DEFINITION
Influenza A (H1N1) is caused by a novel virus that resulted from the reassortment   of  four viruses from pigs, human and birds.

SYMPTOMS
The symptoms are similar to those of infection with other flu strains.
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headaches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

According to the CDC, Infected person may be contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION
Exposure to droplets from the cough and sneeze of the infected person.  It can also be transmitted by touching your mouth, nose, eyes after you are in contact with an object contaminated and infected person. Influenza A (H1N1) is not transmitted by eating thoroughly cooked pork.

WHEN TO SEEK EMERGENCY CARE

If your child experiences any of the following:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin color
• 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 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

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

If you come down with any type of flu, these measures may help ease your symptoms:
• Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration and to loosen the secretions.
• Rest. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection.
• Eat a balance diet.
• Take a Warm Shower. Getting in a warm shower with the bathroom door closed works as your own personal sauna. The steamy bathroom helps to open your airways and moisten and thin the mucus in your sinuses.
• Continue to cover your cough and wash your hands often, even when taking medications, to prevent spreading influenza to others.

PREVENTION

These measures may help prevent flu:
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing.
• Always wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol- based hand sanitizers.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Keep the environment clean.
• Increase your body’s resistance
- Have at least 8 hours of sleep
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Be physically active
- Manage your stress
- Eat nutritious food

For further information you can consult:

http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

http://www.who.int/en/