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Swine Flu Pandemic Preparedness

What to do When Sick With the Swine Influenza, H1N1 Virus

Oct 20, 2009 Renee Holmes

Precautions can be taken, but the chances of contracting the swine flu are still likely. In the event of illness, be prepared for the flu pandemic.

To avoid the chances of getting the swine flu, getting vaccinated is recommended for certain at-risk groups. With a great deal of controversy surrounding the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, however, some are choosing to forgo vaccination and prepare for the chance of contracting the swine flu instead. When symptoms of the swine flu strike, a person needs to decide what the next step is.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The symptoms of the H1N1 swine flu are fairly consistent with those of the seasonal flu. A high fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, headache, sore throat, chills, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea are all symptoms to be aware of with the swine flu, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Normally, only some of the above symptoms can be present when someone is sick with the swine flu. The CDC also notes that not all cases of the flu are accompanied by a fever, either.

When to See a Doctor for the Swine Flu

It is not always necessary to see a doctor when flu symptoms are present, although some groups are considered to be higher risk and are recommended to see a doctor for anti-viral drugs.

The groups that are more susceptible to flu complications include children under the age of five and over 65, pregnant women, and people who have certain disorders, such as cancer, blood, liver, or kidney disorders, chronic lung or heart disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, and those with neurological or neuromuscular disorders.

The CDC does recommend however, that any persons, including those who are normally healthy, seek medical care if they determine it is necessary.

When to Seek Emergency Care for the Swine Flu

If any emergency signs occur, it is recommended to go to the emergency room immediately. These signs can include breathing problems, chest pain or pressure, dizziness or confusion, or severe vomiting. With children, more warning signs can occur, including noticing a bluish skin color, unresponsiveness, lack of desire to drink, symptoms that seem to disappear but reappear more severely, and any fever that is accompanied by a rash.

What to do When Sick With the Swine Flu

A normal bout of swine flu that is not coupled with emergency-like symptoms can normally be treated at home. First and foremost, a person sick with the swine flu should stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever has broke. Items to have on hand to be prepared for the flu includes acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and body aches, and broths and liquids to prevent dehydration.

Children should not be given any medication that includes aspirin, and a humidifier is a great way to help a child recover from the flu.

Surviving the Swine Flu

Not all cases of the swine flu turn into severe health issues. It is important to be aware of the pre-existing conditions of the infected person and to stay alert to any symptoms exhibited. To avoid contracting severe problems from the swine flu, limit emergency visits to situations that only exhibit a true emergency. If in doubt, contact a local physician, who can help determine the best course of action for each individual case.

Source:

Center for Disease Control

The copyright of the article Swine Flu Pandemic Preparedness in General Medicine is owned by Renee Holmes. Permission to republish Swine Flu Pandemic Preparedness in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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