New Delhi: Health officials in the UK are carefully examining the first confirmed case of a recently identified strain of swine flu known as A(H1N2)v.
The virus was detected through a standard flu screening test at a general practitioner’s office in North Yorkshire, where the person, who reported breathing difficulties, showed respiratory symptoms. The person had a mild illness and has completely recovered. The affected person has no reported history of contact with pigs.
Ongoing investigations are concentrating on tracing the source of the infection and assessing its potential effects on human health. Although there have been 50 documented cases of A(H1N2)v across the globe in the past two decades, the case in the UK shows some distinctions from recent global human swine flu cases but aligns with viruses detected in pigs in the UK.
Responding to the case, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) aims to bolster surveillance in the North Yorkshire region.
With a primary impact on the respiratory system, the symptoms of this condition necessitate individuals to take preventive actions. If someone shows symptoms, their first step should be to reduce contact with others, especially those who are elderly or have existing medical conditions.
H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 represent primary subtypes of swine flu A viruses in pigs and occasionally cross over to infect humans. It’s crucial to differentiate between the H1N1 strain, which caused the 2009 swine flu pandemic, and the A(H1N2)v strain.
The A(H1N2)v strain, categorized as a subtype of influenza A, is widespread across seven different species, encompassing humans, birds, and pigs. Typically, these strains tend to stay within their specific species.
Swine flu is commonly transmitted from pigs to humans through direct contact, but human-to-human transmission is infrequent.
The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) recommendation for all respiratory symptoms remains consistent – avoid contact with others while symptoms persist, especially if they are elderly or have pre-existing medical conditions.
The symptoms of swine flu (H1N1) resemble those of regular flu, including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body or muscle aches, headache, and fatigue.