Cheers
April 20, 2024
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H1N1 has more severe symptoms than common flu and can be prevented.

Zika and dengue outbreaks have taken the sleep of most of the population, but they are not the only ones. Another disease has been gaining prominence in the news: influenza H1N1 flu.

The outbreak of the disease has even puzzled doctors. This is because influenza is seasonal (seasonal) and usually occurs in the colder months of fall and winter. However, people began to get infected early on hot summer days, and there is still no explanation for this phenomenon.

H1N1 is a variation of the common flu. It is noteworthy that the influenza virus is very susceptible to mutation and thus, over the years, humans can acquire these? Variations? Flu As in the case of H1N1, which is estimated to have emerged in 2009, with its transmission primarily in swine, which popularized the disease as "swine flu".

Raquel Muarrek, infectious disease specialist at São Luiz Morumbi Hospital, points out that H1N1 influenza is transmitted from person to person by coughing or sneezing. And some people can get infected by coming in contact with contaminated objects, she adds.

The influenza virus can affect anyone. But the groups that are most at risk are the elderly, pregnant women and young children ?, highlights Raquel.

Read also: Zika virus: another disease transmitted by Aedes Aegypti

H1N1 Flu Symptoms

The symptoms are basically the same as a common flu, but are usually more intense. Thus, in H1N1 flu can / usually be observed:

Cough;
High fever;
Sore throat;
Severe headache;
Body ache;
Chills;
Tiredness / weakness;
Diarrhea;
Vomiting;
Nasal discharge;
Shortness of breath;
Chest pains;
Dizziness;
Mental confusion;
Dehydration.

"In children, the bump of the nose, which shows a difficulty in breathing, and refusal to ingest fluid may appear," adds infectologist Raquel.

"When starting fever and respiratory distress, the doctor should be sought, remembering that the sooner, the better the elucidation of the diagnosis," says Raquel.

H1N1 X Common Flu X Dengue X Zika

Rachel explains that the common cold starts suddenly, characterized by chills, fever, sore throat, muscle and head pain, coughing, sneezing, eye irritation, nasal congestion and fatigue. However, all symptoms do not always develop.

In the case of H1N1, the symptoms are about the same as common flu, but are usually more intense.

To understand why H1N1 is more aggressive than common flu, just know that when the flu virus mutates, it retains some proteins that make up its structure. If you already have immunity to the previous virus, you are better prepared to fight the new variation. However, some epidemic types rearrange into proteins that people have no resistance to, making some mutations more unknown to the immune system, such as H1N1.

Regarding dengue, the infectologist points out that the symptoms of the disease and H1N1 flu are similar. But in the case of dengue, there is no runny nose, no cough, no sore throat.

• In the case of Zika, there may be skin itching, conjunctivitis, enlarged lymph nodes. The flu H1N1 has severe headache, chills, cough and nasal discharge ?, says the doctor.

Below is a comparison of H1N1 influenza, common flu and dengue, in relation to the symptoms that most often cause doubt.

H1N1 Treatment

Raquel explains that the treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. It also includes the use of specific drugs to fight the virus of this disease, such as Tamiflu. Such drugs should be taken 24 to 72 hours after the onset of symptoms ?, says.

The infectologist explains that there are currently two vaccines available: trivalent and tetravalent. In trivalent, there is prevention for A (H1N1), A (H3N2), Influenza B of the Brisbane subtype. In quadrivalent, prevention is for A (H1N1); A (H3N2); and for 2 Influenza B viruses (the Brisbane and Phuket subtypes) ?, he says.

Raquel reinforces that the protection against H1N1 is contained in both. Vaccines are indicated for everyone except babies under 6 months. But depending on the vaccine manufacturer, the indication for children is modified ?, explains.

The infectologist points out that if H1N1 influenza is not treated, the evolution may include severe forms of the disease, with pneumonia and respiratory failure, which may lead to death. "H1N1 can also cause a worsening of existing chronic diseases," he warns.

How to prevent H1N1 flu

Fernando Gatti de Menezes, infectologist at Albert Einstein Hospital, explains that to prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses, especially the influenza virus, people should pay attention to the following measures:

Make proper hand hygiene. Can be made with soap and water (for 40 to 60 seconds) or with use of alcoholic product (alcohol gel or alcohol gel) for 20 to 30 seconds. This should always be done after contact with surfaces or after compliance between people. It is fundamental practice to prevent the spread of viruses.
Avoid crowding in times of influenza outbreak.
Avoid contact with people who have respiratory symptoms.
Avoid sharing household items such as glasses, plates and cutlery with people with respiratory symptoms as much as possible.
When coughing or sneezing, remember to cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue, then practice hand hygiene.
Remember the importance of hydration to reduce the effects of low relative humidity in the fall and winter months (period of greatest influenza virus circulation).
Having a good diet, not skipping meals and following a balanced nutrition with vegetables, meat and carbohydrates.
Sleep well.
Practice physical activities.
Control the stress.
Try not to touch surfaces that may be infected with the flu virus (such as places where many people touch throughout the day). Or, wash your hands right after.

Specific guidelines for people who have flu symptoms, according to the Ministry of Health, are:

If you have the flu, avoid visiting patients in hospitals because of the risk of transmission.
Always follow the directions given by your doctor if you already have the flu.
Avoid leaving home in the period of transmission of the disease (up to 7 days after the onset of symptoms).
Avoid agglomerations and indoors, trying to keep the environments ventilated.
Adopt healthy habits such as balanced diet and fluid intake.
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience: difficulty breathing, bluish or purple lips, abdominal or chest pain or pressure, dizziness or dizziness, persistent vomiting, seizure.

Always remember that prevention is the best weapon against any disease, and no different in the case of H1N1 flu, which has worried so many people. Adopt the habit of hand hygiene and also the "cough etiquette": use the forearm, tissue or paper when coughing or sneezing occurs, thus avoiding contamination of other people. Also, stay healthy by engaging in exercise, balanced diet and plenty of fluids.