Fact:

Swine Influenza also known as the H1N1 flu or the swine flu is a disease caused by swine influenza virus. Although the virus has many strains that is common and unique in pigs, transmission from pigs to humans is rare. Before the pandemic of the H1N1 virus in 2009 which is one of the descendents of the virus that caused the pandemic in 1918, there have been a few outbreaks of other strains world wide, including the outbreak in USA in 1976 and 1998 and also in Philippines in 2007.

The Influenza A subtypes like H1N1, H3N2 have been mutating, thus containing genes from human, swine and avian lineage. The origin of the new strain is not known, but it is suggested to be a mix of two strains that are usually found in swine.

The 2009 H1N1 virus has been observed to have transmitted from humans to humans, and not pig to humans.

Symptoms:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the symptoms of the 2009 H1N1 virus are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness. In general symptoms include fever, body aches, chills, cough, sore throat, headache and fatigue. There has been an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting. Lab tests are needed to confirm a swine flu diagnosis.

CDC has provided a list of symptoms that requires immediate medical care.

For Children:

Fast or trouble breathing, bluish skin color, not drinking enough fluid, not waking up or not interacting, being irritable to the point that they don't want to be held, fever with a rash or flu like symptoms that improve but return with fever.

For Adults:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, severe or persistent vomitting.

Respiratory failure is the leading cause of death; other causes of death are pneumonia (leading to sepsis), high fever (leading to neurological problems), dehydration (from excessive vomiting and diarrhea) and electrolyte imbalance. Fatalities are more likely in young children and the elderly as they have compromised immune system, but fatalities in Mexico have been reported in young adults as well. Increasing number of fatalities around the world suggest that swine flu patients with some pre-existing or underlying conditions, young or old, are at high risk.

Prevention :

Once a person gets infected, the virus is highly contagious especially during the first five days and spread by coughing or sneezing and people coming in physical contact like touching something with the virus on it and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose as long as the person is symptomatic or for atleast 7 days following the onset of illness. Younger children may be contagious for a little longer than adults.

Standard infection control against Influenza is recommended to prevent the spread of the swine flu virus. Maintaining good hygiene like washing hands frequently especially after coughing or sneezing, using hand sanitizers at home and after being out in public places, use of disinfecting products on household surfaces and sprays to disinfect the air in the house can reduce the chance of transmission.

People who experience flu like symptoms should contact a doctor for a checkup, avoid large gathering and are better of taking leave from work until the symptoms have subsided or for atleast 7 days when the virus can no longer be considered contagious.

Treatment:

People sick with swine flu, anti viral drugs can be offered to make the illness much milder and patient tends to recover faster. The anti viral drugs prevent severe flu complications and should be taken with in the first 2 days from the onset of symptoms to obtain maximum benefit. The flu vaccination available can be taken as a preventive step for patients with underlying condition, but they are unlikely to provide protection against the new H1N1 strain. For the treatment, CDC has recommended use of Tamiflu or Relenza but the majority of the people recover without requiring medical attention or any anti viral drugs.

As part of efforts to protect pilgrims from swine flu (H1N1 virus) the Ministry of Haj is direct in following all instructions to stop the spread of the infection issued by the Ministry of Health. There are full fledged teams of quarantine officials at all entry points supported with thermal cameras and special areas reserved at the airports to accommodate pilgrims who show signs of illness.

In light of increase in fatalities, flu shots have been made mandatory for pilgrims as a measure of precaution against the spread. Other safety measure are being planned to provide medical doctors in hotels in the holy cities to examine and follow up with health conditions of pilgrims and refer infected pilgrims to be treated at government hospitals. Distributing masks among pilgrims coming from around the world and awareness programs are being implemented as precautionary measures so that pilgrims can be safe and fulfill their purpose of gathering - A Blessed Ramadan and Haj.