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Swine Flu Symptoms

Those who are immune compromised, older or pregnant may be at higher risk of complications or serious respiratory illness. The most common swine flu symptoms include:

• Cough
• Congestion
• Nasal Congestion
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Body aches
• Joint Pains
• Fevers
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Decreased energy
• Rarely death in more severe cases, especially from pneumonia.

Transmission
The viral infection is transmitted to humans who are in contact with swine, although there are several cases of swine flu in people who had no known exposure to either infected people or pigs. Once the species barrier is crossed, human to human transmission can occur with casual contact or airborne transmission, like when one sneezes or coughs. Eating pork products will not cause one to develop the swine flu. Basically, this flu is passed from one person to another like any cold of flu infection.

Prevention of Swine Flu
Washing hands routinely with soap and warm water, and wearing a N99 mask/respirator, such as the Wein ViraMask may also be helpful if you must be in public places. The Wein mask/respirator is strapless and adheres tightly to all faces. When used appropriately, it does not leak. N99 masks provide 100 x more protection than a N95 mask, which are sill a decent option. 3M is also a manufacturer of such masks. If you are planning on traveling by air or train, having a mask available would be a good idea in case it is needed. Also, avoid contact with sick people whenever possible. If you are sick, stay home.

Use alcohol based hand sanitizers to minimize infection risk. Some also use the Wein Air Supply Personal Air Purifier to help reduce exposure to airborne germs. Further, we know that eating healthy food, getting plenty of sleep and keeping your immune system strong can help prevent infections. Vitamin D supplementation may also be of benefit when taken in adequate doses.

Diagnosis of Swine Flu
Remember- most with flu symptoms simply have a viral infection and NOT the swine flu. Maintaining adequate hydration is very important if you contract any viral illness. The swine flu is diagnosed when a physician suspects infection, and sends a nasopharyngeal swab ( a Q-tip of shorts placed about 2 inches in your nose towards your throat) in a special viral collection container to a special lab to be tested.

Treatment of Swine Flu
If you contract the swine flu, there are 2 flu medications which can be helpful. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. These medications can also be used for the usual avian influenza. Symptomatic care is most important. Antibiotics will not help. Ask your doctor about your options. Those at high risk should strongly be considered for treatment with medications. High risk patients include those with diabetes, heart disease, immune compromised, seniors over age 65.

Swine Flu Vaccine
On June 12, a new vaccine was apparently produced by Novartis Pharmaceuticals. If you did receive a flu vaccine this year, it will not offer you protection against the swine flu. Baxter Pharmaceuticals however issued a press release saying they are working on a vaccine also. Whether these will prove to be effective is unknown. In 1976, the swine flu vaccine actually killed more people that it helped.

Other
A study by Dr. Cannell from California also showed that vitamin D can help prevent traditional influenza infections by strengthening the immune system. A daily intake of 2,000 IU daily should be taken at minimum, by most. A dose of up to 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily for a few days may also be helpful. Talk to your doctor about this. However, there are no studies specifically which show swine flu is prevented by vitamin D. Read more about vitamin D's potential and the swine flu. or visit the vitaminDcouncil.org

Talk to your physician if you have concerns or other questions regarding swine flu.

For more information : http://www.mohfw.nic.in/swineflu/main.html