Swine Flu Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment

H1N1 Disease: Signs of the Flu

Oct 24, 2009 Rachel Dennis

Swine flu, or H1N1, is caused by a virus and is spread from person to person. The flu virus causes an extremely contagious disease which affects the respiratory system.

Cases of the swine flu are being found in more and more cities every day. Knowing what to look for and how to prevent the swine flu can help individuals prepare for the illness.

Swine Flu Symptoms

Symptoms of the swine flu closely mimic symptoms of the seasonal flu. Swine flu symptoms to look for include the following:

• General weakness and fatigue
• High grade fever (of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Body aches and chills
• Headache
• Dry cough (cough which does not produce phlegm)
• Congestion
• Runny Nose
• Sore Throat
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea

How to Catch the Bug

Knowing how a person contracts swine flu can also help prevent the spread of the disease. Swine flu is spread by contact with infected fluids or objects. Breathing in infected droplets which contain the H1N1 virus is likely to cause the illness. The flu virus can live up to 48 hours on hard, non-porous surfaces such as tables and counters. If a person's hands come in contact with an infected object and then the individual touches their nose, mouth, or eyes, he or she is likely to come down will the disease.

Swine Flu Treatment

Most adults who get the swine flu will not require professional medical treatment. Remember to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of clear fluids. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be taken to combat the fever, headache, and muscle aches commonly associated with the flu. Decongestants can help with the nasal and chest congestion. A humidifier can be used to moisten the air in a room, making it easier to breathe. Antiviral medications are available to help the body fight off the disease. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, especially if the individual has medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or are pregnant or nursing.

Spotting an Emergency

Severe cases of the swine flu need professional medical treatment. Certain symptoms require the ill person to make a trip to the emergency room. People experiencing trouble breathing, who have bluish skin, or are hard to arouse or wake up should be taken immediately to the emergency room. A person who has chest or abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, not drinking fluids, and fever with a rash should be taken to the emergency room for assessment and treatment.

Swine Flu Prevention

Hand washing is the best way to prevent the flu. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is unavailable use an alcohol based hand sanitizer. Clean surfaces with antibacterial spray or wipes. Plastic toys can be cleaned by placing them in a bucket of water and bleach solution using one part bleach to ten parts water. Make sure that the plastic toys are thoroughly rinsed and dry before giving them back to children. Covering a cough or sneeze can help stop the infected droplets from reaching people or objects.

The swine flu is a highly contagious disease that is easily spread from one person to another. Recognizing symptoms of the swine flu can help a person identify and treat the illness. Most people who catch the swine flu can be easily treated with fever reducing medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, decongestants, and antiviral medications. The best way to prevent the flu is by frequent hand washing with soap and water.

Sources for the article:

http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/swine-flu

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu

The copyright of the article Swine Flu Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment in General Medicine is owned by Rachel Dennis. Permission to republish Swine Flu Prevention, Symptoms, and Treatment in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Comments

Oct 26, 2009 3:42 AM

Guest :

Really well written article, I especially like your 'Swine Flu Prevention' section.

There are some great tutorials online that really highlight the importance of washing and drying your hands properly when trying to reduce the spread of bacteria - http://bit.ly/MMVMr

Oct 26, 2009 8:36 AM

Guest :

An interesting article, well structured and easy to read. I especially like the section 'Swine Flu Prevention'.

This online tutorial is not only fun but really highlights the importance of not just washing but drying your hands properly too in order to reduce the spread of bacteria and could partner this article really well - http://bit.ly/MMVMr

Dec 1, 2009 12:19 PM

Guest :

Very nice site!

Jan 14, 2010 6:08 PM

Guest :

it provided me great information thanks

4 Comments