What to Do if Swine Flu is Suspected

Seek Medical Assistance, Antiviral Treatment, and Solitude

Apr 28, 2009 Julie Warrenfeltz

As the Swine Flu virus spreads, risk of exposure increases through daily interactions with friends and family. Contact a physician if you think you may have been exposed.

The reported cases of Swine Flu are mounting daily and the fear that this form of Influenza could blossom into a worldwide pandemic is being fueled by the same mounting number of cases. Between April 23, 2009 and April 28, 2009 the number of reported cases of Swine Flu grew from seven to forty.

While people who have recently traveled to areas of Mexico hardest hit by the virus are at greatest risk of contracting the virus, the general population is now also being included in the health warnings due to daily interactions between people who travel regularly and their friends, family and co-workers.

If you suspect that you or a family member has been exposed to the virus, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta encourages the public "to contact their health care provider, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your health care provider will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed." (Center for Disease Control. "Questions & Answers - The Swine Flu and You") If diagnosed with the flu, physicians will often prescribe an antiviral drug, such as Oseltamivir and Zanamivir, which has proven to be an effective treatment.

The CDC also recommends that emergency treatment be sought if you or a family member experiences the following symptoms:

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

If the emergency warning signs do not appear and you find yourself unable to get in to see your doctor in the early stages of your illness, rely on what your mom taught you: drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest, and limit or avoid contact with others who are not infected. After the flu symptoms subside, continue limiting your contact with others for at least an additional seven days, as the virus can still be transmitted up to a week after the symptoms go away. Continue using universal precautions, such as frequent robust hand washing to limit exposing others and exposing yourself to this latest viral attack.

References:

Center for Disease Control. Swine Flu Daily Update. April 28, 2009.

The copyright of the article What to Do if Swine Flu is Suspected in General Medicine is owned by Julie Warrenfeltz. Permission to republish What to Do if Swine Flu is Suspected in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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Jun 13, 2009 7:05 PM

Guest :

I know a 25 year old with a history of health problems, who is suffering from symptoms associated with swine flu. She lives alone, and has had fevers starting at 103 the first day, and now 101 on day three. Coughing, body aches and a severe headache. Unfortunately, she got sick on a Thursday, and waited until Friday at 3:30 pm to call the doctor, who told her to go to the ER. She is still sick tonight, with fever, cough and body/head aches. Should I take her to the ER or stay out of it????

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