Symptoms of Swine Flu

There are a lot of people around the world who are wondering what the symptoms of the swine flu are. Many of these same people are also wondering how this flu is spread, how it affects people and how it can be treated.

To begin with, you should know that the swine flu is a respiratory disease that began in pigs. It is caused by the type A flu virus and is something that normally occurs within pigs. H1N1, as this virus is now known, is actually the most common of these illnesses that occur within pigs. These pigs usually catch this disease from other infected pigs or from birds and humans. This illness can be directly transmitted from pigs to humans and from humans to pigs.

Usually, humans don’t get the swine flu virus. However, sometimes people do catch this illness. Whenever a person does get the swine flu it is usually from having direct contact with pigs. However, there are some incidences when people have transmitted this illness to other people. It is interesting to note however that before February 2009 there were only 12 reported cases of people having the swine flu.

Whenever someone catches the swine flu, they will usually have the regular symptoms of the influenza virus. However, they will also have a high fever of over 100 degrees, feel lethargic, loose their appetite, cough, sneeze, vomit, have diarrhea, have a runny nose, a sore throat and become nauseous. If you happen to develop any of these symptoms, especially if you get a high fever with these symptoms, then you should see your doctor immediately.

Upon seeing your doctor they will collect a specimen to send to the CDC to see if you do in fact have the swine flu. This needs to be done within the first 5 days for adults and 10 days for children from the point that they have become sick. Once it is believed that this is indeed the swine flu, there are 4 antiviral medications that may be used to treat the illness. These medications include Amantadine, Rimantadine, Oseltamivir and Zanamirir. The CDC also says that both Oseltmaivir and Zanamivir can be used to prevent the infection in the first place. Other treatments include the use of Amantadine and Rimantadine but neither of these medications have proven to be nearly as effective as the aforementioned medications have.

Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine that can be used to prevent a person from catching the swine flu. In fact, it may take several months to develop such a vaccine. Thankfully there are some things that you can do to protect yourself in the mean time. First of all you can make sure to wash your hands with soap and water on a frequent basis. If you can’t do this, then make sure to use hand sanitizer. Secondly, make sure to use a tissue or cover your mouth and nose whenever you cough or sneeze. Third, make sure that you stay home from school if you feel sick. Fourth and finally, you should wear a surgical mask if you are sick and need to go out to a store or something. This will help to keep those around you healthy.

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