A review on Influenza a H1N1 virus

Influenza A H1N1 virus emerged as pandemic worldwide in 2009 and its re-emergence has taken place in India in 2013. The WHO has placed the pandemic threat alert to level 6. Swine flu refers to swine influenza or the viral infection caused by any of the several types of swine influenza virus. Only people who used to have direct contact with pigs were observed to get swine flu in the past. But, H1N1virus is a new swine flu virus and it contains the genetic material of swine, bird and human influenza virus. H1N1is an Influenza A virus. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache and chill sand fatigue. Prevention of swine influenza has three components namely prevention in swine, prevention of transmission to humans, and prevention of its spread among humans Effective personal preventive measures include shielding one’s mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing, frequent washing of hands with soap, avoiding mass gatherings and voluntary isolation by symptomatic individuals .The diagnosis may include Influenza Rapid Antigen Test; Influenza Type A and B Antigen Detection; Influenza A and B Culture; Influenza Type A H1N1; PCR for Influenza Virus. Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) and Ralenza (Zanamivir) can treat the H1N1swine flu strain. India developed and launched its own vaccines (killed and live attenuated) against Influenza A H1N1 in 2010 after establishing its safety and efficacy and with approval from Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). Ayurvedic remedies comprise pure natural herbs which are effective in preventing swine flu. Moreover, the herbs are used to relieve swine flu symptoms, and boost the immune system against the H1N1virus. Swine flu can produce a number of symptoms in both adults and children. In India day by day the graph of infected person has been climbed up so, it is important to take into consideration about this disease as it may prove deadly one.