Why is swine flu dangerous?

Swine flu is an acute respiratory infection that causes inflammation of the mucous membranes in the nasopharynx, bronchi, and trachea. Its symptoms are very similar to those of seasonal flu, but the illness is more severe and often leads to complications such as pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, and inflammation of internal organs.

What is Swine Flu

Swine flu is an acute infectious disease caused by the A/H1N1 virus, which contains genetic material from swine, avian, and human influenza viruses. It is highly contagious and spreads easily from person to person through airborne droplets, as well as through contaminated objects that an infected person has touched.

Compared to seasonal flu, swine flu more frequently leads to severe complications like pneumonia, acute respiratory failure, and inflammation of internal organs. These life-threatening conditions can develop rapidly—sometimes within just a few hours. That is why flu patients must be treated under medical supervision.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The first symptoms of swine flu appear 2–7 days after infection. In mild cases, the illness resembles seasonal flu. Typical symptoms include:

• Fever up to 39–39.5°C,
• Headache,
• Muscle and joint pain,
• Dry cough and runny nose due to upper respiratory inflammation.

Some patients also experience:
Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, and also nosebleeds and hemorrhagic skin rashes in the form of red, slightly raised spots

With proper treatment, symptoms begin to subside within 4–5 days, and recovery follows soon after.

Treatment of Swine Flu

For mild and moderate cases, treatment can be done at home. Patients should:
Get plenty of rest
Drink lots of fluids
Monitor their condition to detect complications early.

Key medications for treating swine flu include:

• Antiviral drugs (oseltamivir, zanamivir) – weaken the virus and prevent its spread;
• Mucolytics and expectorants – help thin and clear mucus;
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – reduce fever, headaches, and muscle pain;
• Nasal decongestants, antiseptics, and pain relievers – ease throat inflammation and discomfort.

In severe and complicated cases, hospitalization is required.
 According to the WHO, 10–30% of hospitalized patients require intensive care. Treatments may include:

Pulmonary surfactant drugs – to restore lung function and prevent respiratory failure;
Antibiotics – to treat secondary bacterial pneumonia and internal organ inflammation;
Oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation – for severe respiratory distress.

Prognosis and Prevention of Swine Flu

In most cases, the prognosis for swine flu is favorable. Severe and complicated forms develop in about 5% of cases. To reduce the risk of complications, it is crucial to seek medical attention at the first signs of illness and follow preventive measures to avoid infection.

Before the flu season, it is recommended to take care to protect yourself from infection

Preventive measures include:

• Annual vaccination – the most effective way to prevent flu or significantly reduce its severity. (Recommended 2–6 weeks before flu season, typically in September–October.)
• Healthy lifestyle – balanced nutrition, proper work-rest schedule, good sleep, and fresh air help strengthen immunity.
• Personal hygiene – wash hands after coming home from outside, avoid touching the face, ventilate rooms, and clean surfaces regularly.
• Protective gear – wearing masks, respirators, and gloves in crowded places (clinics, malls, theaters) helps reduce the risk of infection.