Swine Flu is caused by the H1N1 virus, a strain of the influenza virus. The first outbreak in India was in 2009, and it is still an ongoing disease. It is infectious and can lead to death.

Clinical Features of Swine Flu

The symptoms of flu usually begin one to three days after an individual is exposed to the virus. The disease lasts about seven to ten days. However, a person may have a persistent cough and feel very tired for a couple of weeks.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The symptoms of this disease are very similar to those of other seasonal flu, such as:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Loss of appetite
• Moist, red eyes
• Body aches
• Persistent Headache
• Unusual tiredness and weakness
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Disturbed sleep

Complications of Swine Flu

Swine Flu can turn dangerous for some people, and can lead to death. Complications are usually seen in people with higher medical risks such as older people, pregnant women, those suffering from Diabetes, and those under long-term medication like steroids.

The complications of H1N1 virus can be extremely severe. H1N1 virus complications include:

• Pneumonia with ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
• Respiratory Failure
• Complications in pregnancy
• Encephalitis