H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Dehradun

What is a H1N1 (Swine Flu)?

H1N1 is a subtype of influenza A that caused the 2009 pandemic and has since settled into circulation as one of the seasonal flu viruses, producing outbreaks in India particularly in the cooler months and around the monsoon. The test detects the virus's genetic material by RT-PCR from a throat or nasal swab, which is both the most sensitive and the most specific method available. Influenza is worth distinguishing from an ordinary viral cold for two practical reasons. First, it is generally more severe, with abrupt high fever, marked body aches, headache and profound fatigue that puts people to bed rather than merely inconveniencing them, and it can progress to pneumonia. Second, and unlike most respiratory viruses, it has a specific treatment: oseltamivir shortens the illness and reduces complications, but its benefit depends heavily on starting early, ideally within 48 hours of symptoms. That time-dependence is what makes prompt testing worthwhile in the people most likely to benefit, rather than in everyone with a cough. Timing also affects the test itself, since viral shedding is highest in the first few days.

Why take this test?

Testing is advised for an influenza-like illness, meaning abrupt fever with cough, sore throat, marked body aches and severe fatigue, in people for whom the result would change management. That principally means those at higher risk of complications: pregnant women, adults over 65, young children, and anyone with chronic lung disease including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity or a suppressed immune system. It is also indicated for anyone unwell enough to need hospital admission, for healthcare workers, and during an outbreak or where there has been contact with a confirmed case. For an otherwise healthy adult with mild symptoms, testing often does not change what happens, and rest, fluids and paracetamol are the management either way. Seek urgent care regardless of testing for breathlessness, chest pain, persistent vomiting, confusion, bluish lips, or symptoms that improve and then abruptly worsen.

• Abrupt fever with cough, body aches and severe fatigue
• Pregnancy, age over 65, or young children
• Chronic lung, heart, kidney disease, diabetes or obesity
• Suppressed immune system
• Illness severe enough to consider hospital admission
• Contact with a confirmed case, or during an outbreak

FAQs: H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Dehradun