Swine Flu

Swine Flu has been declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This means that the swine flu virus is spreading fast across the globe. In such a situation it becomes crucial to have basic information about the disease. According to experts, swine flu can easily be treated if it is detected early. If you learn how to detect the swine flu virus you can help yourself or your friends or family members to recover safely and quickly from the clutches of swine flu.

Please carefully read the minor and major symptoms of swine flu discussed in this article. These will help you detect swine flu symptoms early and help you escape a serious outcome in case you or your loved ones are infected with the swine flu virus. Please seek medical help immediately if you suspect you or anyone near you is hit by the virus.

Commonly reported symptoms of swine flu

Listed below are the ways to detect commonly reported symptoms of swine flu:

• Fever – One of the most commonly reported symptom of swine flu is fever. If your loved one has a fever that goes above 101 degrees along with cold, and a worsening cough then they are in all probability, suffering from swine flu. Take them to a doctor immediately.
• Fever with a rash – If your friend or dear one reports a rash anywhere on the body and in case it is accompanied by a fever, then they may be suffering from swine flu. In case, the colour of the skin has a bluish tinge, then immediately take them to the emergency, as it signifies there’s a lack of oxygen in the body.
• Diarrhoea – If a person experiences severe diarrhoea or vomiting and also refuses to drink liquids then he should immediately be taken to a doctor,
• Body aches - Severe body aches are also a major symptom of swine flu and should not be taken lightly.
• Lethargy – Lethargy and lack of appetite along with high fever are also common indicators of swine flu.
• Check the eyes - If there’s a flat, blank look in the eyes of a person, it could be an indicator of swine flu.

Major symptoms of swine flu

• Breathing problems – In adults breathing problems are an important indicator of swine flu. Observe if your friend has shortness of breath, or laboured breathing, or breathing too quickly, then rush them to the hospital.
• Not waking up – In case a person does not wake up call emergency services immediately for swine flu treatment.
• Pain in the chest or abdomen – If your loved ones report pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, please take them to the doctor for treatment.
• Other symptoms – Some other swine flu symptoms that you must take note of include - sudden dizziness, joint pains, head aches, confusion, severe or persistent vomiting, improvement in the flu-like symptoms and then a sudden volte face with even worse fever and cough.

Prescription medications to prevent swine flu

In April 2009, the FDA approved the use of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) for the prevention and treatment of the swine flu virus. Though originally the drug was approved for treatment in patients 1 year and older, owing to a fast spread of the swine flu virus, the FDA allowed Tamiflu use in children below the age of 1 year also. The other prescription medication approved for swine flu treatment is Relenza (zanamavir). Please seek medical advice before taking Tamiflu or Relenza for swine flu treatment or as a preventive measure, once you have been exposed to the virus.