seasonal influenza include pregnant women, children under 5 years old, individuals over 65 years old, and those with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and healthcare workers.
To prevent H1N1 influenza, the Department of Preventive Health recommends:
- Wash hands frequently with soap, minimize touching the face, and cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid spitting indiscriminately, and use nasal, throat, and eye disinfectants daily.
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals or those suspected of having influenza.
- Consume a balanced diet to prevent influenza virus infections.
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces, commonly used items, and floors with soap or regular cleaning agents, and keep living, classroom, and workplace areas well-ventilated.
- The best way to prevent influenza is to get vaccinated annually.
- Individuals with high fever and difficulty breathing should actively isolate themselves, wear masks, and visit healthcare facilities for examination, consultation, and treatment to prevent transmission. Early detection and recognition of symptoms can facilitate timely treatment and minimize mortality.
- Families should ensure children receive vaccinations on schedule, complete all doses, and get booster shots to proactively prevent outbreaks.
