The 2009 swine flu is a fast-spreading virus that prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to pronounce it a global pandemic. The official declaration remained in effect for over 12 months. Although the swine flu technically refers to influenza in pigs, you won’t catch the virus from eating pork.
Common Swine Flu Symptoms
The H1N1 virus causes a respiratory infection that produces symptoms much like other flu strains, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Symptoms commonly include a fever of more than 100F/37.8, chills, stuffy noise, body aches and headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, cough and fatigue.
Symptoms of the swine flu usually develop a few days after being exposed to the swine flu virus and continue for at least one week.
Potential Swine Flu Complications
Thousands of people in the U.S. die each year from the flu or its complications.
Possible complications of the H1N1 virus include pneumonia and respiratory failure. The swine flu can also aggravate existing medical problems like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
In rare cases, the swine flu can be fatal. The WHO says of the nearly 34,000 cases of H1N1 reported in 2009, 170 deaths occurred. The vast majority of people who die from flu or its complications are young children, older adults or people with weakened immune systems, notes Medline Plus.
Treating Swine Flu
No special treatment is usually needed for the swine flu. Increasing your fluid intake will help guard against dehydration. Getting plenty of rest will help your immune system fight the virus.
Over-the-counter pain medications can temporarily relieve symptoms until the virus runs its natural course. Anti-viral medications like oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) can lessen symptoms, but H1N1 and flu viruses can develop resistance to them.
Preventing the Spread of H1N1
Getting a flu vaccine offers protection against the swine flu. Annual flu vaccines are recommended for everyone beginning at six months old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
If you suspect you are coming down with the flu, it’s best to stay home from work or school to prevent the spread of the virus, recommends the CDC.
It’s important to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing since influenza is transmitted primarily from person-to-person. Washing your hands frequently throughout the day helps prevent the spread of germs.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: " Seasonal Influenza (Flu)" (Accessed October 12, 2010)
Disabled World: "Map of Latest H1N1 Swine Flu Outbreak Cases and Statistics" (Accessed October 12, 2010)
Mayo Clinic: "Influenza: Flu" (Accessed October 12, 2010)
Mayo Clinic: "Swine Flu" (Accessed October 12, 2010)
Medline Plus: "Influenza Vaccine" (Accessed October 12, 2010)
Medline Plus: H1N1 "(Swine) Influenza" (Accessed October 12, 2010)
University of Maryland Medical Center: "Swine Flu Information" (Accessed October 12, 2010)
World Health Organization: "Safety of Pork" (Accessed October 12, 2010)
Karen Gaskell - Karen Jean Gaskell has worked as a radio and television journalist for more than three decades. During her career Karen has written and ...
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