H1N1 VIRUS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

H1N1 VIRUS: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NEWS: Child dies of suspected H1N1 in Kochi

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

A four-year-old child is suspected to have died of H1N1 (swine flu).

H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)

Type:

• Influenza A virus subtype H1N1.

Common Name:

• Also known as Swine Flu.

Transmission:

• Spread through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing).
• Can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.

Symptoms:

·         Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue also some may experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Prevention:

·         Frequent hand washing with soap.,use of hand sanitizers., avoiding close contact with infected individuals & vaccination.

Treatment:

·         Antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).

·         Symptomatic treatment (rest, fluids, pain relievers).

At-risk Groups:

·         Young children, elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions.

Outbreaks:

·         Significant outbreak in 2009, classified as a pandemic by WHO.

Complications:

·         Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, worsening of chronic medical conditions.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/child-dies-of-suspected-h1n1-in-kochi/article68420904.ece#:~:text=A%20four%2Dyear%2Dold%20child,Libu%20of%20Elavamthurthil%20House%2C%20Varapuzha.