Swine Flu Symptoms Checker

It was in the spring of 2009, when experts named a respiratory infection caused by a new strain of influenza virus as 'swine flu'. After the first case was detected, the condition spread in almost all parts of the world. This was the reason why the World Health Organization declared it to be a global epidemic. Now how did the ailment got its name? It actually refers to the condition of influenza in pigs, when seen technically. There have been cases, when farm workers or vets contracted the infection from pigs. Contrary to what most people think, swine flu cannot be transmitted by eating pork

How to Check for the Characteristic Symptoms of Swine Flu

Though there is a difference between swine flu and regular flu, the symptoms which occur when a person is infected by the swine flu, are similar to those which occur in other kinds of flu. The early swine flu symptoms in adults or children begin with a fever and probably a sore throat. This may be accompanied by a cough, which may get worsen by body aches and fatigue. With time, other symptoms draw in, which include chills, headaches, runny nose, loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting. It must be known that the symptoms of swine flu occur 3-5 days post the person has been infected by the virus. This is known as the swine flu incubation period. Also the symptoms are known to last for about 8 days.

Now all these classic symptoms may appear in different form in children and toddlers, if they are affected by the swine flu virus. In most cases, swine flu symptoms in toddlers include experiencing breathing difficulty, skin rashes and dehydration, apart from the above symptoms. They may seem to get more irritable than usual, and stay anxious and restless. Parents might also notice some changes in their behavior, which would be of course different from normal.

Generally, people are not sure when does the need to get medical attention arise. If the affected person is generally healthy, and showing symptoms of fever and body aches, then he may not be required to show at the doctor's. However, this does not go with someone who is suffering from some kind of chronic medical conditions or is an expecting mother. The doctor must be called for, right away, once the symptoms begin to show up.

What Causes the Infection?

The H1N1 virus is the main offender that is known to cause the infection. Once it makes its way into its victim, it starts affecting the cells lining of the nose, lungs and throat. The mode of transmission of the virus is through inhaling contaminated droplets from the sick person. Also, touching a contaminated surface can transfer the live virus from the hands to the eyes, nose or mouth thus, causing an infection and later, the symptoms.

Treatment

According to experts, treatment is not required for most conditions. All the patient is required to do is to take measures to relieve the symptoms of the flu. This goes for those who are otherwise healthy. Now for people who are already suffering from some other medical conditions, say a chronic respiratory disease, the doctor may prescribe especial recommendations to prevent complications.

So, is there a cure for swine flu? Yes, the standard medicines named oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza), are commonly recommended to deal with the symptoms. However, the virus has the capability to develop a resistance against these drugs. To reduce the likelihood of this, doctors advice the use of the drugs only for those who have severe risk to develop complications.

Apart from what your doctor recommends, there are a few measures that you can take up at home to ease the symptoms. Increase your fluid intake. Go for juice and warm soups, including water. If your urine is a pale yellow, then that signifies that you are drinking enough. Getting enough rest is also as necessary as any other treatment procedure. And if you are bothered too much with pain, then consider taking OTC pain relievers. However, practice caution when the patient is a child or a teenager. And as far as precaution for swine flu is concerned, simply practice good hygiene, stay at home when sick, and use handkerchief or the like, while sneezing or coughing.