PATIENT EDUCATION CENTRE, PSM Dept.

K. E. M. Hospital & G. S. Medical College

SWINE FLU

Frequently Asked Questions by General Public

Influenza – A (H1N1) (earlier known as swine flu) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. First detected in Mexico in April 2009, it has spread to many countries in the World.

Swine flu is basically a misnomer. This was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory testing showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to those affecting pigs in North America. Further on, it has been found that this new virus has gene segments from the swine, avian and human flu virus genes. Hence this new (novel) virus is christened “influenza-A (H1N1) virus.”

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with influenza-A (H1N1).

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through droplets created while coughing or sneezing by a person infected with the influenza-A (H1N1).

Infected person may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. The virus spreads via the air when the infected person coughs or sneezes. The droplets of fluid resulting from coughing or sneezing, speaking can also get deposited on solid surfaces like doorknobs, tables, etc. A person can get infected if he/she happens to touch those surfaces and then touches his/her mouth or nose. The swine flu virus attacks the respiratory tract .

• What should I do if I think I have the illness?

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

If you have symptoms suggestive of ‘Swine Flu’ i.e. fever, cough, sore throat And

1) If you belong to high risk group (age< 5yrs, >65 yrs, having diabetes, hypertension, asthma, obesity or are pregnant), visit your nearest ‘Swine Flu’ testing centre immediately.

2) You have taken treatment from your doctor but there is no relief from the symptoms or if your condition has worsened and you have any of following danger signs:

visit your nearest ‘Swine Flu’ testing centre immediately.

3) For parents with a young child who is ill, seek immediate medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures). In children, danger signs include fast or difficult breathing, lack of alertness, difficulty in waking up, and little or no desire to play.

At the testing centres, the patients are examined and appropriate specimens collected if there is high suspicion. Those who have an illness resembling swine flu and are clinically unstable, are admitted to the isolation ward of designated hospitals and provided appropriate care. Indoor admission facilities are available at

Data from many countries in the world show that certain medical conditions increase the risk of severe and fatal illness. These include respiratory disease, notably asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and immune-suppression. People with preexisting diseases and symptoms of Flu should immediately report to “Swine Flu’ testing centres.

You can visit your nearest ‘Swine Flu’ testing centre and also obtain Tamiflu tablets prescribed at the following MCGM Hospitals and Dispensaries

Swine flu testing facilities and Tamiflu tablets, when prescribed are also available at following private hospitals.

Diagnosis of ‘Swine Flu’ is confirmed by testing the fluids in the throat and nose for H1N1. The throat swabs collected are sent to Haffkine hospital for detection of ‘Swine Flu’ virus in the sample.

Oseltamivir (tamiflu) is effective against Influenza A(H1N1) and a full course of 5 days needs to be taken for complete cure from illness. Tamiflu is provided to all diagnosed/suspected Influenza A (H1N1) patients at all government/municipal ‘Swine Flu’ testing centres free of cost.

The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 meter if possible) and taking the following measures:

• Should I wear mask?

If you are not sick, you do not have to wear a mask.

If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.

If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.

Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.

• What about breastfeeding? Should I stop if I am ill?

No, not unless your health care provider advises it. Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease.

No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.

• Can I travel?

If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider.

• Should I take tablets if my family member has ‘Swine Flu’?

Yes, All close contacts of confirmed ‘Swine Flu’cases are required to take antiviral medicine (tamiflu) for 10 days for prevention of illness. Close contacts include household /social contacts , family members , workplace or school contacts , fellow travelers etc.

If your child is sick with fever, cough, sore throat, consult your medical doctor & take treatment as advised. Don’t send the child to school for 7 days or at least till 24 hrs after the child has recovered, whichever is longer.

Ask the child to cover his/her nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using hand-kerchief, change every 6 hrs, wash them with detergent. Clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis.

As the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is a new virus, swine flu vaccine is not readymade available to prevent infections. The Influenza vaccine available in the market does not provide any protection against the swine flu virus.

Experts are already working on a swine flu vaccine. The pilot lots of swine flu vaccines are already being tested to make sure they are safe and effective. It will take 2-3 months more for the trial results to be available.

No, Influenza A(H1N1) virus affects only the human beings & gets spread from infected person to others. It cannot spread from humans to pets.

You can contact Toll free BMC Helpline No 108 for any queries.