What is Swine Flu Test (H1N1) test?

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why do I need a Swine Flu Test (H1N1)?

You will need to undergo a swine flu test (H1N1) if you begin to exhibit any of the symptoms of this disease. For example, if you have a high fever, a sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills, extreme fatigue, or more than one of these symptoms together, you may need to take the test.

What is the Swine Flu Test or H1N1 Test Procedure?

During the test, a nose swab will be taken. After 15 minutes, you will come to know whether there is a presence of influenza type A or type B in your nasal swab sample. However, if this test is somewhat inconclusive, a complete blood count test may also be done (CBC).

What causes H1N1 disease?

H1N1 is a type A influenza virus. These viruses are infamous for constantly undergoing mutation by changing their genetic structure. This virus previously affected only pigs, but due to mutation, it has jumped the species barrier and now infects humans as well. This is what causes the H1N1 disease in humans.

How does H1N1 affect the body?

Since H1N1 is a subtype of the influenza virus, it affects the body in a similar way. The main problem this virus causes is an upper or even lower respiratory tract infection. In such cases, you may experience symptoms like nasal secretions or even a stuffy nose. Other symptoms can include but are not limited to fever, headaches, dizziness, and body aches.

What tests do they perform to identify swine flu?

The primary test performed to detect the presence of swine flu (H1N1) is the extraction of a respiratory sample. It means a nasal or throat swab is taken using a cotton bud. This nasal swab undergoes some tests: the Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction Test (RT-PCR), virus isolation test, and assays.

How is swine flu tested for H1N1?

Swine flu is tested using a series of tests if the initial nasal or throat swab tests are inconclusive. For example, it can include a complete blood count (CBC) test or even other associated routine blood tests. A chest X-ray may also be part of the swine flu tests for H1N1 in some cases.

Is H1N1 the same as swine flu?

Yes, H1N1 is the same as Swine flu. This strain of influenza virus is called the swine flu because most people diagnosed with it had a history of direct contact with pigs. Some of them were pig farmers or worked in a butchery. However, the recent H1N1 virus is a mutation of this original strain, and now even people who have never been in direct contact with a pig can contract it.

Is there a vaccine for H1N1?

Yes, there is a vaccine, but it is a generic influenza vaccine rather than one specifically designed for swine flu (H1N1). This vaccine is available in both injection and nasal spray form. Hence, taking the swine flu test (H1N1) for preventive measures is advisable.

What does a positive H1N1 test result indicate?

A positive H1N1 test result indicates the presence of the H1N1 influenza virus in the tested sample. This suggests that the individual has been infected with the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu. Further medical evaluation and appropriate management may be necessary based on the test result and the individual's symptoms.