Difference Between Swine flu and Ordinary flu

Introduction of Swine flu and Ordinary flu

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can range from mild to severe. Over the years, various strains of the flu have emerged, each with unique characteristics. Among these strains, swine flu and the regular seasonal flu have gained significant attention due to their potential impacts on global health. Distinguishing between these two forms of influenza is essential for treatment, prevention, and public health measures.

Definition of Swine Flu

Swine Flu (H1N1 Virus): Swine flu is a respiratory disease primarily of pigs caused by a specific strain of the H1N1 influenza virus. The term “swine flu” is derived from the fact that the genes of this virus were originally detected in pigs. However, the H1N1 virus that caused the pandemic in 2009 was different from the typical swine flu viruses found in pigs.

This particular strain was a new combination of influenza virus genes that had not been previously identified in either animals or people. It was capable of human-to-human transmission, leading to its rapid spread worldwide. Contrary to what its name might suggest, swine flu in the 2009 pandemic was not contracted by consuming pork products or directly from pigs, but rather from infected individuals.

Definition of Ordinary Flu

Ordinary Flu (Seasonal Flu): The ordinary or seasonal flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. These viruses mutate over time and can come from different strains, including H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B viruses.

The term “ordinary” or “seasonal” denotes that this type of flu circulates annually, typically during colder months in temperate regions, leading to outbreaks and epidemics that can vary in severity each year. Symptoms typically include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and headaches. While most individuals recover within a week or two, the elderly, young children, and those with certain health conditions may be at higher risk for more severe complications, such as pneumonia.

Causes

• Swine Flu: It was initially thought to spread directly from pigs to humans, but as the 2009 outbreak showed, it spreads from human to human via droplets from coughing or sneezing.
• Ordinary Flu: Caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. These viruses spread in the same way as the swine flu.

Symptoms

Here are the symptoms of swine flu and ordinary flu in a concise format:

Swine Flu (H1N1):

1. Fever
2. Cough
3. Sore throat
4. Runny or stuffy nose
5. Body aches
6. Headache
7. Chills
8. Fatigue
9. Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

Ordinary Flu:

1. Fever or feeling feverish/chills (not always in all cases)
2. Cough
3. Sore throat
4. Runny or stuffy nose
5. Muscle or body aches
6. Headaches
7. Fatigue
8. Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting (more common in children)

Both illnesses present with similar symptoms, which is why laboratory tests are often needed to distinguish between them.

Importance of distinguishing between Swine Flu and Ordinary Flu

Distinguishing between swine flu (caused by the H1N1 influenza A virus) and ordinary seasonal flu is crucial for a variety of reasons:

1. Public Health Measures: The emergence of a new flu strain, like H1N1 in 2009, can pose a significant risk to global health. Swift identification and distinction from other flu strains allow public health organizations to mobilize resources, disseminate information, and initiate response measures like mass vaccinations.
2. Treatment: While both the swine flu and ordinary flu can be treated with antiviral medications, the earlier the treatment starts, the more effective it is. Knowing the specific strain can help guide treatment choices.
3. Vaccination: The seasonal flu vaccine is reformulated each year based on predictions about which flu strains are most likely to circulate. Swine flu, after its 2009 emergence, was subsequently included in many seasonal flu vaccines. Knowing which type of flu is circulating can help in formulating the most effective vaccine.
4. Disease Progression: While symptoms of swine flu and ordinary flu are similar, they might differ in severity and complications. Swine flu has been shown to cause more severe illness in certain populations like pregnant women, children, and younger adults, who were not typically as susceptible to severe outcomes from seasonal flu.
5. Monitoring and Surveillance: Tracking the spread of specific flu strains is crucial for understanding transmission patterns, predicting future outbreaks, and developing effective prevention strategies.
6. Resource Allocation: Distinguishing between the viruses allows healthcare providers to allocate resources efficiently. For example, during a swine flu outbreak, there might be a higher demand for specific antiviral drugs or intensive care beds.
7. Public Awareness and Behavior: When there’s an outbreak of a particular strain like H1N1, it’s essential for the public to be aware so they can take preventive measures, understand the importance of vaccination, and be alert to potential symptoms.
8. Research: Understanding the genetic makeup and behavior of specific flu strains can guide research efforts in developing more effective treatments and vaccines.
9. Prevention of Animal Transmission: Swine flu is believed to have originated in pigs. Distinguishing between different flu strains can help in taking preventive measures in animal populations to curb the transmission.
10. Economic Impact: Outbreaks of new flu strains can have significant economic implications. Travel, trade, and tourism can be affected. Distinguishing the type of flu helps governments and businesses make informed decisions.

While the symptoms of swine flu and ordinary flu may overlap significantly, understanding which strain of the virus is in circulation is vital for both individual patient care and broader public health and economic concerns.

Comparison Table Swine Flu and Ordinary Flu

Here’s a comparison table to differentiate between Swine Flu and Ordinary Flu:

This table provides a general comparison between Swine Flu and Ordinary Flu based on various criteria. It’s worth noting that the nature and impact of flu viruses can change over time, influenced by various factors, including mutation rates and global public health measures.

Similarities between Swine Flu and Ordinary Flu

Swine flu and ordinary flu, while caused by different strains or variations of the influenza virus, share many similarities. Here are the main similarities between the two:

1. Nature of Virus: Both swine flu and ordinary flu are caused by influenza viruses.
2. Transmission: Both types of flu are transmitted from person to person mainly through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
3. Symptoms: The symptoms for both swine flu and ordinary flu are largely similar and can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting (more common in children).
4. Treatment: Both swine flu and ordinary flu can be treated with antiviral medications, with oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) being commonly prescribed.
5. Vaccination: Vaccines are available for both types of flu. The seasonal flu vaccine typically includes protection against multiple strains of the flu virus, including the strain responsible for swine flu (H1N1).
6. Prevention Measures: The preventive measures recommended for both types of flu are similar and include good hygiene practices such as frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the face, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and wearing masks in high-risk environments.
7. Complications: Both types of flu can lead to complications, especially in high-risk groups. Complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, ear infections, and worsening of chronic medical conditions.
8. High-Risk Groups: Both swine flu and ordinary flu pose higher risks to certain groups, including the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.

It’s essential to understand that while there are many similarities, the impact and the spread of the two types of flu can vary. For example, the 2009 swine flu pandemic had a global impact, whereas the severity of ordinary flu varies from year to year based on the circulating strains.

Diagnosis of Swine Flu and Ordinary Flu

Here’s a concise overview of the diagnosis methods for Swine Flu and Ordinary Flu:

Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs):

• Detects influenza antigens.
• Results in ~15 minutes.
• Can’t differentiate specific strains.

Rapid Molecular Assays:

• Identifies influenza viral RNA.
• Results in ~20 minutes.
• Higher accuracy than RIDTs.

Real-time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR):

• Detects and differentiates influenza viruses.
• Results in several hours.
• Most accurate for identifying H1N1 swine flu.

Viral Culture:

• Grows the influenza virus for precise identification.
• Results in 3-10 days.

Direct and Indirect Fluorescent Antibody (DFA/IFA) Staining:

• Uses dyes to detect influenza antigens.
• Results in 2-4 hours.

Serological Testing:

• Measures antibody response to infection.
• Requires two samples taken weeks apart.
• Used more for research.

For both types of flu, clinical signs and symptoms during peak seasons can lead to a presumptive diagnosis. However, for definitive identification, especially during outbreaks or severe cases, laboratory testing is recommended.

Treatment Approaches

The treatment approaches for both swine flu (H1N1) and ordinary (seasonal) flu are somewhat similar, given that both conditions are caused by influenza viruses.

Here’s a breakdown of the treatment strategies:

1. Antiviral Medications: These are prescription medicines that fight against the flu by preventing the virus from multiplying in the body. They can be beneficial in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. Commonly prescribed antivirals include:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu): Taken orally.
• Zanamivir (Relenza): Inhaled through a device similar to an asthma inhaler.
• Peramivir (Rapivab): Administered intravenously.
• Baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza): An oral medication.

For both swine flu and seasonal flu, antivirals are most effective when administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms. They might also be prescribed prophylactically for individuals who have been exposed to the flu but aren’t yet showing symptoms.

2. Supportive Care: This involves treating the symptoms rather than the virus itself:

• Rest: To aid recovery.
• Fluids: To prevent dehydration.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications: To reduce fever, aches, and pains. (Note: Aspirin should not be given to children or teenagers with flu-like symptoms due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome.)

3. Hospitalization: In severe cases or when there are complications like pneumonia, shortness of breath, or high fever that doesn’t break, hospitalization might be required. Here, patients might receive:

• Intravenous fluids: For hydration.
• Oxygen therapy: If they are having trouble breathing.
• Antibiotics: Only if there’s a secondary bacterial infection along with the flu.

4. Vaccination: While this falls more under prevention, getting vaccinated annually with the seasonal flu vaccine is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of getting the flu and spreading it to others. After the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, the H1N1 strain was incorporated into the seasonal flu vaccine, providing immunity against this strain as well.

5. Avoidance of Antibiotics: It’s essential to note that antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral infections like the flu. However, they might be prescribed if there’s a secondary bacterial infection.

Regardless of the type of flu, it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider about the best treatment options. They will consider various factors, including the individual’s age, health status, and the severity of their symptoms, when determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

The Impact on Global Health

Both swine flu and ordinary flu have had significant impacts on global health. The nature of influenza viruses, their ability to mutate and spread rapidly across populations, and their potential to cause severe disease make them a notable concern for public health officials worldwide.

Swine Flu (H1N1 2009 Pandemic):

1. Global Spread: The H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as swine flu, first detected in Mexico in early 2009, spread to become a global pandemic by June of the same year. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health emergency of international concern.
2. Mortality and Morbidity: It is estimated that between 100,000 and 400,000 deaths worldwide during the first year were due to the H1N1 virus. However, compared to other influenza pandemics, the death rate was relatively low.
3. Demographic Differences: One distinct characteristic of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic was the age group it affected. Unlike seasonal flu, which usually poses the highest risk to the elderly, many H1N1 severe cases and fatalities were among younger individuals, including children and pregnant women.
4. Economic Impact: The global spread led to considerable economic burdens, including healthcare costs for treating the infected and economic slowdowns in affected areas.

Ordinary (Seasonal) Flu:

1. Annual Epidemics: Seasonal flu is responsible for annual epidemics worldwide, affecting approximately 5-15% of the global population every year.
2. Mortality and Morbidity: Globally, these annual outbreaks result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and about 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths.
3. Vulnerable Populations: Ordinary flu usually affects the very young, elderly, and those with underlying health conditions the most severely. This dynamic puts pressure on healthcare systems every year, especially during peak flu seasons.
4. Economic Impact: Seasonal flu also has a marked economic impact due to healthcare costs and lost productivity. The economic burden includes direct medical expenses, costs associated with hospitalizations, and lost earnings from missed workdays.

The potential for flu viruses to cause widespread disease and their unpredictability necessitates global cooperation in monitoring, vaccine production, and public health planning. Organizations like the WHO play a pivotal role in coordinating international responses, ensuring that outbreaks are contained, and resources are provided where needed most.

Prevention Measures

Here’s a concise list of prevention measures for swine flu (H1N1) and ordinary flu:

1. Vaccination: Annual flu shots.
2. Hand Hygiene: Regular handwashing with soap or using hand sanitizer.
3. Respiratory Etiquette: Cover mouth/nose when coughing/sneezing.
4. Avoid Close Contact: Stay away from sick people; if ill, stay home.
5. Clean and Disinfect: Frequently touched objects and surfaces.
6. Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
7. Limit Travel: Especially to outbreak areas.
8. Stay Informed: Monitor updates from health authorities.
9. Antiviral Medications: When prescribed by doctors for high-risk situations.
10. Protection Around Animals: Handwashing after contact, especially with pigs.

Following these steps can help reduce the risk of infection from both swine flu and ordinary flu.

Conclusion

Both swine flu and ordinary flu pose significant threats to public health. By understanding the differences and similarities between them, healthcare professionals and the general public can better prepare and protect themselves. Continued research, surveillance, and public health initiatives are essential in the fight against these and future influenza strains.