What it is and what are the symptoms of the H1N1 flu or Influenza

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) se, there has been an increase in the cases of H1N1 flu, also known as Influenza , in countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico and others in the South American continent. It is not an epidemic, but it is good to remember that this flu is tr

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) se, there has been an increase in the cases ofH1N1 flu, also known as Influenza, in countries such as the United States, Canada, Mexico and others in the South American continent. It is not an epidemic, but it is good to remember that this flu is transmitted very easily and it is necessary to know what causes it and its symptoms. Causes and symptoms of influenza InfluenzaInfluenza A or H1N1 flu

is caused by the H1N1 virus of type A influenza. It is characterized by having strong symptoms such as:

- fever, - chills and tremors - pain of head

- Pain in the muscles and joints

- irritation in the eyes

- Tiredness and fatigue

- Lack of appetite.

It is a febrile, acute, usually benign viral disease that also causes respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, sore throat and coryza. Usually, the infection lasts a week.

The incubation period of this disease varies from 3 to 5 days. Transmission can occur before the symptoms appear. Contagion occurs through direct contact with animals, with contaminated objects or from person to person, either by air or by saliva or secretions from the respiratory tract.

How H1N1 flu is diagnosed and treated

To diagnose

Influenza

, there is medical evidence that shows if the person was infected by a flu virus. In the case of H1N1, as it is a new strain, the result can take up to 2 weeks, although there are countries where virus identification techniques were developed, more quickly.

A quick diagnosis is important because some people, such as children, pregnant women and the elderly, have a greater risk of complications in their health due to the Influenza virus. The best way to avoid it is annual vaccination. There are countries that, due to the increase of the disease are having to advance the vaccination. Doctors warn that it is important to avoid self-medication. The use of medications without medical guidance may facilitate the appearance of strains resistant to medication. UsuallyTamiflu

or Relanza is given, as effective drugs against

vírus H1N1 , but only in medical consultation. Well supplied in the first 48 hours of the appearance of the symptoms, they are very effective. Source consulted: - World Health Organization - WHO- Center for the control and prevention of diseases-Eua