H1N1 virus also called as swine flu virus is wrecking havoc around the world. You would be indeed an ignoramus or have not been reading the newspapers if you never heard of this new strain of virus that has killed many people in Mexico and has spread to as many as 20 countries around the world. There have been alarms sounded across the world, as people and health agencies scramble to find a solution to this problem of pandemic proportions that has taken the world by storm. It is indeed high time that we gain some information about this virus and its symptoms.
Symptoms of swine flu are similar to but more severe than common flu. The common symptoms are runny nose, sore throat, cough, breathlessness, congestion, mucus formation, fever and temperature with chills and body pains. In some cases patients also display symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea which could complicate matters. In case of those above 65 years of age, the symptoms could get accentuated, as is the case with kids who are less than 5 years of age. Pregnant women and HIV positive folks also are at high risk with respect to the affliction by H1N1 or swine flu virus. Such categories of folks should be carefully watched over for signs or symptoms of swine flu and action taken immediately.
Swine flu is contagious or communicable. If you have any flu symptoms, do not leave home and please avoid contact with outsiders when you are under quarantine as you could spread the disease to them. If the symptoms of flu do not subside and indeed persist do wear a mask and go to visit a doctor. You also have to cover your sneezes and fomites that are the infection particles with tissue which has to be properly discarded too. Do remember that the virus can spread from day one of infection right up to day 7 so you cannot afford to be careless about yourself as you could jeopardize public health that way.
If your flu symptoms continue you have to contact a health official and get the proper tests done to determine nature of virus infection. If the flu becomes very widespread, testing may not be required and one can go in for treatment. There are specific anti viral drugs that are prescribed by medical practitioners in order to treat for H1N1 infection. Some of the most common drugs that are now well known all over the world are Tamiflu which is essentially oseltamivir and also zanamivir. It is best to get treatment early and as close to the date of infection which is typically within 2 days of infection. However treatment can be done even if detection of infection is later than 2 days from infection.
In case of swine flu infection aspirin and related drugs should be avoided by all means, as these could cause after effects or side effects like Reye syndrome which is very risky to human health. For teenagers, one must check that aspirin containing products are not contained in the prescribed medicine against swine flu. For kids medical supervision and advice is of the essence. If you see any symptoms of flu, do get yourself or your loved ones checked quickly to prevent higher severity of case of swine flu infection later.
