Volume :

2

Issue :

2

Abstract :

The currently circulating strain of swine origin influenza virus of the H1N1 strain has undergone triple re-assortment and contains genes from the avian, swine and human viruses. Incubation period is 2 to 7 days.6 Symptoms of the 2009 “swine flu” pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus in humans are similar to those of seasonal influenza and of influenza-like illness in general. They include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. In children, signs of severe disease include apnea, tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis, dehydration, altered mental status, and extreme irritability.7 Endemic influenza A (H1N1) (swine flu) tends to cause high morbidity but low mortality rates (1-4%). The most common cause of death is respiratory failure; other causes of death are pneumonia, high fever leading to neurological problems, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Fatalities are more likely in young children and the elderly.