Know The Symptoms Of Swine Flu
With the recent outbreak of Swine flu every person is eager to know what exactly is swine flu and how would you know if you are suffering from swine flu. Swine flu as the name suggests, affects pigs. It can affect humans who come in contact with them. However, the current variant of swine flu has affected humans and is transmitting from one person to another. There has been no contact between these people and infected pigs. Symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal flu and it may be difficult for you to pinpoint if they are signs of the swine flu or seasonal flu.
Swine flu symptoms
Swine flu is a respiratory disease that is common among pigs and caused due to type A influenza. However, this virus does not infect humans. The first identified cases in Mexico have shown signs of the influenza A virus. The virus is a new strain of influenza A virus subtype H1N1. The initial studies suggest it is reassortment of one strain in humans, two in swine and one in birds. This is what has caught the human immune system off guard and has been unable to provide sufficient resistance to overcome the flu easily. However, some latest studies suggest that it is a reassortment of two strains of SIV.
The symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal flu and other ailments. The first symptoms include fever- mostly high fever, cough, body ache, sore throat, headache, fatigue and chills. These symptoms are not specific to swine flu and specific test may be required to diagnose swine flu. Among the more serious symptoms are diarrhea and vomiting. Some extreme cases may report pneumonia and respiratory failure.
A person can find similarities between the symptoms of swine flu and the seasonal flu. Doctors may help you on this count. They can conduct further lab tests to find out if what you are suffering from is Swine flu. They may be able to decide if you need to check further if you have swine flu. Generally if you have been to any of the sensitive areas like Mexico or any other affected state, the doctor may advice you to take a test to make sure.
At present no vaccine has been discovered to deal with it. A person can be benefitted by the antiviral medications, Tamiflu and Relenza. It is mostly effective in curing you when taken within 48 hours of the catching the symptoms. If you feel you are experiencing swine flu symptoms contact your doctor immediately, so that he can guide you on further course of action.
On your part, if you are infected, avoid going out of your home, ensure that you wash your hands regularly and that you cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze. Preferably use a tissue and dispose it off in to the trash. A person should follow the suggestions given by the local health care departments to stop the virus.
Keep yourself updated of the current scenario in your community. Awareness about the signs and symptoms of swine flu can be really useful for timely action to contain the spread of swine flu from one person to another.
