SWINE FLU - Symptoms and Prevention

It is important that as swine flu spreads, you know the symptoms of the disease so you can recognise it in yourself and others at an early stage.
Please read this page and consider your symptoms carefully before using the National Pandemic Flu Service mentioned below.
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.
If you or a member of your family has any of the following symptoms and a temperature of 38°C or above, you may have swine flu.

The typical symptoms are:
· A sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38°C/100.4°F or above), and
· A sudden cough.
Other symptoms may include:
· Headache,
· Tiredness,
· Chills,
· Aching muscles,
· Limb or joint pain,
· Diarrhoea or stomach upset,
· Sore throat,
· Runny nose,
· Sneezing, or
· Loss of appetite.



Checking symptoms:

It makes sense to have a working thermometer at home, as an increase in temperature is one of the main symptoms
If you are still concerned you may have swine flu, stay at home and check your symptoms
Call your DOCTOR directly if:
· You have a serious existing illness that weakens your immune system, such as cancer,
· You are pregnant,
· You have a sick child under one,
· Your condition suddenly gets much worse, or
· Your condition is still getting worse after seven days (five for a child).
High-risk groups

For most people, swine flu is a mild illness. Some people get better by staying in bed, drinking plenty of water and taking over-the-counter flu medication.
However, some groups of people are more at risk of serious illness if they catch swine flu, and will need to start taking antiviral medication as it is confirmed that they have it.

It is already known that you are particularly at risk if you have:
· Chronic (long-term) lung disease,
· Chronic heart disease,
· Chronic kidney disease,
· Chronic liver disease,
· Chronic neurological disease (neurological disorders include motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease),
· Lmmunosuppression (whether caused by disease or treatment) or
· Diabetes mellitus.


Also at risk are :
· Patients who have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years,
· Pregnant women,
· People aged 65 and older, and
· Young children under five.

It is vital that people in these higher-risk groups who catch swine flu get antivirals and start taking them as soon as possible.

Here is a low down on the symptoms of Swine flu and the precautions that you should take to be safe, rather than sorry...

Swine Flu is a viral infection and its most common symptoms are fever, running or blocked nose, nausea, chills, cough, soar throat, body ache, weakness and fatigue.

One can also experience respiratory problems and can develop diarrhea in case of Swine flu.

Swine flu is commonly spread through coughing, sneezing or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your nose or mouth.

If you have recently visited a country under Swine flu attack or have met a person suffering from the infection, it is advisable to get a test done.

These days anybody suffering from a prolonged viral infection is high on the suspicious level and should visit a doctor.


How to be safe:

School and college goers and people who go out to work are at a higher risk of contracting the infection. People who live in air-conditioned, closed environments are more likely to catch the disease.

You might be sharing a telephone, computer or books with an infected person. People travelling abroad should also be little cautious.

Use disposable tissues, always cover your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing, and dispose of your waste carefully.

There is always some virus on tabletops, telephones and computers. So try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth frequently.

Washing and sanitizing your hands frequently is a very effective way of staying away from the infection. Alcohol-based gel or foam hand sanitizers are very efficient in killing these viruses.

There is no restriction on food and drinks as Swine flu is not a food borne illness. Swine flu is transmitted by airborne droplets from an infected person's sneeze or cough; or from germs on hands, or germ-laden surfaces.

Wearing a well-fitted mask in public places is also advisable. But only a mask can’t save you from the disease.

Drink loads of water and get enough sleep. Sleep derivation is an unhealthy habit and can affect your immune system too.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Stay away (3-feet distance) from people who have a respiratory infection.
Ventilate and allow the entry of sun in the house and all enclosed places.

Make sure areas like the kitchen and restrooms are clean.

If you have already got it:
If you are a confirmed case of Swine flu, then confine yourself to a room. Wearing a mask is a must.

Keep yourself away from social gathering, your work place and other public places, to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Swine flu is most contagious in the initial five days. In the case of children, it can be contagious up to 10 days.