H1N1 also belongs to the influenza group of viruses and poses a greater risk to the elderly, children and people with weakened immune systems.
This week, presenter Silvio Santos, 93, was admitted to the Albert Einstein Hospital in São Paulo for a medical problem. H1N1. Disease is a type of the fluthat is, a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, but its severity tends to be greater in the elderly and other vulnerable groups, both in terms of the manifestation of symptoms and the risk of complications.
In total, four types of influenza viruses are known to date: A, B, C, and D. The common flu, which occurs seasonally, is caused by types A and B. Variants of influenza A include H1N1. In 2009, a potentially more transmissible and lethal variant of this virus caused a pandemic, putting the world on alert.
Since then, however, a vaccine and a drug (Tamiflu) have been developed against H1N1, which have reduced the potential harm from the disease. “It’s been 15 years and the virus has become endemic, clinically indistinguishable from any other influenza virus,” explains Renato Kfouri, a pediatric infectious disease specialist.
But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t cause concern or lead to serious and fatal diseases. Just like “the common flu”, caused by other viruses of type A and B, H1N1 causes fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, runny nose, malaise and chills.. In children it can also manifest with nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can last from three to seven days.
In addition to children, other groups at risk of hospitalization due to the disease include pregnant women, the elderly, immunocompromised people, and people with chronic diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and asthma.
In general, complications that H1N1 can cause are viral or bacterial pneumonia, sinusitis, ear infections, or worsening of pre-existing conditions, such as heart or lung disease.
Most people can recover from the flu at home without medical care. But those in at-risk groups should seek care early, preferably within the first 48 hours of symptoms appearing. “The flu is a virus that causes very serious conditions, especially in at-risk groups,” Kfouri warns.
Vaccine is the best prevention
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent severe cases and complications of influenza, according to the Ministry of Health. Because the influenza virus is highly mutable, the vaccine is updated annually to protect against the three subtypes of the organism that have been circulating most in the past year, including the most recent H1N1 strain.
Therefore, it is important to get vaccinated every year. The SUS provides the vaccine free of charge to priority groups. When vaccines are lacking, as was the case this year, the campaign is open to the entire population. To get vaccinated, simply find the Basic Health Unit closest to your home. It is worth mentioning that, in the city of São Paulo, the flu vaccination campaign has been extended indefinitely.
But Kfouri emphasizes that even if you are vaccinated, you can still get the flu. In these cases, the vaccine reduces the risk of complications. In addition to the vaccine, there are other measures to prevent different types of flu:
- Avoid crowds and closed environments, keeping these places always ventilated;
- Avoid close contact with people who have flu symptoms;
- Wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based gel after touching surfaces and objects;
- Do not touch the mucous membranes of your eyes, nose and mouth with dirty hands – and avoid doing so in general;
- Do not share cutlery, plates, glasses or bottles;
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and adequate hydration.
If you have any of the symptoms of the disease, also follow the guidelines below to prevent the spread of H1N1.
- Avoid leaving home;
- If you do, wear a mask;
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing;
- Use disposable tissues for nasal hygiene.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
