Swine Flu (Swine Influenza) is the most recent Pandemic that hit the world. H1 N1 Flu is the latest emergency in India too. H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. Swine influenza virus is common throughout pig populations worldwide. People with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. People, who work with these animals, are at increased risk of zoonotic infection with influenza virus endemic in these animals.

The first H1N1 infections were detected in March-April 2009 in USA. Later it spread from US to Europe and many other countries across the globe by means of international travel by the people affected with the disease causing virus.


Swine Flu Symptoms: Swine Flu symptoms are similar to those of the seasonal flu, viz, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. In some cases, diarrhea and vomiting are also associated with swine flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and even deaths have been reported with H1N1 swine flu infection. It may also cause chronic underlying condition like asthma, diabetes etc. to worsen.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or difficulty in breathing
* Bluish or gray skin colour
* Not drinking enough fluids

* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
* Sudden dizziness
* Confusion
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough