Outbreak of Swine-origin Influenza A (H1N1) Virus

Influenza has been recognized as a respiratory disease in swine since its first appearance concurrent with the 1918 „„Spanish flu‟‟ human pandemic. All influenza viruses of significance in swine are type A, subtype H1N1, H1N2, or H3N2 viruses. Swine Influenza is a respiratory disease of pig caused by Type A influenza viruses. Influenza A causes moderate to severe illness and affects all age groups. The virus infects humans and other animals. Influenza A viruses are perpetuated in nature by wild birds, predominantly waterfowl. The WHO declared the H1N1 pandemic on June 11, 2009, after more than 70 countries reported 30000 cases of H1N1 infection. In 2015 the instances of Swine Flu substantially increased to five year highs with over 10000 cases reported and 774 deaths in India. The CDC recommends real time PCR as the method of choice for diagnosing H1N1. Prevention of swine influenza has three components: prevention in swine, prevention of transmission to humans, and prevention of its spread among humans. If a person becomes sick with swine flu, antiviral drugs can make the illness milder and make the patient feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. The CDC recommends the use of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or Zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment.In this review, a brief overview on swine flu is presented highlighting the characteristics of the causative virus, the disease and its advances made in its diagnosis, vaccine and control to be adapted in the wake of an outbreak.