H1N1 flu is an infectious disease commonly referred to a swine flu. The symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of the common cold thus it could sometimes be difficult to know when one has it. But in addition to the symptoms of the normal cold, there is vomiting and diarrhea ringing and its signs are more severe as compared to the normal cold.

The first case of H1N1 was reported in Mexico. In order to restrain the disease, most public and private offices were closed down. Since its first confirmation, the swine flu spread fast to the USA and other European countries before it finally set its feet into Africa. As the cases of swine flu continued to be reported, there was great concern as people went into a state of confusion and panic. This is not the case as for now as people have become more knowledgeable about the disease.

H1N1 symptoms

• Breathing difficulties
• Chest pains
• Severe wooziness
• Nausea
• Cold-like signs (headaches, sore throats, coughing and sneezing)

H1N1 flu is spread from one person to the next through any contact with body fluids. Any contact with an infected person, you can get it when he/she sneezes or coughs. Swine flu virus affects the lungs which later cause liquids to fill the lungs resulting to respiratory problems. But in the real sense, swine flu does not kill. One dies from swine flu related infections such as pneumonia.

You can guard yourself against H1N1 flu by having a vaccination. The swine flu vaccine is meant to protect you against swine flu infections. Like the Malaria vaccine, the swine flu vaccine is mostly meant for pregnant women and children under the age of 6months. The people who are at a greater risk of contacting the virus are the young children, the elderly people, pregnant women and individuals with certain health complications like the asthmatics and diabetics.

The reason as to why women are at a greater risk of contracting the disease is that, during their pregnancy, their immune system is fragile. This means that in case of any outbreak of any type of disease, a pregnant woman is at a greater risk of contracting it. Young children are not spared either because their immune systems have not fully developed thus they are prone to contracting any emerging diseases.

The first case of H1N1 was reported and confirmed on the 29th day of June from a 20year old student before other cases began to emerge. Being wide spread mostly in secondary schools, measures have been put in place to slow down its spreading. Among the measures that have been put in place include the burning of half-term in schools. This way, students will not mingle with outsiders during the mid-term vacation. Another way that Kenya used to curb the spread of H1N1 is by burning any events that will lead to the mingling of students. Such events include; music festivals, drama festivals, agricultural show and school tours.