In the past few weeks, Gulf citizens have been loudly discussing an old communicable disease that is spreading widely again: swine flu. Social media users reported experiencing strong influenza-like symptoms, with a persistent rise in body temperature that does not easily subside, contrasting with the usual cold symptoms typical for this time of year. They noted that these symptoms "are not considered normal" for seasonal influenza; however, experts assert otherwise, confirming that the symptoms are typical and there is no cause for concern.
Users on social media indicated that many of these infections arose after students returned to school, highlighting that the symptoms they experience are more severe than those associated with seasonal influenza viruses. In Kuwait, the newspaper "Al-Qabas" reported on October 20, citing health sources, that "swine flu virus" is spreading, with "hundreds of patients visiting hospitals and health centers," while most cases are recovering. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Health confirmed "an increase in respiratory symptoms with the onset of the current viral illness season," stating that most cases "did not require hospitalization and are within expected annual rates."
In the UAE, the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center indicated that levels of seasonal influenza and cases this season are within expected averages compared to years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the health authority did not mention the term swine flu in its statement published by the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on October 19, following complaints on social media about more severe symptoms.
In this context, internal medicine and infectious diseases consultant Ghanem Al-Hajilan, a member of the American Society of Infectious Diseases, views the spread of the H1N1 virus as natural and expected. The Kuwaiti doctor told Al-Hurra TV that this spread follows two years of precautions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited the spread of seasonal influenza viruses during the past two years. However, Al-Hajilan stated that the term "swine flu," which emerged in 2009, has ended, and the H1N1 virus has become one of the typical seasonal influenza viruses.
#### Origin of "Swine Flu"
In the spring of 2009, scientists identified a specific strain of swine influenza known as H1N1. According to the Mayo Clinic, this virus is a mix of viruses originating from pigs, birds, and humans, causing illness in humans. During the influenza seasons of 2009 and 2010, the H1N1 virus resulted in respiratory infections commonly referred to as "swine flu." Due to the rising number of cases worldwide, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that swine flu constituted a global pandemic in the summer of 2009. In August 2010, the WHO announced the end of this global pandemic. Subsequently, the H1N1 virus became one of the strains that cause seasonal influenza that typically spreads in the fall.
Al-Hajilan indicated that the spread of seasonal influenza, including the H1N1 virus, in Gulf countries at this time of year is considered normal. He continued: "After two years of dealing with a respiratory illness that forced us to follow precautions like social distancing and wearing masks, this reduced the opportunities for seasonal influenza to spread during those times." He identified two significant factors for the increase in virus transmission: the return of people from summer vacations and school children. He explained that "every child is like a household, and with about 25 children in a single class, the virus can reach these homes in just one day from one class."
#### Less Severe Than COVID-19
Al-Hajilan noted that the symptoms of the H1N1 virus closely resemble those of other seasonal influenza strains, which he categorized into three groups. He said, "Influenza is divided into three groups according to genetics and genetic makeup: the first group A, which is the most widespread and severe, including H1N1; the second group B, which accounts for a lower percentage of infections at 30%; and the third group C, which results in milder symptoms to the extent that it may not affect a person."
He explained that common symptoms of seasonal influenza include fatigue, increased temperature, and a dry cough. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States recommend annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, a view echoed by the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center in its recent statement, asserting that vaccines are "among the best ways to prevent illness and its complications." This vaccine can reduce the risk of contracting influenza and its severity and diminishes the risk of severe illness that may require hospitalization, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Although the illness is not severe for most cases, the elderly and those with chronic diseases are at risk, according to Dr. Al-Hajilan. He stated that the risk of death from seasonal influenza is 1% compared to 3% for the novel coronavirus "SARS-CoV-2."
