With all the talk about the swine flu (H1N1), I thought it appropriate for someone in the medical field to give some useful information. If you need medical attention go directly to the ER. This is for informational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat any symptoms. Always seek the opinion of a trusted physician. With that being said, lets get to it!
What is the Swine flu? It is a strain of the influenza A virus. It is also called H1N1. It is a new strain of H1N1. It is believed that this strain originated in Mexico. H1N1 flu viruses are responsible for most human influenza infections. The deaths that have attributed to the swine flu are mostly people who already have other debilitating factors such as respiratory illness or a compromised immune system. As with other strains of the flu you should stay away from people who exhibit flu like symptoms. Likewise if you have symptoms stay at home or away from other people and seek medical attention. Try to avoid busy public places. Children an elderly people are especially vulnerable so keep them in and away from the general public.
A big concern I hear is how to distinguish the swine flu from the regular flu. The answer is not what most people want to hear though. The two are very similar except on the molecular level so without expensive testing it is impossible. The good news is that treatment for both are the same so you know what to expect. I will list some of the symptoms of the flu (swine and otherwise) and below that some symptoms of the common cold as it is that time of year as well. These are often confused but are very different.
Symptoms of the H1N1 flu
A fever of 100 degrees or more for three to four days
A "dry cough" one that produces no mucus
Severe body aches and pains
60% of people with the flu experience chills
Flu victims usually have no runny nose
Flu symptoms come at you rapidly usually within 3-6 hours
A headache is very common in people with the flu
Chest discomfort is severe in flu symptoms
Symptoms of the common cold
Fever is rare with a cold
A hacking mucus producing cough is often present
Slight body aches can be common
People with a cold usually don't get chills
A stuffy nose is common and usually clears up spontaneously within a week
Cold symptoms build slowly over a few days
Usually no headache or chest discomfort with a cold
Sneezing in most cases
They are very different illnesses. I usually recommend to people with a cold Tylenol as directed and lots of fluids. If you suspect the flu please do yourself a favor and seek a doctors care. Flu shots are usually available from your family doctor and are a good idea especially those at risk of catching and spreading the flu. Medical personnel and teachers should always get theirs. I take one every year. It doesn't always prevent the flu but it is a good line of defense. As far as the swine flu vaccine I can't tell you to take it or not but I will say that I have not and will not take it for reasons that you can guess. If you plan on taking it, do as you and your doctor think right and do your homework.
We keep hearing things on the news about the H1N1 pandemic and it sounds scary. The thing to remember is that the best way to stop the spread of this virus is to take personal responsibility. If you get it stay away from others who might get it from you. Wash your hands often. Cover your face when you cough or sneeze. If you follow these simple rules you can say you are doing your part to fight the spread of the swine flu. I hope you all have a great flu season and may God bless you.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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