|
Just a few months back, very few people had even heard of swine flu. However in the recent past, there have been increased talks, news and panic gripping the entire world. Newspapers, television, blogs, social networking websites, everything and everyone seemed to discuss swine flu. In this current scenario, it has become a necessity for one to be well-informed about the case.
What is swine flu? Why is everyone speaking about it? Why has it become the new found sensation? Is it something to seriously worry about? What are the symptoms of swine flu one should watch out for?
So far, most swine flu cases have been mild, with symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu. Only a small number of people have had more serious symptoms.
* A sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38C/100.4F or above) and * A sudden cough * Other symptoms may include: * Headache * Tiredness * Chills * Aching muscles * Limb or joint pain * Diarrhea or stomach upset * Sore throat * Runny nose * Sneezing * Loss of appetite
Symptoms of swine flu are like regular flu symptoms and include fever, cough sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Many people with swine flu have had diarrhea and vomiting. Almost everyone with flu has at least two of these symptoms. But it needs to be kept in mind that these symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions.
Persons who have traveled overseas recently should be extra cautious and seek medical help immediately if they have these symptoms. This is how the infection has spread across countires and one needs to be very careful.
Like mentioned before, the above symptoms alone would not suggest that a person is infected by Swine Flu, as it can be confirmed only after testing a respiratory specimen that is taken from the suspected case within the first four to five days. So it is important to seek medical help if one feels that he/she has flu.
Like seasonal flu, pandemic swine flu can cause neurological symptoms in children. These events are rare, but, as cases associated with seasonal flu have shown, they can be very severe and often fatal. Symptoms include seizures or changes in mental status (confusion or sudden cognitive or behavioral changes).
This sort of outbreak can be tough to contain, and so taking a number of swine flu precautions is mandatory, including awareness about what swine flu symptoms are and how they ought to be tackled. Theres the raised temperature that attacks your system all of a sudden, and the general sleepy feeling that consumes you when you are not feeling well. Watch out for such symptoms and be on your guard.
Itmakes sense to have a working thermometer at home, as an increase in temperature is one of the main symptoms. The people belonging to the following category are more prone to the flu.
* Patients who have had drug treatment forasthma * Pregnant women * People aged 65 and older * Young children under five.
So don't wait and watch. If you find the symptoms, first find your doctor.
Word Count: 531
|
You are a member of Wes Hamilton's Fan Club!
tweet this!