What is h1n1 infection?

Are you feeling a little under the weather and convinced that it’s not just your roommate’s weird taste in music making you sick? Well, have no fear because it’s time to learn all about H1N1 infection!

What even is H1N1 you might ask? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started with some basic information.

The Basics of H1N1 Infection

H1N1 is actually more commonly known as swine flu. Now before any pigs start taking offense, let me assure you that this isn’t meant as an insult. Swine flu gets its name from the fact that pigs can also contract this strain of the influenza virus and can pass it on to humans. So if you happen to be buddy-buddy with any farm animals (we won’t judge), be extra cautious!

While swine flu (sorry, I mean HIN11) has been around for a while (since at least 1930s) , it didn’t make headlines until 2009 when there was a global outbreak resulting in pandemic status being declared by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). It spread like wildfire due its easily contagious nature (think wildfire but less fun) .

So what are some symptoms?

Symptoms of HIN11

  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Fatigue
  • Body Aches
  • Nausea or Vomiting
    • Frankly, nausea should always be avoided whether there’s an illness or not.

If these sound familiar then unfortunately friendo…you may very well have been struck down by good ol’ Swine Flu!

Causes of HIN11

When a person infected with the virus coughs or sneezes without covering their face (gross), they expel tiny droplets containing the virus. These little guys can then be inhaled by people in close proximity, leading to infection. So if your colleague has been sneezing all over you…it’s fair game for you to cough on their keyboard (JUST KIDDING DO NOT DO THIS).

Diagnosis

So what do I do if think I have H1N1?
– Firstly, unless that IQ of yours is a solid 160+ please seek professional medical advice.
-Star gazing will not cure swine flu (although it won’t hurt).
-In fact diagnosis may require more detailed tests like nasal or throat swabs and blood samples taken from suspected patients.

Treatment

If confirmed having H1N1, there are medications available such as antiviral drugs which may help reduce its duration or symptoms thereof. However these must be prescribed by a qualified doctor #cannotstressenough#!

In general though: lots of rest and lots of fluids – albeit probably just water. Sadly no bacon grease here folks.

Fun Fact: Did you know there is actually an FDA approved Swine Flu vaccine (#themoreyouknow)?

Prevention

Of course prevention remains better than cure so stay vigilant kiddos! Basic measures such as washing hands regularly help greatly increase chances of preventing spread but let’s get real… who hasn’t forgotten once in awhile #washyourhandsyafeelme?

General basics include:

Preventative Measures:

  • Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
    • No hugs for those without tissues!
  • Cover nose/mouth when sneezing/coughing
  • Wearing a Halloween mask year round never seemed like such an impulse buy until now…
    -Wash knees up son! Your mom wasn’t kidding about this one; wash your filthy little paws (ahem sorry adult man/human) frequently especially after coming into contact with public areas like door handles and shopping carts – these are breeding grounds.

So there you have it folks, H1N1 (aka Swine Flu) is no joke. But armed with this knowledge, washing hands, and generally avoiding human contact situations you’ll likely grow to be a snot-rocket-free health champion in no time!

Stay flu-free my friends.

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