Overview, Treatment and Prevention of Swine Flu
Swine flu is an illness that is affecting hundreds of individuals in the United States as well as worldwide. According to the CDC, the illness may take some more time. Since one is likely to become infected with the condition, they need to understand swine flu symptoms in order for them to obtain proper treatment or medication.
The Symptoms
The symptoms of H1N1 infection is similar to that of seasonal flu. Among the symptoms include cough, sore throat, running or stuffy nose, chills and fatigue, to name just a few. Several people infected with the virus have complained of diarrhea and vomiting. The high risk groups prone to H1N1 is not yet known at the moment but it is likely that they are similar to those suffering from seasonal influenza.
People at greater risk of serious side effects from seasonal flu include people more than 65 years old, children below 5 years old, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions as well as those who are taking immunosuppressive medications or with HIV infection.
Avoid Social Contact
If you are feeling sick, your condition may last for more than a week. You should remain at home and refrain from making social contact. As much as possible, you should not communicate with other people to avoid the spread of the virus.
At the moment, the CDC believes that H1N1 has similar properties on the aspect of transmission with seasonal flu virus. If you go out of the house to consult your doctor, wear a mask or use a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
According to recent studies, people suffering from seasonal flu are at risk to transmit the disease a day prior to development of symptoms for up to seven days after getting sick.
Children are more likely to be at risk for a longer period of time so it is best to consult a healthcare provider.
Emergency Warning Signs
If you suddenly become sick and experience any of the following warning signs, this is your cue to seek emergency medical assistance.
In the case of children becoming ill due to H1N1 infection, the following warning signs may require immediate medical attention:
- Fast or difficulty in breathing
- Bluish or gray colored skin
- Insufficient amount of liquids
- Severe or continuous vomiting
- Lack of sleep or interaction
- Irritability
- Recovery from flu-like symptoms but the symptoms come back with fever and worse coughing
Among adults, the following emergency warning signs demand immediate medical attention:
- Trouble with breathing or shortness of breath
- Abdominal pains or pressure in the chest
- The individual suddenly becomes dizzy
- The patient is confused
- Severe or continuous vomiting
- Recovery from flu-like symptoms but the symptoms come back with fever and worse coughing
Prevention Is The Best Treatment
You can do your part in preventing the spread of the H1N1 virus. Here are some tips on how you can take part in efforts for preventing the spread of infection.
- Be aware. Obtain information about H1N1 by visiting the website of the CDC.
- Use a tissue in covering your mouth and nose when sneezing. Afterwards, throw the tissue in the trash.
- With soap and water, wash your hands after coughing or sneezing. If possible, use alcohol-based sanitizers.
- Refrain from touching your nose or mouth as this could lead to easy transmission of germs.
By being aware of swine flu symptoms, the spread of the H1N1 virus will easily be prevented.
What You Need To Know About Swine Flu
One of the things you have to remember is that influenza is spread via germs, and germs are spread via contact with contaminated items then contact with either your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs can’t get through the pores of your skin and need a convenient opening to get into. Don’t give them that opening. There’s a simple and easy way to do it: just wash your hands regularly, especially before eating anything or touching anything that you want to eat.
It may seem rather simplistic but the regular act of rinsing and disinfecting your hands can help make sure that you never get infected with the swine flu. Another way to avoid infection is to avoid close contact with sick people. Remember germs can also be transmitted by air though microscopic droplets that are released when a person coughs or sneezes. Standing around sick people increases the chance of infection so try to avoid doing that, mostly because you can’t avoid touching things that they’ve sneezed on and those germs can go directly into your nose and mouth when you inhale.
So what if you suddenly get the sniffles? Is it time to go to the doctor for a consult? The smart thing to do is to just stay at home first and monitor your condition. The problem with identifying the swine flu is that it shares many of the same symptoms as the normal run-of-the-mill human flu: coughs, colds, fevers and the whole nine yards. Take the usual medicine at first and see if you settle down after that.
The over-the-counter antiviral drugs aren’t as effective on swine flu as human flu but they can make you feel a whole lot better and rev up you immune system to deal with your infection. You should also try your best to limit the infection to yourself. Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing so as to prevent the spread of germs in your environment.
If your symptoms are taking too long to cure, you might be infected. Note that swine flu is like the normal flu in that it manages to weaken your immune system for other respiratory diseases like pneumonia and bronchitis to spread. It can also worsen any conditions that you might currently have, like asthma. If you start vomiting or start suffering from diarrhea, it’s time to have the doctor drop by immediately.
As long as it has been caught early, there is treatment available in the form of antiviral inhibitors that help stop the virus from reproducing, which should help make you feel better.
The current situation may all seem a bit frightening, but the swine flu is just a disease. All you need to protect yourself from it is to act smart and be prepared.
