Also known as H1N1, Swine flu is a type of influenza A virus. As per Mayo Clinic, during the 2009-10 flu season, a new H1N1 virus began causing illness in humans called swine flu. It was a new combination of influenza viruses that infect pigs, birds and humans. While most people with flu get better on their own, some complication can be severe for some people and can also turn out to be fatal.

Timely detection is very crucial when it comes to the treatment of swine flu. Dr Jinendra Jain, Consultant Physician, spoke to Times Now Digital about the testing process and important things to take care. Let's understand this better.

When should you get tested for swine flu?

"If you are experiencing symptoms that are associated with swine flu such as fever, cough, body pain, and fatigue then you should consider getting tested for swine flu. Pregnant women, children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions such as HIV, cancer, asthma, diabetes, and heart disease are at higher risk of developing swine flu," he said. These individuals should be cautious and schedule swine flu tests to minimize the damage caused and speedy recovery. If you have recently been close with someone who has been allegedly affected with swine flu then immediately book your appointment for a swine flu test as there are higher chances of you getting infected too.

What kind of tests are performed?

To effectively diagnose and detect swine flu, your doctor might suggest certain tests for positive outcomes. "A rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) is often recommended to examine your condition and to detect whether you are diagnosed with swine flu or not. The results of this test can be provided in a maximum of 15 to 30 minutes but this test will only tell about influenza not specifically H1N1Another test includes undergoing RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction Test) to actively look for flu strains," Dr Jinendra said.

Do's and Don’ts before the test

The individual is advised to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before getting tested. It is important to ensure that the patient should rest well with 7 to 8 hours of sound sleep. This will lead to more accurate test results. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by your doctor regarding the test. Try to avoid foods or drinks that can easily irritate your throat before getting tested, especially if your test includes a throat swab.

Is any further testing needed after being detected with the H1N1 virus?

If you are diagnosed with the H1N1 virus, then your doctor might prescribe certain tests to examine its root cause and curate a tailored treatment plan. In this case, the tests might include chest X-rays, and blood tests to look for early onset of pneumonia or other underlying diseases.

Symptoms to look out for

Swine flu is a serious condition that needs to be detected before the symptoms start to exacerbate over time. One can experience symptoms like mild to severe fever, muscle pain, cold chills, excessive sweating, sore throat, runny nose, red and watery eyes, severe body pain, persistently feeling tired, diarrhea, episodes of vomiting, headache, trouble breathing, dehydration, and chest pain. These symptoms should not be neglected or treated with home remedies. Instead, immediately consult an expert for timely intervention and prompt diagnosis.