H1N1 case in Kerala school: What to be careful of

A school student in Kerala's Kollam recently tested positive for H1N1 (swine flu), and a few other students from the same class are also reportedly showing symptoms. The students developed a fever last week, following which they were tested. The school is all set to screen more students soon, as per reports. The highly contagious infection, caused by the influenza A virus, can affect people of all ages, though children, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients are at a higher risk. The disease causes cold-like symptoms, including throat infections, vomiting, a runny nose, and breathing difficulties in most patients. 

What causes H1N1?
Swine flu or H1N1 spreads from person to person through droplets in the air, via sneezes and coughs, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you inhale the virus thus spread in the air, you can contract the infection. Touching surfaces contaminated by the droplets can also cause the infection. Though it's called swine flu, it's not an infection spread by eating pork. 

Symptoms of H1N1
Symptoms of the disease can start around five days after exposure to the virus. 
1) Sore throat
2) Fatigue
3) Cough
4) Chills
5) Fever
6) Body or muscle aches
7) Headache

If the patient is a baby or a child, they can also have these symptoms:
1) Confusion
2) Inability to drink fluids
3) Breathing issues
4) Difficulty waking up
5) Fever and rash

How to prevent H1N1 infection
1) Wash hands regularly with soap and water
2) Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes as far as possible
3) Do not venture out if unwell
4) Avoid sharing your personal cutlery with others
5) Practice cough hygiene. If you don't have towels or tissues, sneeze into your elbow
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