Swine Flu Signs & Symptoms, Prevention Tips

With the incidence of swine flu cases on a rise, especially, in the Northern part of the country, update yourself on this contagious ailment and protect your children. A quick guide here which includes symptoms, causes, and prevention.
 

Swine Flu Symptoms

Swine flu is similar to a bout of seasonal influenza or flu, but this is caused by a different strain of the virus. It infects the respiratory system primarily. Swine flu signs and symptoms in humans are similar to those of other flu strains. Check for following symptoms...

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Body aches
• A headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting

Swine flu symptoms develop about one to three days after you're exposed to the virus and continue for about seven days.

When to Visit the Doctor If Swine Flu Diagnosed?

If you notice the symptoms lingering on for more than the usual 3-5 days, and not getting cured by the routine medication you used earlier, go to a doctor for a further and thorough diagnosis. Also, as children have delicate immunity chances of their catching it become a bit higher. Similarly, patients with cardiac disorders, asthma, diabetes or pregnant women, children younger than 5 years, and senior citizens need to take particular care as they are most susceptible.
 

How Cure Swine Flu?

The antiviral drugs oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are sometimes prescribed to reduce the severity of symptoms, but take these only at the recommendation of a doctor. Also, they might not be available at your local pharmacy and you might have to go to a hospital pharmacy to buy it. Read about swine flu vaccination & other treatment options.
 

Swine Flu Prevention Tips

• Wash hands: wash hands thoroughly and frequently, with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer when need be. After you have been to a public place like a mall or traveled in a closed public transport, such as metro or an airplane, be particularly careful of hygiene and wash hands and blow your nose.
• Stay home if you have flu symptoms: If you notice any symptoms of flu, stay at home as use can infect others easily and spread it. Also, it will be good for you to rest and drink plenty of hot liquids and water to get relief from symptoms such as a blocked nose.
• Be watchful when you sneeze: Sneeze and cough in tissue paper and dispose of that responsibly. Also, if a member of the family is affected, ideally get him treated in a hospital where he can be quarantined for a few days.

Causes of Swine Flu

Similar to a cold or flu, swine flu is very contagious and spreads through air and contact with an infected person. If an infected person sneezes without covering their nose and mouth, the droplets from the sneeze can carry the virus to others who can then inhale it. Also, touching contaminated surfaces can increase the risk of infection. While it is curable, it can cause complications for patients with a cardiac history, asthma, or lead to respiratory failure and in severe cases neurological disturbances such as confusion and seizures. [Read more swine flu causes & precautions]
 

While paranoia is not advisable, a bit of care and alertness is suggested. Be safe!