'Swine flu' is not new. It was first identified early in the last century. It refers to a type of virus that pigs get, but periodically, the infection surfaces in the human population.

The virus is now called the new (novel) H1N1 virus because it has the genetic make-up of the swine-flu virus found in pigs, plus it has additional genes from the flu virus found in humans and even birds! The virus is contagious and can live outside the body for up to eight hours.

Influenza A (H1N1) versus 'regular' human flu

We can get H1N1 pretty much in the same ways that we get 'regular' seasonal human flu - touching H1N1-contaminated articles like doorknobs, railings, ATM buttons or borrowed pens, then touching our eyes, nose or mouth. Breathing in the H1N1 virus, left in the air by an infected person who has coughed or sneezed openly, is another method of transmission.

The signs and symptoms of the H1N1 virus in humans are similar to those of 'regular' human flu - headache, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, chills, body aches, coughing, and fatigue. Diarrhoea and vomiting have been reported, too.

Prevention of virus transmission

To date, there is no vaccine available for the prevention of the H1N1 virus. As usual, prevention is better, especially when there is no cure. There isn't any one thing we can do to guarantee that we will not get this virus, but there are several things we can do to try to prevent it from getting into our bodies, or if we already have the virus, to prevent the spread to other people. Here are the guidelines:

✘ Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth.

✘ Regularly wash the hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

✘ In the absence of soap and water, hand sanitisers with alcohol (minimum 62 per cent strength) may be used.

✘ Avoid close contact with sick people if possible. Wearing an N-95 custom-built mouth-and-nose mask may help us in these instances.

✘ Stay home from work, school and public gatherings if you are sick, until seven days after symptoms start, or one day after symptoms disappear.

✘ Cover the nose and mouth with disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing, and throw the tissue away in a garbage-disposal unit.

Treatment

✓ Self-help with OTCs

Typical over-the-counter drugs (OTCs) like paracetamol (pain and fever reducer), chlor-pheniramine (antihistamine), dextro-methorphan (cough suppressant), pseudo-ephedrine and phenyl-ephrine (nasal decongestants), and combinations of these ingredients are useful to relieve the annoying symptoms of the flu, until getting to the doctor. Resting well and drinking plenty of fluids are additional helpful measures.

✓ Prescription drugs

Antiviral drugs against influenza viruses, including H1N1 virus, are oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). They are most effective if taken within 24 hours after feeling symptoms of the flu. These drugs make the symptoms milder and hasten recovery from the flu by up to one and a half days. They also reduce the risk of developing complications, like pneumonia and respiratory failure.

✓ Relenza is taken by inhaling a powder by mouth. It is delivered directly to the lungs and it interferes with the spread of H1N1 virus particles inside the respiratory tract.

✓ Tamiflu exists as a capsule or liquid suspension. It prevents the H1N1 virus from multiplying itself in the body.

✓ Pregnant women, children and persons with severe illnesses and who are at high risk for respiratory complications should check with the doctor at first sign of influenza A (H1N1), especially if they have been exposed to someone with the virus.

Dahlia McDaniel is a pharmacist and final year doctoral candidate in public health at the University of London; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.

Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth to prevent spreading.