Are There Alternatives to the Swine Flu Vaccine?

The latest outbreak of H1N1 viral influenza commonly referred to as swine flu or Mexican flu hit the world in the early part of 2009. Although the current outbreak was termed Novel Influenza A' in the US, previous smaller outbreaks have occurred in Europe and elsewhere. Because of the frequently recurring avian flu outbreaks over the past few years, both the WHO and most countries were better prepared to control the swine flu outbreak. Unlike the avian flu virus, there has been no record of transmission of this flu virus from animals / birds to humans and it is safe to eat cooked pork products. So far the infection has spread only between humans, but there is always the risk that the virus will mutate and eventually transmit between different species.



Most people who have been infected by the flu have shown only mild symptoms and the normal precautions taken for those afflicted with seasonal flu should suffice. These include vaccination (when made available in the market), washing hands, sufficient rest and sleep, exercise, balanced diet with emphasis on fruit and vegetables and avoiding crowds. Covering the face while sneezing or coughing and staying at home during the period of illness (with some level of isolation) also helps in preventing the spread from an infected person; there is some doubt as to how effective face masks are, in this regard. The most common symptoms are body ache, fever, coughing (dry), sneezing, headaches and in some instances - diarrhoea and vomiting. Stricter control and more care is needed for the high risk group comprising people likely to be more severely affected by the virus and these include children below 5 years of age, the elderly (above 65), pregnant women, people with asthma, diabetes, obesity, heart disease and people having muscular and nervous system concerns; hospitalisation may be the best option in extreme cases.



Vaccines used for treating the common influenza have not worked in controlling swine flu and more specific vaccines have been tested. Just a single dose of these is expected to be reasonably effective in preventing an attack on most individuals, but younger children less than 10 years of age are advised 2 injections at an interval of 21 days. More efficient vaccines are also being tested and should be made available shortly. A number of countries are gearing up for mass vaccinations in late 2009 to try and control the spread of the virus among their citizens - something similar to what was undertaken during the polio eradication campaign.



There are a number of options available to control the flu and its symptoms without a swine flu vaccine. Ideally a homeopathic specialist should be consulted to decide on which formulation to take and the dosage required. There are some companies who continuously modify their formulations to create natural flu remedies that take care of differences in the type of flu that is going around as to what works well for the current influenza that may be effective for swine flu.

Swine Flu, The Common Cold, and Influenza - How Can You Tell the Difference?

As we rapidly find our way approaching fall and winter, seasonal influenza and colds are bound to start manifesting themselves quickly. In its latest Swine Flu update, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said twenty one states are already reporting widespread flu activity.



Physicians state they're afraid the two flu strains (H1N1 Swine Flu and seasonal flu) could merge together creating additional complications to an already frightened society. If you then add in the common cold, which is the most common virus this time of the year, there is a chance that immune systems can be compromised by a one two punch.



How can people figure out if the sniffles and runny nose they are having are something that they should be worried about? Infectious disease experts explain that the public should to be cognizant of the symptoms. Dr. Shmuel Shoham, an infectious-disease medical specialist at Washington Hospital Center, states the cold, seasonal flu and H1N1 swine flu are each respiratory diseases, but they are induced by dissimilar viruses.



Symptoms of the common cold are consistent with most people and may cause the patient to be quite miserable for three to five days. A person will commonly suffer from a stuffy nose, congestion, aches and pains, and in some instances a cough will develop.



As reported by the CDC they state that seasonal flu and H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms are fever, severe aches and pains, dry coughing, diarrhea and fatigue or lethargy. It can be almost impossible without and examination or test to differentiate the seasonal form of flu from the H1N1 Swine Flu that is currently being studied.



"People should acknowledge once they start to feel bad. Whenever they begin to have respiratory troubles, or are dehydrated because of illness, they need go to see their doctor. It could be Swine Flu or seasonal flu," says Shoham. "A few people with influenza could become very ill and may end up in the hospital if it has not been attended to."



Most at Risk



The population at the largest risk for catching H1N1 Swine Flu include adolescents and young adults up to twenty five years, pregnant women, and people with prolonged health conditions similar to asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease. The CDC has advocated that these groups as well as health care workers are first on the vaccination list.



The seasonal flu vaccination is particularly crucial for anyone that has a chance for serious flu complications, reported by the CDC, including adolescents, anyone with a weak immune system, women who are planning a pregnancy during the influenza season, people that are fifty years or older, and health care professionals like nurses and doctors.



Prevention is the Best Medicine



Other than flu shots there are additional ways to remain healthy and have a high chance of resisting these illnesses. Physicians will tell you to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or a hand sanitizer and keep your fingers away from your face. If you need to sneeze you should sneeze into your elbow so that you don't spread your germs to your hands or everyone and everything else in the immediate area.



Whenever you become sick and have severe symptoms you should call your health care practitioner. Your family doctor may recommend antiviral drugs that will address the flu. Antiviral drugs are prescriptions (pills, liquid or an inhaled powder) that battle the flu by keeping the virus from multiplying throughout your system giving your immune system a better chance to fight off the infection.



Most importantly, stay away from other people. If you have the flu, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you remain home for at the very least 24 hours after your fever is gone. This is the best way to keep other people from contracting the seasonal or H1N1 Swine Flu virus



Keep your immune system strong and healthy. The best way to do this is by eating a healthy selection of foods including many fruits and vegetables. Get a lot of sleep or rest and remain active as well. Some of the best vitamins to begin taking are Vitamin D, Vitamin C. Add these to your daily nutritional plan to begin building your immune system now. Don't wait for and outbreak, start today!

Swine Flu - A Brief Jist

Swine flu has raised its head in most parts of the world, but the panic is much more in India, where there is a large population and severe winter season ahead. But one question arises in everyone's mind is - What is Swine flu?



The Swine flu virus strain (H1N1) evolved from pigs with some strains of Bird flu integrated with it and it spreads easily from human to human like normal cold and cough. Patients have normal flu symptoms like sore throat, fever, running nose etc. But if these symptoms are not treated then in few cases, this flu leads to severe infection of lungs leading to pneumonia, multiple organ failure and ultimately death.



But this does not happen in 99% of the cases, where if treated with the only medication Tamiflu, people generally get better and free from virus in 7-10 days. The incubation period of the virus is 1-7 days, which means the person can transmit the virus to other humans without he having any symptoms of the disease.



There is a difference in the way people respond to the disease, it all depends on the natural immunity of the person, his disease fighting ability, his chronic conditions like asthma, high BP, diabetes etc and how early Tamiflu is given in the course of the disease. Once the patient moves on to the ventilator after showing Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, it becomes very difficult to pull him from the jaws of death.



So the best option is prevention and better knowledge of the disease. But how could we prevent it? By maintaining good hygiene, not having direct contact with diseased patients etc. The list is huge, but let us see what we can do in our diet, we should eat good healthy food, and also include some supplements like Cod Liver oil, which is known to provide immunity from common cold and coughs and Vitamin C rich foods which are known to boost the immunity.



If you are having symptoms of cold and flu, then just wait for 2-3 days for it to subside, if they do not subside, then do get yourself tested in the nearest laboratory and start the medication with the prescription of doctor. The current outbreak is a mild version of the disease, so the mortality rate is really low and scientists are working hard to have a vaccine for the disease. But till that time we should not panic but just be cautious for the health of our family.

Preventing the Swine Flu

Around the world, news regarding the Swine Flu has captured the attention of millions of people. Australia is no exception - many are worried about the dangers of this latest flu outbreak. However, there are definite measures that can be taken to avoid this latest strain of the flu. H1N1 - as it is also called - highlights why getting vaccinated is such a smart idea.



With the current media coverage and potential impact of the Swine Flu, there has been quite a bit of panic associated with this outbreak. It is important to know that there are steps that can be taken to lessen the likelihood of contracting this illness. Chief among these steps are flu vaccinations.



Avoiding contracting this strain of the influenza virus is the best way to deal with it; however, should you contract it, it is important to recognize the symptoms. With this in mind, here is a list of the primary symptoms that people experience when they have come down with the swine flu:



=> Sore throat => Cough => Fever => Chills => Headache => Fatigue => Aches => Vomiting => Diarrhea



These symptoms typically appear within three to five days of exposure to the virus. People that contract this type of illness are usually contagious from the day before symptoms of sickness appear and continuing for up to eight days. Methods of passing on the swine flu are very similar to from influenza and are generally passed from a contagious person include: touching, sneezing and coughing or coming into contact with areas and surfaces where this virus exists.



As with any illness, it is smart to contact your doctor if you begin developing flu symptoms (fever, cough). Be particularly certain to seek medical advice if you have recently travelled in an area known to have had an outbreak of the swine flu. The sooner that you see a doctor, the likelier you are to suffer the least amount of problems and will experience peace of mind.



The swine flu is the same as other types influenza, it is primarily contract through cells that line the lungs, throat and nose. Particles containing the virus become airborne through coughing, sneezing or other means and are inhaled into a person's respiratory system.



Anyone working with livestock or animals on a regular basis is smart to receive regular flu vaccinations as a preventative measure.



Severe complications of the swine flu, while rare, can be fatal. The illness can worsen chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease or diabetes. In the most extreme instances, pneumonia or complete respiratory failure may occur. At the onset of symptoms, please consult with your physician.

Symptoms of Swine Flu - Know the Difference Between H1N1 Flu and Regular Flu

Swine Flu is a number one health concern the world over. The HI1N1 flu or Swine Flu was first detected in US in April 2009. The worst affected areas initially were Canada and Mexico before H1N1 flu cases began to emerge in other areas of the world. In a short span of four months, the disease has spread to almost all regions in the world. World Health Organization has called H1N1 as pandemic which means a big epidemic that involves the entire country or perhaps the world. Usually, the signs of a pandemic are when a virus without any immunity to stop it, spreads across various parts of the world.



Risk factors of Swine Flu
Swine Flu spreads from person to person in the same way as regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. People with high risk for seasonal flu are also at high risk for H1N1 flu. For example, people above 65 years of age, pregnant women, children below 5 years of age and those with chronic medical conditions and lifestyle diseases like diabetes are at high risk.



Symptoms of Swine Flu
In children, the symptoms of H1N1 virus include:
1. Rapid Breathing or Difficulty in breathing.
2. Grayish or Bluish Skin Color
3. Dehydration
4. Persistent of severe vomiting
5. Not able to interact properly with people, become irritable
6. Flu like symptoms, bad cough and fever



In adults, the symptoms of swine flu include:
1. Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
2. Pain in chest or abdomen
3. Sudden dizziness or loss of energy
4. Severe or continuous vomiting
6. Flu like symptoms, bad cough and fever



The symptoms of H1N1 is similar to the ones that people get in regular, seasonal flu and so things like fever, sneezing, cough, body ache, head ache, shivering, sore throat and fatigue are common. Diarrhea and vomiting are also symptoms that have been associated with some cases of this flu, also known as Influenza A.



How do I catch swine flu?
H1N1 is transmitted the same way like seasonal flu. Flu viruses are spread usually from person to person through sneezing or coughing by people who have influenza. Some people may become infected with the deadly H1N1 by touching something that has virus on it and then bringing to their nose or mouth.



How can someone with swine flu infect it to someone else?
Infected people can actually infect others from the first day itself, even before they themselves get any symptoms. This means there are also chances that one can pass on the symptoms of flu even before she or he knows that she or he is sick.



How do I protect myself from swine flu? How can I take precautions against H1N1virus?
There is no vaccine that can protect you or be prevention against H1N1 Flu. You can only maintain hygiene and take care to prevent spread of germs that can lead to illnesses like influenza. Here are the ways in which you can prevent yourself against the flu:



1. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash after you sneeze into it.



2. Wash your hands with a liquid handwash like Dettol or Lifebuoy, especially after you cough or sneeze.



3. Do not touch your mouth, eyes or nose. Germs can spread in this manner.



4. Avoid contact with people who are infected. This is sad but then the disease is highly infective.



5. If you are sick with influenza, stay at home and do not go to school or work. Limit your contact with people so that they do not get infected.



6. Do not venture into crowded spaces.



7. Increase the airflow in your room by opening the windows for proper ventilation.



8. Sleep well, eat nutritious food and practise healthy habits so that you are physically active and immune to the flu.



How long can the Swine Flu virus stay on things like doorknobs and furniture?
According to medical experts, the influenza virus can stay on environmental surfaces and infect people from 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on things like door knobs, books etc. Germs of H1N1 can spread when a person touches infected areas or infected people and then touches their eyes, ears, nose or mouth. Cough droplets or sneeze from an infected person can travel through the area. When a person comes in contact with droplets of sneeze of another person or touches things like books or desk of that person that is contaminated with sneeze droplets, and touches his or her own eyes, mouth, nose etc; before washing hands, one can contract the virus.



What are the medicines and treatment options?
Taking oseltamivir(Tamiflu) or zanamivir(Relenza) can treat H1N1 but they should be taken in the early stages of the disease. Antiviral drugs or prescription medicines can make your immune system strong and keep the flu viruses at bay and stop them from reproducing in your body. So, you should start taking antiviral drugs within two days of getting H1N1 or influenza symptoms.



How do I prevent getting H1N1 in high risk areas?
If you live in places where people have been infected with H1N1 virus or have influenza like symptoms mentioned above, then you should stay home and avoid contact with these people. If you develop flu like symptoms, do not leave things to chance and take instant medical care. Your health care provider or doctor will be able to tell you whether H1N1 flu testing is required.



Does WHO recommend using a MASK?
If you are not sick or if you are not living in high risk areas, it is not required to wear a mask. If a near and dear one is sick with H1N1, you need to wear a mask since you will be in close contact with the ill person. Dispose the mask after contact and wash and clean your hands thoroughly. Using the mask correctly is important because using it incorrectly will spread infection.



How can I differentiate between H1N1 Swine Flu and seasonal flu?
You cannot tell the difference without a medical verdict on it. Since symptoms for both the diseases are same like cough, headache, sneezing, fever, runny nose etc, only your doctor will be able to say if you have H1N1 virus. In case, your doctor suspects symptoms, they will have your blood sample, nasopharyngeal (nose to mouth) and throat swab to laboratories.



Home remedies for swine flu:
There are no home remedies, especially when you have to figure out if it is H1N1 or season flu. The H1N1 requires anti-viral drugs because treating it is an emergency issue. However you can prevent the spread of swine flu and strengthen your immune system by doing the following:
1. Wash your hands properly before having a meal, not just with soap and water.
2. Wear face mask before going outside. If someone is coughing or sneezing near you, cover your nose and mouth with palms or a hanky. Swine flu gets into the body through the mouth and nose.
3. Drink lemon balm tea because it has anti-viral properties.
4. Chew fresh garlic cloves because they have antiviral properties as well.
5. Steam inhalation with chamomile or eucalyptus thrice a day can relieve lung congestion and prevent swine flu symptoms.

Swine Flu

Introduction:



H1N1 flu, also called swine flu, is a respiratory disease of pigs that has now spread to humans.



"Swine" refers to animals such as pigs, hogs, and boars.



"Flu" is an abbreviation of influenza.



"H1N1" is the name of the virus that has spread to humans



People do not normally get swine flu viruses, but human infections can and do happen. Beginning in late march 2009, cases of humans infected with the H1N1flu virus have been reported in the USA and internationally.



This health education program explains What the H1N1 FLU IS.



It discusses its symptoms, when to seek medical help, and its treatment options. It also provides important prevention tips.



ABOUT VIRUS:



Viruses are very small living particles. This section reviews information about viruses that will help you understand the H1N1 flu virus.



H1N1 Flu Infections:



Influenza viruses happen naturally among pigs, hogs, and boars. Swine influenza is very contagious among swine. It can make some domesticated pigs very sick.



It is unusual for humans to catch swine flu viruses, but occasional cases happen, Usually in people who have contact with infected pigs. Swine flu viruses have also been reported to spread from person to person in the past, but previous episodes of



Transmissions were very limited.



The recent infections are caused by a new strain of swine flu virus Known as Type A,, Subtype H1N1. That is why this flu is called influenza A H1N1, or simply H1N1 flu . This new strain seems to be progressing rapidly and humans have not yet had a chance to develop antibodies or protection against it.



Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person when infected people cough or sneeze. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.



You cannot get the H1N1 flu from eating cooked pork. Infected people may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to seven or more days after becoming sick. Children, especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.



Symptoms:



The most common symptoms of H1N1 influenza in humans are similar to typical human flu and include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue



Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu.



People who have chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, congestive heart failure, etc. many notice a worsening of their medical conditions.



Emergency Signs:



If you have severe symptoms, your doctor can test if flu symptoms are caused by H1N1 flu.



This section discusses when you or your child should seek medical help. You should watch for flu-like signs. These signs are fever; body aches runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.



Signs of the flue are often mild and do not require medical evaluation in the clinic. When the symptoms are mild, it is important to keep yourself hydrated, get plenty of rest, and practice good hand hygiene. You should seek medical care if your or your child develops any of the "emergency warnings signs". Some of the "emergency warning signs" that require urgent medical attention are listed next.



In children, some emergency warning signs include:



-Fast breathing or trouble breathing
- Bluish skin color
-Not drinking enough fluids
- High or prolonged fever.



You should also seek immediate medical attention if you notice changes in your child's mental status, such as:



- Not waking up
- Not interacting
- Extreme irritability and no wanting to be held



In adults, some emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:



-Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
-Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
-Sudden dizziness
-Near-fainting or fainting
-Confusion
-Server or persistent vomiting
-High or prolonged fever.



If you or your child have flu-like symptoms that get better but then come back with a fever and a worse cough, seek medical attention as soon as possible.



When you arrive, tell the receptionist or nurse about your symptoms. You may be asked to wear a mask and sit in a separate area to protect others from getting sick.



Treatment:



Which treatment is appropriate for you is based on the severity of your illness and your doctor may consult with an infectious disease specialist to determine the best treatment.



Antiviral drug approved for human influenza viruses should work in treating H1N1 influenza infection in humans. However, there are no known medications that treat H1N1 influenza infection specifically.



Antiviral drugs are prescriptions medications that can help the flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. These include pills, liquids, or inhalers.



Antiviral medications are currently recommended only for those patients with moderate or severe illness for H1N1 flu. Most people get better without antiviral medicines.



Antiviral medications must be taken within 48 hours after symptoms appear. They may diminish your symptoms, but they may not make your symptoms go away entirely.



Other flu treatments that should work for H1N1 flu include rest, medications to bring down a high fever, and drinking plenty of water.



If complications happen and you become very sick, hospitalization may be needed.



Hospitalized patients may be given oxygen or use a respirator.



Children or teenagers with the flu should get plenty of rest and drink lots of liquids. The medicines that they take to relieve their symptoms should not contain aspirin. Never give aspirin to children or Teenagers who have fu-like symptoms, especially a fever, without first speaking to your healthcare provider. Giving aspirin to children and teenagers who have influenza can cause rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
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H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms and Which Vitamins Will Solidify Your Resistance

The H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms are just about exactly the same as the regular seasonal influenza. These are the symptoms you should be looking for:



1. Fever over 100 degrees
2. Body aches and pains
3. Coughing
4. Sore throat
5. Respiratory congestion and difficulty breathing
6. Diarrhea and vomiting in very severe cases



Most adults and children that come down with the H1N1 swine flu who are in good health will recuperate without needing to seek the help of a doctor or hospitalization. Some people might want to call their doctor or pediatrician for advice on how to care for the H1N1 swine flu at home if they think that they do have some of the H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms.



There are people that need to be more cautious and are at a much higher risk for complications of H1N1 swine flu. These are people that experience severe illness , ,children less than 5 years of age, adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and anyone with chronic medical problems (including diabetes, asthma, and heart disease). If you fall into this category you should seek the help of a medical professional.



There's no vaccine available yet to protect against the pandemic H1N1 Swine Flu virus, but there are treatments that could reduce the course of illness in severe cases. Vaccines won't be available until October so it is best to build up your health and resistance proactively.



Here is what you can do to reduce the spreading of influenza and reduce your risk



A. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or employ an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to eliminate most germs.



B. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.



C. If you get sick it is advised to stay home for at least 24 hours or after signs of fever without the use of fever-reducing drugs have dissipated in order to avoid spreading illness to coworkers, friends, and relatives.



D. Cough or sneeze into a tissue and dispose of them immediately. If you don't have a tissue you should cover up your cough or sneeze with your elbow and not your hands.



E. Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and get sufficient rest and exercise.

What is H1N1 & What Are the Swine Flu Symptoms? Are You and Your Family at Significant Risk?

An outbreak of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) has recently caused concerns of a worldwide pandemic. As of this writing, the World Health Organization (also known as WHO) reports that thirty-nine countries have documented cases of the disease.



So, what is H1N1? The H1N1 virus, frequently called the swine flu is a virus that causes influenza in humans. The virus has gone through a recent mutation into its current form. Due to this mutation, humans have no protection from the disease. This is why authorities are worried about the chance of a pandemic.



The virus contains 2 genes from a typical pig virus, 1 gene from the avian flu virus, and 1 gene from human influenza virus. So now that we've responded to the query of what is H1N1, what about the symptoms? The symptoms of the H1N1 swine flu virus in people are similar to the those of the typical seasonal influenza virus. They include: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A number of people have also reported diarrhea and nausea.



And, like the seasonal flu, severe illnesses and death has happened as a result of illness associated with this serious disease. In the U. S. alone, about 36,000 people die each year from flu related issues.



Now that we've covered what is H1N1 and its symptoms, how about H1N1 complications and special risk factors? Typically the following people are at a major risk for complications: people 65 years of age and older, youngsters below the age of five, pregnant individuals, and those with certain chronic conditions. problems. These chronic conditions consist of people with asthma, diabetes, COPD, and people with compromised immune systems. This includes those taking immunosuppressant drugs. People with any of the risk factors above should consult with their physician even before a flu onset occurs.



Medical professionals are worried that a worldwide pandemic could occur at any time. Pandemics seem to spread in waves and frequently pass around the planet 2 or 3 times. The 2nd or third wave is frequently more serious than the 1st. This is how it happened in the 1918 flu pandemic which is thought to have killed at least 50 million people. It is possible a more significant outbreak of the disease will occur during the normal flu season.



If you are worried about the safety your family, or know someone that has some of the special risk factors stated above, do some swine flu preparation. Take steps today to protect yourself and your loved ones from the swine flu. Once a pandemic strikes, it could be too late to do anything.

Swine Flu H1N1 Fast Facts Part 2 - Symptoms and Treatment

Symptoms of Swine Flu H1N1 are the same as any flu: cough, sore throat, aches, headache, chills, fever, and fatigue; there can also be diarrhea and vomiting. Sinus infections, ear infections, or Pneumonia can develop. Swine Flu H1N1 is not a "killer flu," and many of the reported cases are considered mild. But age and health place some people at risk for more serious effects.
 
The following are at risk for a more serious course of flu or complications:
·         Pregnant women
·         Those with preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney failure, and respiratory disease
·         Infants and young children
·         The elderly
·         The immune compromised
·         Medically fragile individuals
·         People who live in group setting such as prisons or migrant labor camps
·         People who might delay medical care for financial reasons
 
Treatment of Swine Flu H1N1
Antiviral treatments (such as Tamiflu and Relenza) are available and are most effective if begun within two days of the onset of symptoms. Discuss side effects with your prescribing doctor before deciding upon treatment. Antiviral treatments are not recommended for infants under one year of age.  Follow your physician's recommendations for relief from aches and cough and to manage diarrhea and vomiting.  Do not go to the Emergency Department for flu-like symptoms. In the online article "Swine Influenza and You," the CDC recommends urgent or emergency care for the following symptoms:



·         Shortness of breath, breathing too fast, pain with deep breaths
·         Uncontrollable vomiting
·         Signs of dehydration: decreased urine production, crying without tears, eyes or inside of mouth appear dry, refusal or inability to drink
·         Worsening fever and cough
·         Chest or abdominal pain
·         Skin appears blue or gray, especially around eyes, nose, and mouth
·         Rash with fever
·         Confusion
·         Dizziness
·         In children: irritable, cannot be consoled, does not want to be held; cannot wake up, excessively sleepy, does not interact
 
Links to Frequently Updated Swine Flu H1N1 Information
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm
CDC article "Swine Influenza and You."
 
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm
CDC article "Taking care of a person with Influenza A H1N1 Swine Flu in Your Home."

How to Identify the Symptoms of Swine Flu H1N1

The first thing you may notice with the Swine Flu symptoms is that you will have a fever.Medical professionals have named the word fever, as pyrexia. A low grade fever may not necessarily mean that you do indeed, have Swine Flu. But if you are having some of these other symptoms in your body that I will continue to describe below, this could indicate the onset of the illness. Did you realize that part of the brain, the hypothalamus, is the temperature control system of our bodies? Therefore, it may be accompanied by chills you may have, along with very sore bones/and or muscles. Also, when the blood vessels vessels may be effected as well. This in turn, means that the heart may beat quicker then normal.



The second symptom that may stand out is coughing. The cough you are having may be really deep into the chest or not very bothersome. I have rwad that this Swine Flu seems to favor the lungs in a person. Along with a cough, you may also be experiencing a throat that feels as though you have a throat infection or strep. If you are feeling as though you have a throat accompanied by a cough, see your doctor for a throat and chest examination to determine exactly what is going on.



A third symptom you may be experiencing is a nauseated feeling and unable to hold your food down very well. You may also feel like running to the bathroom with diarrheal symptoms that can be very severe for some people and mild for others.



The fourth symptom you may or may not experience with Swine Flu is head pain that feels more like a migraine type of a headache. This again, is brought on by the blood vessels that are tight due to this illness. Since your body is working hard to rid itself of the Swine infection, this is a common part of the illness.



The fifth prominent symptom you may be feeling quite intensely is an exhaustion all over the body or an unrelenting fatigue. This fatigue may cause you the inability to function at all, along with feeling like just sleeping all the time.



And finally,the sixth symptom you may have all the time is vertigo. Vertigo is the medical terminology for a dizzy feeling in the body. If you don not usually have vertigo for another medical reason, it is definitely something you need to look into quickly, and especially if you are having these other classic symptomatologies I have mentioned here.

H1N1 Swine Flu - Symptoms and Warning Signs

The H1N1 Swine Flu is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread from person to person in the same way that regular seasonal influenza and common colds spread. The USDA reminds consumers that all meat and poultry product are safe to eat when properly prepared and cooked.



H1N1 Swine Flu is an influenza virus causing mild to severe symptoms. The vast majority of people contracting the H1N1 Swine Flu have recovered on their own without a doctor or hospitalization. It should be noted, however, that death has occurred as a result of contracting the H1N1 Swine Flu in a few people.



The H1N1 Swine Flu has most, if not all, of the symptoms of seasonal flu. Seasonal influenza symptoms usually include fever, headache, aches and pains, fatigue, cough and chest discomfort. Sometimes you may have a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing. The H1N1 Swine Flu has three distinct differences from seasonal flu - the symptoms may be more severe, and a significant number of cases have reported vomiting and diarrhea.



These symptoms are different from the common cold. The common cold usually has a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and occasionally some chest discomfort. Aches and pain can occur, but are typically slight compared to the flu. It is rare to get a fever or headaches with the common cold.



To complete the comparison of symptoms - Airborne allergies usually have sneezing and runny or stuffy nose. Sometimes a sore throat and cough might occur along with fatigue. It is rare to have chest discomfort or headache with an airborne allergy. Aches, pains and fever are not considered symptoms of airborne allergies.



When should you become alarmed? The warning signs for children with H1N1 Swine Flu include: fast or troubled breathing, bluish or gray skin color, severe or persistent vomiting, extreme difficulty waking up, not drinking enough liquids, not interacting with others, extreme irritability - not wanting to be held. You should be very conscious is the flu symptoms improve; then, fever returns quickly and the coughing worsens.



The warning signs in adults are similar and include some additional symptoms such as: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, and severe or persistent vomiting. As with children, adults may show improvement and a sudden return of fever and increased coughing.



The H1N1 Swine Flu, just like the common cold and airborne allergies can be slight, mild or severe. Everyone reacts differently. 70% of the patients hospitalized with the H1N1 Swine Flu have had one or more medical conditions that placed them in the 'high risk' category. High risk includes: pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.



Take an inventory of your symptoms to see if you have influenza, common cold or an airborne allergy. Knowing what you have makes it easier for you to treat. The severity of the influenza symptoms could mean that you might have the H1N1 Swine Flu.

How Swine Flu Is Transmitted, Symptoms, Risks and Treatments

Swine flu signs and symptoms are similar to the pains with the standard flu virus. H1n1 virus (Swine Flu) is transmittable and is also considered to be spread from one person to another in the same manner as seasonal influenza along with other common respiratory infections spread. The viruses aren't spread by food. With regards to close contact ( inside a metre) with the infected person while they are talking, coughing or sneezing puts you susceptible to becoming infected.



Facts



Swine flu can be highly contagious, relatively far more infectious than seasonal influenza. H1n1 virus is shown to be fatal, having caused over 200 deaths thus far. The H1n1 virus pandemic, has been within the focus given it began in Mexico at the beginning of '09. H1n1 virus has now been confirmed in all of the Australian states and territories. Regular swine flu is often a contagious respiratory disease, the result of a type A influenza virus that is affecting pigs. Like seasonal flu, h1n1 virus in humans will vary in severity from moderate to severe. Throughout the world, nearly 22,000 cases of h1n1 virus ended up being validated by 5 June 2009. Another theory regarding the source of H1n1 virus could be factory farming.



How Is Swine Flu Transmitted?



In the same way swine flu seems to be easily transmitted, previous influenza pandemics happen to be a lot more transmittable than seasonal influenza. Early studies shows that swine Influenza is transmitted largely by droplet spread (when an infected person coughs). Other swine influenza viruses have occasionally been transmitted from pigs to humans, but one person to another spread hasn't occurred.



Who is At Risk And Symptoms



There exists a ongoing focus on people from high-risk groupings that have flu like symptoms, expecting mothers, individuals with respiratory condition (for example asthma), cardiovascular disease, having diabetes, renal illness, weight problems and immunosuppression. Individuals with current health issues might be vulnerable to these conditions getting worse should they acquire swine influenza. Some people categorized themselves at high-risk of flu and for that reason presumed it was vitally important to become vaccinated, whereas others expressed a duty to get vaccinated owing to work commitments.
 
What Treatments Are Available



Presently five days of antiviral treatment with Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenzaฎ (zanamivir) has been advised for confirmed, probable or assumed instances of Swine flu. We invest billions of dollars internationally for the monitoring, control, treatment and protection against influenza Presently most people suffering from flu signs and symptoms are making a complete recovery without having treatment. The moment Homeland Security announced a health crisis, 25% about twelve million amounts of Tamiflu and Relenza treatment courses were released from the nation's stockpile If your son or daughter is ill with flu virus or swine flu, they should remain in your home and have absolutely nominal contact with others inside your home. For h1n1 virus, the time of isolation necessary for employees and clients who may have the condition or where it can be assumed that they might have the disease, is 7 days.