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If you have severe illness and the symptoms indicate swine flu, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Your health care provider will determine whether flu testing or treatment is needed or not.
If you are ill with fever and other swine flu symptoms like cough and sore throat, see a doctor, especially if you think you may have had contact with someone with swine flu.
The recommended antiviral drugs for H1N1 flu treatment are Oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (brand name Relenza). Both are prescription drugs that fight against swine flu by keeping flu viruses from reproducing in your body. These drugs can be given to treat those who become severely ill with influenza, and to prevent people who are exposed to the virus fom catching it. These antiviral drugs are prescription medicines (pills, liquid or an inhaler) with activity against influenza viruses, including novel H1N1 flu virus. Remember that these medications must be prescribed by a health care professional. Do not take them on your own.
The drugs work best if given within 2 days of becoming ill, but may be given later if illness is severe or for those at a high risk for complications. It is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care. The ones who suffer most are those that have a low immune system, perhaps because they are already ill with something else. It makes them more susceptible to the infection.
Avoid leaving home while sick with the H1N1 flu except to get local medical care, or as instructed by your doctor. Do not go to work or school while ill with H1N1 flu. If you must leave your home wear a surgical mask to keep from spreading your illness to others; it is only responsible that you take care of that.
Always cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw away used tissues in a trash can after using once, Wash your hands with soap and water often and especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are sick and sharing a common space with other household members in your home, wear a facemask so they feel safe.
If you have only mild flu symptoms, you do not need medical attention unless your illness gets worse. But if you are in one of the groups at high risk of severe disease, contact your doctor at the first sign of flu-like illness Difficulty in breathing, bluish skin, severe or persistent vomiting, irritable mood, fever and cough, rashes, seizures or sudden mental or behavioral change, shortness of breath, pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness and confusion are symptoms that need immediate attention. For your own safety, do not ignore them.
Never panic, whatever it is, keep your cool. By panicking, you are only making things worse. Remember that not everybody dies of swine flu, and there is medication to help you recover quickly. Do make sure that you take enough precaution, and you can avoid the infection.
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