How to Care For a Person Who Has Contracted the Swine H1N1 Virus

By Jennifer Kirkman

Step One:

If someone in your home develops Swine Flu and they have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, lung and respiratory conditions like asthma, or if they are pregnant, it is essential that you take the time to contact their doctor to obtain strategies that are safe to use to properly care for them. The same holds true for those who have a weakened immune system due to other health complications.

Step Two:

When caring for someone that has contracted the 2009 H1N1 Type A Influenza, it is important to ensure that both you and they remain in the home for at least one week. However, an ideal situation would put individuals staying in the home for up to ten days. Since so little is known about this strain that combines viruses from swine, birds, as well as humans, the seven day guideline is based on the contagious period seen in most viruses that infect individuals each year.

Step Three:

Ensure that you wear a protective mask and protective gloves while caring for the sick. They, too, should wear at least a protective face mask that covers the nose area and the mouth area. Each individual that shares a home with the contagious individual should also wear protective masks.

Step Four:

It is essential that the individual who has contracted the Swine H1N1 Virus engages a diet that includes clear liquids. This will prevent in dehydration due to fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. Many who have this condition do not have much of an appetite, but they should be encouraged to drink water, chew ice chips, eat soups, eat Jell-O, indulge in broth, and drink beverages that are found to have a high level of electrolytes in them. These types of clear liquids will ensure that the sick individual still ingests minerals and nutrients that are essential during the recovery process.

Step Five:

If you are caring for the sick, it is important to keep the room and bathroom that they use as clean as possible. You should purchase cleaning agents that are known to contain antibacterial and disinfecting qualities. These types of cleansers for the home are known to actually kill germs that may otherwise linger on surfaces and spread to others in the home.

Step Six:

There are several tips on how to care for a person that has contracted the Swine H1N1 Virus. Here, you have read of many. If you require further information on the steps to treat the Swine Flu, or prevent the spread of it, you may contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at: 1-800-CDC-INFO.
Jennifer Kirkman is the owner of many websites, two of the main ones are http://www.diabetesandrelatedhealthissues.com, and also http://www.dietplansandweightloss.com Visit these sites for much more information on diabetes and diabetes problems, and proper nutrition.

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Swine Flu - Protect Yourself

By Zsofia Christopher

The World Health Organization has declared it a pandemic and last heard Swine flu has hit India and Turkey. Caused by Influenza virus A subtype H1N1, it spreads when the virus gets airborne - through coughs and sneezes - and also by contact with infected persons and contaminated surfaces.

The symptoms of swine flu coincide with that of a normal flu: fever, coughs, lack of appetite, lethargy, and in some cases, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The H1N1 virus primarily causes infection in swine (hence the name) and spreads to humans coming in close contact with infected pigs - in pig barns, livestock exhibitions etc. It is just a myth that the disease is contracted through pork meat, as proper cooking (at 160°F or more) kills viruses.

The bad news, however, is that there is no known cure or vaccine against swine flu. All we can do is avoid catching the virus, and if infected, assist our body's immune system to deploy its weaponry and win the battle for us. A few precautions, especially if you are living in an area where incidence of Swine flu has been reported, could protect you from contracting the H1N1 virus:

1) Avoid contact with the infected 
You have already noticed how fast common cold can spread. Same applies here. So avoid being in close proximity with infected persons.

2) Be wary of surfaces 
When you bring your hand to your eye, nose or mouth, after touching a contaminated surface you are unwittingly allowing the virus entry into your body. Shaking hands, touching public surfaces as when traveling in community transport vehicles etc, can lead to catching the virus. Clean your hands often with warm water and soap.

3) Eat healthy 
The immune system is our greatest ally in fighting off the virus. So keep your body fit with a diet rich in immunity boosters like whole grains, colorful vegetables and vitamin-rich fruits. Avoid food loaded with sugar and fat. They slow down the body's metabolism and compromise its immune system. You can even take advantage of the antibiotic and antioxidant qualities of ginger and garlic by including them in your diet.

4) Sleep well 
Good rest will keep your body primed for the fight against viruses.

5) Drink enough water 
Drinking 8 - 10 glasses of water a day will keep the body sufficiently hydrated.

6) Avoid alcohol 
Now is not the time for that impulsive binge. Alcoholic beverages are known to suppress immune system.

7) Stay active physically 
Increased blood circulation and oxygenation while exercising, backs the immune system. It also aids in flushing out toxins and is a proven stress-buster.

8) Stay stress-free 
The contagion may present a formidable picture to you. But don't fret too much over it. It will only weaken your body and place it more at risk of a virus attack.

However, in spite of painstaking precautions if you still contract the virus, there is some good news. Scientists are of the consensus that the H1N1 infection is a rather mild one, one that can be managed with proper care. Here is what you can do if you develop severe flu-like symptoms.

a) Don't Panic 
Every flu is not a swine flu. But if the indications seem rather severe than usual, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. Ask him to get yourself tested for swine flu virus.

b) Take the right medication 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, USA recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. Let your doctor prescribe the one that is appropriate for you.

c) Nurture your health 
Good sleep, drinking lots of fluids, a healthy diet and physical activity will keep your body robust in spite of the onslaught of the virus.

d) Don't spread the virus 
You can stop yourself from transmitting the virus to others: when you are sick, stay at home. Cover your mouth when sneezing, coughing etc.

Counter measures have been launched worldwide against the threat of swine flu. Hopefully, with the right measures, it would soon be under control. Meanwhile, let us protect ourselves and others from its incursions.
Zsofia Christopher

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Facts and Prevention Regarding Fatal Swine Flu

By Hendrik Hendricius Kleinwaechter

At present everyone is aware how the epidemic Swine Flu is broadening around the globe. Fortunately the few cases occurred in US were without the need medicines successfully cured, whereas multitude of cases occurred in Mexico have been fatal. The most shocking revelation which is observed about the epidemic swine flu keeps snatching away the lives of people ranging from 20-50; hale and hearty fraction of the population. Even the World Health Organization lately gave out a red signal internationally which formerly took action in 1968 for the Hong Kong pandemic. Do you really need to be anxious about this current swine flu? What is it that one has to do to guard one and other family members?

Swine Flu in the opposition of seasonal Flu

The name "swine flu" generally suggests that only pigs are affected by it. Conversely, it has changed its initial position taking hold from pigs to humans. The fact that this illness, addressed as H1N1 get transferred from person-to-person make it distinctive and deadly.

On the other hand, Seasonal flu occurs yearly between the months December and March frequently at some point in the cold and flu season. Last flu season, 2008 to 2009 was a kinder one but it is approximated each year half million people die. The nature of swine flu being carried from person to person easily differentiates it from the seasonal flu. This greatly worries the health concerned department as such easy spreading illness doesn't have a vaccine.

What to Take Care of

Swine Flu includes symptoms alike the normal human flu, there would be fever, cough, tiredness and bodily aching. Other illnesses such as Nausea along with Diarrhea are also witnessed. If any of you have visited San Diego County or Imperial County, California or San Antonio, Texas shortly and there are the above mentioned symptoms present then there may not be good news relating to your health. Thus it is advisable that as soon as the symptoms are witnessed one should consult a doctor immediately.

Be Precautious

In order to prevent swine flu it is suggested by the doctors to exercise healthy diet. To start being precautions one has to adopt the habit of washing hands, eating healthy food, drinking sufficient amount of water and maintain a timely sleeping. Most importantly to save yourself you need to stray from the victim.

What to do if already infectious

Not to worry there are solutions to every disease and also to this swine flu. Handful of things can be done to cure the sick. It is a known fact that this flu can be restricted with the usage of Relenza/ Tamiflu and adding together good doses of Vitamin C plus Hydrogen peroxide can bring a relief.
Swine flu, the contagious disease should be prevented on taking right precautions. While symptoms head out, better check with a doctor for treatment. At least you can control its spreading to a level.

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Swine Flu Prevention - Items You Will Need

By Theo Steward

At the first signs of swine flu symptoms, go see your doctor and follow treatment recommendation. That is always rule number 1. Alternatively, if you want to prepare yourself in case a pandemic breaks out, chances are that authorities will ask people to stay at home as much as possible. This is a sensible precaution and the only one that works if you want to avoid getting infected.

So how do you prepare for such an event?

Go to your local grocery store, drug store, or big box store and buy the following items if you do not already have them in your home:

1. Hand sanitizer containing alcohol - Get 3 bottles at least, one for home, one for your car, and one for your workplace.

2. Several packages of sanitizing wipes containing alcohol.

3. Several bottles of cheap hand soap - it does not matter if it is anti-bacterial or not-just buy whatever is on sale.

4. Several boxes of disposable latex gloves.

5. A couple of packages of surgical masks for every family member.

6. A couple of bottles of hydrogen peroxide.

7. A couple of bottles of rubbing alcohol.

8. A bottle of iodine.

9. Enough bottled water to last your family two weeks.

10. Enough non-perishable food to last your family two weeks-canned food items are best.

11. A bag of fresh onions, a bag of fresh garlic, a bag of fresh ginseng, fresh broccoli, dandelion greens, and any other items you want that would make a nice stir-fry with these ingredients (beef, chicken, or fish).

Whatever You Do, Do Not Take Any Medicine Without Being Sick, Always Consult A Doctor Before Starting Any Treatment.
Theo Steward is webmaster for the Swine Flu prevention website, where you can read up on articles about the swine flu.

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Swine Flu Prevention

By RK Ellertson

Why Swine Flu Prevention?

You're late! The plane you are supposed to be on just made the last call to board and you're running to the gate, when you notice that right in front of you coming your way, just off a plane from Mexico is a convention of Mexican pig farmers! Oh yes they are boarding your flight. What are you going to do? Run? Miss your plane? or do you face it like a man, tell yourself everything will be alright and sit through a 3 hour flight?

Now I'm not saying something like that is going to happen, and I mean no offense to Mexican pig farmers in any way. My point is that you can catch swine flu just like you can catch human flu. Your best bet is swine flu prevention.

Have you ever had the flu? I have, and I had no idea where I caught it from in most cases.

You touch an infected doorknob, then scratch your eye. Boom, its over... you have swine flu and spend the next several weeks quarantined in some hospital away from your family and friends, oh yes and vomiting. Sound like fun?

Now we all can't just sit home either. Especially if you have bills to pay. So what do you do to protect yourself? Swine flu prevention.

So what it comes down to is simply common sense. Viral bacteria is everywhere. Doorknobs, pens, magazines, gas pumps, money. Just about anything someone touches could be infected.

The trick is to be especially clean. There are numerous products that can assist you with this, and the key is, Be prepared.

What can someone do to be prepared?

Several items could assist you with swine flu prevention. Some of the common sense items would be, some anti-bacterial-viral hand soap. You've all seen them. they have sizes anywhere from portable, key chain, size, to a huge industrial bucket of the stuff.

How abut some sanitizer wipes? clean and disinfect doorknobs, counter tops, etc. Really handy.

Surgical gloves? Why not? If you are in a high traffic area it wouldn't hurt.

Surgical masks? I suggest surgical masks because they simply filter bacteria more effectively that just a regular mask would. A surgical mask would be handy in a plane full of Mexican pig farmers, wouldn't it.

OK, I'm running out of time, and I want to thank everyone for reading this article. If you want more information, please visit my website listed below.
RK Ellertson
http://swinefluprevention.weebly.com

To find out more information about common sense swine flu prevention, visit http://swinefluprevention.weebly.com

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Swine Flu - Two Steps to a Strong Immune System That Will Keep You Safe

By Joseph Mccaffrey

The outbreak of swine flu has understandably caused a great deal of concern around the globe. It's more important than ever to do what you can to avoid coming down with any infectious disease. A very important aspect of this is to maintain a strong immune system and I'd like to give you two tips right now on just how to do that.

The first tip is to manage your stress. I don't think anyone would argue that the average person has more stress in their life than at any other time in history. This is because the rate of change in today's world of steadily increasing. Anytime we have to adapt to a changing situation it creates a form of stress.

We don't necessarily want to stress go away we do need to manage it. If we don't we'll not only detract from the quality of our lives, we will actually weaken our immune system.

A dramatic example of this was a study in which volunteers were exposed to cold virus. Prior to the exposure they took a survey that measured the amount of stress they were experiencing at the time. Not everyone who is exposed to the virus became ill. Those who were under the most stress were not only more likely to become sick, they also had more severe symptoms and stayed sick or longer.

There are many effective ways to manage stress. These include the relaxation response, meditation, hypnosis, visualization and so forth. The important thing is to find a technique that appeals to you and practice it regularly.

The next bit of advice is to get enough sleep. This is an area that too many people neglect today and unfortunately pay the price for it.

A study in the archives of internal medicine show this clearly. People who had less than seven hours of sleep each night were more than three times as likely to come down with a cold during the course of the study as those who slept for eight or more hours.

Even more impressive, a delay in falling asleep a relatively short interruptions in sleep during the night increase the susceptibility to coming down with a cold even more.

The bottom line is that your mother's advice to "get a good night sleep" is one the best things you can do to support your immune system.
If you'd like to find out even more about what you can do to keep your immune system strong and to reduce your chance of coming down with whatever cold and flu is going around visit my page Strong Immune System.

While you are there be sure to sign up to get your free report on "The Surprising Power of the Heart". It reveals that the heart is much more than a pump. Its rhythm contain secrets that influence your entire body and all its systems, including the immune system. It's information that everyone needs to know.
I hope this helps you stay well.
http://JFMcCaffreyMD.com

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No Swine Flu Vaccine? - Try Immune Boosting Foods and Other Strategies

By Paul Varnas

You can't turn on the television and not hear about the swine flu. A vaccine may be months away; besides, there are still some who prefer not to be vaccinated.

The idea behind vaccines is to confer immunity to a specific virus. Since this is not an option, why not take steps to improve general immunity. We hear that half of Europe died during the Bubonic Plague in the 14th century. That means that the other half didn't die-better immunity.

We use language like, "I caught a cold," or "I caught the flu". It makes it sound like the virus has moves like LeBron James. It fakes left, spins right and slam dunks into you. But we know that even in a pandemic, not everyone gets sick.

So you want to enhance your immune system as much as possible. First do all the things your mother told you: wash your hands before eating, eat a good diet, and get plenty of rest. Stress really puts a strain on the immune system and can increase your chances of getting sick. Researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Iowa and reported in the Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine (May, 2001). According to the article, those who reported having a lot of pain and stress were more likely to become sick that those who claimed to have only a little pain and stress. It is reasonable to expect that other stressful procedures may hamper immune function.

Diet is very important. Sugar and refined flour products stress the immune system. Similarly, hydrogenated oils and deep-fried foods should be avoided. Fresh, brightly colored produce will help to boost your immune system. Fresh produce is high in vitamin C. The bright color in plant foods is from carotenes and bioflavonoids. These are powerful antioxidants that will help to protect your cells. The carotenes are precursors to vitamin A.

Also, supplementation often helps with immunity: Vitamin C is antiviral and antioxidant. It protects your cells from chemical stress and from viruses. Vitamin A is a much neglected immune support nutrient. Research shows that chemical exposure, and bacterial and viral exposure reduces vitamin A levels (get professional help before taking vitamin A, because too much of it can be toxic). Arabinogalactan can be purchased as a powder. They exist in high amounts in herbs that boost the immune system like: Echinacea purpurea, Baptisia tinctoria, Thuja occidentalis, Angelica acutiloba and Curcuma longa. In short, it is found in herbs that boost the immune system.

The idea is to improve your body's infrastructure. Fortify your immune system and the chances of getting sick decrease.
Dr. Paul Varnas, DC, DACBN is a practicing Chiropractor and Natural Health provider in the Chicago, Illinois area. Dr. Varnas is also a published author, entrepreneur and public speaker promoting the benefits of natural healthcare and whole body wellness throughout the country. His Whole Health America organization provides a variety of information and value added services to natural care practitioners everywhere.

For more information on Dr. Paul Varnas, please call 630-993-0007, or visit http://www.wholehealthweb.com

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Can You Protect Yourself From the Swine Flu?

By Sandy Powers

Every day our bodies are attacked by viruses and bacteria that weaken our immune system and make us more vulnerable to diseases like the Swine Flu.

Swine Flu is a serious disease. All flues are serious. Even with the flu shots so many people get, around 36,000 people die in the United States yearly from the flu. The concern is that a pandemic may occur. If it does, many more people will die. A pandemic is a disease that affects people worldwide. An epidemic is more contained.

The Swine Flu is a respiratory illness that is spread from pigs to humans to other humans. We spread it to each other much like we do colds-coughing, sneezing, and touching things with the virus on it. Wearing masks offer little protection unless you are also wearing disposable gloves and wash your hands well after disposing of both, then disinfecting the sink and handles. Unrealistic.

Symptoms are regular flu symptoms-fever, running nose, sore throat, and you can develop vomiting and diarrhea.

Treatment: Antibiotics don't work against viruses. The antivirals may work but problems are developing that viruses are becoming immune to them. Plus to work, you must take them within 48 hours of contact. Often, with the flu, you don't recognize the symptoms until it is too late for the antivirals to work.

So, how can we protect ourselves?

We keep our immune system in top shape so that if we do contact the Swine Flu, our bodies will fight serious complications. We boost our immune system with certain foods.

Double the orange juice. Don't forget the kids. Have them trade some of that apple juice for orange juice.

Eat carrots, sweet potatoes, and sweet bell peppers.

Beans, whole grains, nuts, especially walnuts, shrimp, and red meat.

Garlic and onions are great for boosting the immune system.

Get your Vitamin D from the sun 15 minutes a day. Make sure your kids go outside after school for 15 minutes without sunscreen.

Drink plenty of liquids throughout the day to prevent dehydration even if you have no symptoms.

A meal that is loaded with immune boosters is Chili. Make with ground beef, red, green, and yellow sweet peppers, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and lots of beans.
By Sandy Powers

Cancer survivor Sandy Powers is the author of the award winning guide to health, Organic for Health.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLE4HBHBmik

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Signs and Symptoms of Swine Flu

In swine

In pigs influenza infection produces fever, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and decreased appetite. In some cases the infection can cause abortion. Although mortality is usually low (around 1-4%), the virus can produce weight loss and poor growth, causing economic loss to farmers. Infected pigs can lose up to 12 pounds of body weight over a 3 to 4 week period.

In humans

Direct transmission of a swine flu virus from pigs to humans is occasionally possible (called zoonotic swine flu). In all, 50 cases are known to have occurred since the first report in medical literature in 1958, which have resulted in a total of six deaths.

Of these six people, one was pregnant, one had leukemia, one had Hodgkin disease and two were known to be previously healthy.

Despite these apparently low numbers of infections, the true rate of infection may be higher, since most cases only cause a very mild disease, and will probably never be reported or diagnosed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in humans the symptoms of the 2009 "swine flu" H1N1 virus are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. The 2009 outbreak has shown an increased percentage of patients reporting diarrhea and vomiting.The 2009 H1N1 virus is not zoonotic swine flu, as it is not transmitted from pigs to humans, but from person to person.

Because these symptoms are not specific to swine flu, a differential diagnosis of probable swine flu requires not only symptoms but also a high likelihood of swine flu due to the person's recent history. For example, during the 2009 swine flu outbreak in the United States, CDC advised physicians to "consider swine influenza infection in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute febrile respiratory illness who have either been in contact with persons with confirmed swine flu, or who were in one of the five U.S. states that have reported swine flu cases or in Mexico during the 7 days preceding their illness onset."

A diagnosis of confirmed swine flu requires laboratory testing of a respiratory sample (a simple nose and throat swab).

Swine influenza

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Swine influenza (also called swine flu, hog flu, and pig flu) refers to influenza caused by those strains of influenza virus, called swine influenza virus (SIV), that usually infect pigs.

[1] Swine influenza is common in pigs in the midwestern United States (and occasionally in other states), Mexico, Canada, South America, Europe (including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Italy), Kenya, Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan and other parts of eastern Asia.[1]
Transmission of swine influenza virus from pigs to humans is not common and properly cooked pork poses no risk of infection. When transmitted, the virus does not always cause human influenza and often the only sign of infection is the presence of antibodies in the blood, detectable only by laboratory tests. When transmission results in influenza in a human, it is called zoonotic swine flu. People who work with pigs, especially people with intense exposures, are at risk of catching swine flu. However, only about fifty such transmissions have been recorded since the mid-20th Century, when identification of influenza subtypes became possible. Rarely, these strains of swine flu can pass from human to human. In humans, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of influenza and of influenza-like illness in general, namely chills, fever, sore throat, muscle pains, severe headache, coughing, weakness and general discomfort.
The 2009 flu outbreak in humans, known as "swine flu", is due to a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1 that contained genes most closely related to swine influenza.

[2] The origin of this new strain is unknown, however, the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) reports that this strain has not been isolated in pigs.

[3] This strain can be transmitted from human to human,[4] and causes the normal symptoms of influenza.

Swine Flu Outbreak - How to Prepare For a Swine Flu Pandemic

By Viola Bontrager

The government has issued several reports and guidelines to help families prepare for a swine flu pandemic, should it happen. They are recommending stocking up on supplies such as hand sanitizers, masks, vaccinations, emergency food reserves, etc.

Coupled with everything that seems to be on the horizon as far as a coming food shortage, and emergency situations, it does make sense to prepare ourselves or at least have an emergency preparedness plan that is in place.

When an outbreak like Swine or Asian flu hits, a whole city can be quarantined for several weeks, and many of us will be quite relieved if we have enough food laid up to last through that.'

During a pandemic, what often happens is that there is a rush for emergency supplies, which quickly vaporizes them. And usually the civilian or government supplies are only for a short term and remaining reserves are distributed quickly.

They HIGHLY recommend stocking up on emergency items NOW before panic buying occurs and the "breakout" announcement is made on the 6 o'clock News.

If there is, in fact, a Swine Flu outbreak, the demand will be huge for things like food reserves, breathing masks, etc...

Symptoms of Swine or Asian Flu include: 
fever
cough,
sore throat
muscle aches
eye infections
pneumonia
severe respiratory diseases

The symptoms of avian influenza may depend on which specific virus subtype and strain caused the infection.


As with anything that happens in life, do not panic! Simply prepare for the worst and the worst case scenario is that you will have emergency supplies on hand for come what may, for the next 30 years!
PREPARE NOW while time is still on your side and you can get the preparedness supplies you and your family need, and you will never HAVE the need to panic!

Visit our Survival Skills website for more emergency related articles. And visit our site about Swine Flu to learn how you can prepare for anything, come what may!

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Swine Flu - From Pigs to Humans

By Michael Kirsch, M.D.

The Swine flu infection which originated in Mexico has caused a worldwide health threat in 2009. The symptoms and treatment associated with this virus are very similar to a typical influenza. However, there is no vaccine currently. Travelers should consult with a travel doctor before departure.

What is swine flu?

Swine flu is a viral infection that typically causes illness in pigs. This virus is a close relative of the common influenza virus. Pigs can transmit the virus to humans, but this is an uncommon event. Until the 2009 outbreak developed, this infection occurred in the U.S. only once or twice per year.

How serious is the 2009 swine flu outbreak?

Epidemiologists, who study worldwide disease patterns, do not know yet how much damage this infection will cause. Health experts around the world are concerned and are following the situation hour by hour. The outbreak, which started in Mexico, has migrated to the United States and has also been reported in Europe, South America and Australia. Governments are bracing themselves for a swine flu pandemic, which means a worldwide plague of illness. However, the disease may reverse course and fade, much as happened with other viral threats, such as the SARS virus in 2003.

Why is the infection attacking humans now?

Viruses, like all germs, are constantly under pressure to mutate in order to adapt to new environments. These mutations, which occur by chance, become permanent if they offer an advantage to the virus. The new strain of swine flu can attack humans and easily spreads from person to person. This has been a very favorable development for the virus at the expense of its human hosts.

How is this infection transmitted?

The new influenza strain is highly contagious. It is primarily spread through the air from coughs and sneezing from infected individuals, but it can also be picked up from contaminated surfaces, such as a doorknob. Although some governments have banned pork products from countries with swine flu activity, health experts state that you cannot contract this infection in this manner.

What are the symptoms?

Swine flu symptoms cannot be distinguished from typical influenza or other viral infections. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, body aches and fatigue. These symptoms are termed non-specific by doctors meaning they could be caused by any of a variety of illnesses. While recovery is generally expected, the disease can become more serious. Fatalities have occurred.

How is it diagnosed?

Physicians suspect this infection based on your symptoms and your own particular circumstances. For example, if you just returned from Mexico City and developed flu symptoms, your physician will certainly suspect swine flu. Most of the worldwide swine flu cases that we are reading in the newspapers have not been confirmed with a diagnostic test. Most of these individuals are assumed to be infected with this infection. There are special tests that can be performed to establish the diagnosis, but these are usually only done by health authorities who need to confirm the spread of the virus.

Is treatment available?

The CDC advises that Tamiflu and Relenza are both effective treatments, particularly if administered early in the disease course.

Can swine flu be prevented?

Although there is no human vaccine for this virus, common sense measures can reduce your risk of infection. Avoid contact with ill people who may have the flu. If you must be in close quarters with an infected individual, then the sick individual and all contacts should wash their hands frequently with soap and water, not hand sanitizers. All sneezing and coughing should be covered followed immediately with a vigorous hand washing. Exercise more caution if you are in contact with an individual who was potentially exposed to this virus. This person could be unknowingly infected and could transmit the virus to others.

Do international travelers need to be protected?

Swine flu has cancelled thousands of vacations in April 2009 and list will grow steadily. Travelers are urged to consult with their travel doctors before departure for the latest information on worldwide swine flu trends. Your physician may advise you to modify your itinerary to minimize your risk. For example, if you absolutely must go to Mexico for an important business trip, then you might postpone watching a bullfight until your next excursion south of the border.
Michael Kirsch, MD is a full time practicing physician and freelance author. He writes about the joys and challenges of medical practice including controversies in the doctor-patient relationship, medical ethics and measuring medical quality. When he is not writing, he is performing colonoscopies. For more information on travel vaccinations, immunizations and trip advice, visit: http://travelclinicsofamerica.com and his blog: http://travelvaccineforum.wordpress.com/

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