Difference Between Coronavirus and H1N1


In 2019, coronavirus was first detected in people with frequent cases of severe pneumonia in the Far East. When patients in Mexico started becoming sick with swine flu in 2009, researchers quickly traced the outbreak to H1N1.

What is Coronavirus?

Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is a pandemic in which a virus is causing respiratory sickness and killing more people than the typical seasonal flu

  • Genetics and origin of the coronavirus − The covid-19 coronavirus seems to have emerged originally in China, where it spread from an animal to a person. The specific host animal from which the virus originated is still up for contention. It has been discovered to be comparable to the SARS coronavirus, a single-stranded RNA virus with glycoproteins on its outer surface.

  • Symptoms and complications − A high temperature and a dry cough are the most noticeable and noticeable signs of covid-19 infection. However, the infection can cause serious lung damage in some patients, which can make breathing extremely difficult. This results in a lack of oxygen in the blood, which can lead to cardiac issues or failure of numerous organs. Age and health factors affect death rates, yet even young, seemingly healthy people might pass away.

  • Diagnosis − A human sample can be tested using RT-PCR. Some nations now offer drive- through testing locations where anyone may pull up and have a sample taken for testing. The test is effective because it confirms a diagnosis by checking for the virus's unique genetic coding.

  • Transmission − It is believed that the coronavirus known as covid-19 is a zoonosis that was accidentally spread from an animal host to people. Human to human transmission then happened.

  • Risk factors and mortality − Mixing with infected people increases your risk, although you won't notice any signs for a time. While treating patients with covid-19, medical personnel are likewise at danger. Because of this, several nations have adopted policies of social isolation in an effort to lessen interpersonal contact. The largest fatalities occur amongst those older than 70 years and who have other ailments. Diabetes and heart disease appear to enhance the risk of covid-19 problems and mortality.

  • Treatment − Pain relievers are used to manage the symptoms, and the patient may also require fluids to help with the dehydration brought on by the fever, as well as supplementary oxygen for any breathing issues. In really severe circumstances the person may need to be on a ventilator to support breathing.

What is H1N1?

A strain of influenza known as H1N1 was originally identified in 2009. Humans, pigs, and birds are all susceptible to this pandemic virus; when identified in humans, it is typically classified as a subtype of the original H1N1 virus.

  • Symptoms and complications − Chills, coughing, a stuffy or runny nose, aches and pains throughout the body, a headache, and a sore throat are all symptoms that are common with the common flu. Fever is possible, but not guaranteed. To a greater extent than with seasonal flu, H1N1 flu frequently causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

  • Diagnosis − A PCR test, which looks for the genetic material of the H1N1 virus, is the only technique to definitively establish if a person has H1N1. Symptoms can be similar to those of other flu strains.

  • Transmission − Although some person-to-person transmission is conceivable, most human infections arise when humans come into contact with pigs.

  • Risk factors − Those working in agriculture or healthcare who come into touch with ill people are at the most risk of contracting H1N1.

  • Treatment and prevention − Medicine containing neuraminidase inhibitors can be used to treat patients; these antivirals have been found to be effective. Pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help sick people feel better. The annual flu vaccine does protect against H1N1, so getting it is the best approach to avoid getting the virus.

Differences: Coronavirus and H1N1

The following table highlights the major differences between Coronavirus and H1N1 −

Characteristics

Coronavirus

H1N1

Definition

Coronaviruses, a class of viruses that frequently trigger pneumonia, were initially discovered in the Far East.

H1N1 is a virus that was first identified in Mexico; it is the causative agent of a strain of influenza often seen in pigs.

Country where discovered

The first human cases of coronavirus were discovered in Wuhan, China.

There was a first detection of H1N1 flu in Mexico.

Incubation period

Coronavirus may be transmitted from person to person and has an incubation period of 2-14 days.

The incubation period for H1N1 might range from 1 to 7 days.

Diagnosis

A real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction test is utilised to detect and diagnose the novel coronavirus.

While looking for and diagnosing H1N1 flu, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular test is utilised.

Symptoms

Breathing problems, fever, and coughing are all signs of the coronavirus.

Cough, chills, body aches and pains, a runny or stuffy nose, a sore throat, diarrhoea, and vomiting are all symptoms of the H1N1 flu.

Transmission

Coronavirus is spread by contact with respiratory secretions of infected patients.

Human H1N1 viruses can be spread from sick humans or pigs.

Treatment

The therapy for coronavirus helps alleviate the symptoms, and in many cases, more oxygen may be required.

Pain relievers can help with H1N1 symptoms, and antivirals called neuraminidase inhibitors can help with the flu.

Mortality

Those over the age of 65 and those with preexisting conditions are more vulnerable to coronavirus.

Those younger than 65 account for the vast majority of H1N1 mortality.

Conclusion

While COVID-19 and H1N1 are both viruses that can cause outbreaks, there are several differences between the two, including the way they are transmitted, the severity of symptoms, and the available treatments. It is important for individuals to understand these differences and to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from these viruses.

Updated on: 17-Apr-2023

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