Symptoms and diagnosis of Swine flu

The recent outbreak of Swine flu in Mexico and now spreading in USA, New Zealand and other American and European countries has created a panic among people as it has already taken about 150 lives in Mexico alone.

The causative organism is same a virus of orthomyxovirus group but this time with a different strain, thus even a vaccinated person is not safe enough. This time the strain in H1N1 a genetically modified strain. The virus primarily infect pigs and human beings are the secondary hosts. The disease is highly contagious and spread mainly through respiratory tract by coughing and sneezing. Details about Swine flu and its mode of spread can be seen at Swine flu and its mode of spread.

As the disease is deadly dangerous one must not be casual and should always emphasize and judge their illness and if any doubt arises should rush to the hospital and inform the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The diagnosis of Swine flu mainly depends on the signs and symptoms it produces and based on this the investigation is done to detect the virus.

Signs and symptoms of Swine flu

The person suffering from Swine flu may be febrile and the temperature may be high above 100 to 102 degree F. There may be malaise and bodyache, nausea and vomitting can occur. Upper respiratory symptoms including sore throat, coughing and sneezing may be present. There may be early sign of fatigueness and dehydration due to diarrhea in later stage.

Nasal congestion and rhinorrhea may be seen and in some cases even eye may show the signs of conjuctivitis. In severe case there may be pneumonia and may lead to respiratory failure which the cause of death due to Swine flu. Respiratory distress with fever may be the warning sign and should be investigated immediately.

Who should be investigated for Swine flu

As the sign and symptoms of Swine flu is more or less same as other viral illness causing flu, it is difficult to select a candidate for diagnosis, though during outbreaks as it is at present all cases of fever with acute respiratory illness should be investigated for Swine flu.

In general the investigation for Swine flu should be done in all suspected case which is defined as as a person with acute febrile respiratory illness with onset within 7 days of close contact with a person who is a confirmed case of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection.

A close contact means a contact with an infected person within about 6 feet of an ill person who is a confirmed case of swine influenza A virus infection.

Investigations are done to confirm a case, the investigations required in a suspected case of Swine flu are

Investigations for Swine flu

To confirm a suspected case of Swine flu following investigations are done. Though a proper history always holds the key to detects the close contacts and suspecting a case.

Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
In this detection and quantification of mRNA is done. This test detects the viral load in an individual.

Viral culture
The throat swab is generally taken to culture virus from the suspected cases. Though if it is not detected doesnt rule out the disease.

Detection of antibodies
This is a sensitive test and there is four-fold rise in swine influenza A (H1N1) virus-specific neutralizing antibodies.

Thus a timely detection and confirmation of the case can not only save the life of the sufferer but can also be helpful in restricting the spread of the disease, as the outbreak is in a danger to be global and can take a shape of pandemic.

The treatment and prevention is the field where the concern should be at utmost priority. To know about treatment and prevention please see Treatment and Prevention of Swine flu.