HINI and Swine Origin Influenza - Essay Example

The riskiest group includes children < 5 years, the elderly, expectant females, and those who are on aspirin. The disease displays pneumonia and respiratory collapse. the other infrequent symptoms comprise conjunctivitis, parotitis, and hemophagocytic syndrome. The virus is analyzed using RT PCR, culture, or augmentation in neutralizing Abs. One identified the patient needs to be isolated, must exercise respiratory protocols, good personal hygiene, chemoprophylaxis, and medications encompassing antiviral drugs- Oseltamivir and Zamanavir and vaccine that came into existence capable of protecting the 2009 H1N1 flu virus, the influenza B virus and H3N2 virus.

Introduction

Influenza spreads potentially in the community and is capable of causing spread and intensity in the illness of the patient. The virus is capable of changing its antigenic forms from 1918 to 2009. The H1N1 virus capable of causing swine flu, came into the picture in April 2009 and became a pandemic involving around 170 countries, with a rapid pace within 2 months. It gripped more than 1.7 lakh individuals with a steady rise in the victims. The reason for this augmentation is the ignorance of individuals towards mild illness and no authorized testing or diagnosis procured. Upon epidemic intensification investigation is confined to hospitalized cases.

An evolution was made not only in the surveillance system but also to monitor the illness of the individual. According to WHO a global fall in the transmission was observed with a decrease in the Southern Hemisphere temperature. This is considered to be due to the rise or fall in respiratory diseases. The strain in circulation is H1N1 which is assumed to be an inheritance of the influenza pandemic that occurred in 1918-1919 and this virus has modified well in these 92 years. Human is the indirect host and is known that pig serves as a host for human as well as avian species. Its transmission is through droplet nuclei as well as body discharges. The virus invades the respiratory epithelium after the incubation duration of 1-7 days. Damage to the epithelium is followed by the immune response. Characters displayed by the patients encompass fever, cough, sore throat, diarrhea, and vomiting followed by hospitalization.

Management of the Disease: The above table provides a brief idea about the onset and spread of H1N1. It is essential to understand the management of H1N1 or swine flu. The following steps are required to be followed:

1. Screening of the patients in clinic/ hospital to minimize the possibility of multiplication of infection.
2. Assessment of the symptoms and their rigorousness for hospitalization.
3. Supportive care should be provided. Cases of critical illness must be admitted to ICU.

Supportive Care: Encompasses dose of antipyretics, ample fluids, and rest. Constant checks for dyspnea, chest pain, and cough with sputum examination must be monitored, serious cases must be hospitalized and must be kept on a ventilator. The supportive care must also be accompanied by oxygen therapy, antibiotics, and antiviral. Patients with asthma, obesity, and pregnancy must be monitored.

Preventive Strategies: Chemoprophylaxis should be performed for susceptible cases depending on weight and age. Control measures encompassing vaccination and antiviral prophylaxis must be followed. Respiratory hygiene must be maintained and therefore isolation of the critical cases is essential. As the infection spreads within the home members, home isolation becomes essential. All the guidelines for control measures must be well-read and strictly followed.