What to do if you have H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms

H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms are Not That Severe
photo by G H

When discussing symptoms of H1N1 swine flu virus, and the treatment of swine flu, perhaps the most important thing to remember is that it is very similar to the normal seasonal flu.

Swine Flu Symptoms Not What is Worrisome

It is not the severity of the symptoms of swine flu that has health officials worried, as it is actually milder in most cases than the normal flu; it is how easily it spreads — if it mutates to be more severe, it could become a real danger.  Therefore, just because you think you may have swine flu symptoms, is not a reason to panic.   According to the swine flu CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) information, "it is expected that most people will recover without needing medical care."  As with the normal flu, almost all the deaths associated with swine flu are among those with compromised or weak immune systems, from other medical conditions or age (very old or very young).

Determining Symptoms of Swine Flu Infections

Because they are virtually the same virus, there is really no way to tell from the display of symptoms whether someone has swine flu or the normal flu; only lab tests by a medical professional can really tell for sure.

If You Have Swine Flu Symptoms

If one does begin to display flu symptoms, including "fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue [and possibly] diarrhea and vomiting," they should try to avoid contact with others, especially those who have not been previously exposed, for at least 24 hours after the fever is completely gone (without the aid of fever-reducing medications.)  If suspected swine flu symptoms are particularly severe, last more than a week, or if there are other high-risk factors such as age or other medical conditions, professional medical care should be sought.

Additionally, the swine flu CDC page advises to watch for these warning signs, and if any develop, to seek immediate emergency medical care.

In children:

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish or gray skin colo
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Remember never to give aspirin to a child under 18 with suspected influenza infection.

For more specific ideas, be sure to check out Natural Treatment for H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms.

This article is meant only for informational purposes, not medical advice.  If in doubt, always contact a medical professional.

Recommended Articles:

• Top 5 simple ways to help prevent H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms - easy ways to avoid symptoms of H1N1
• What are the symptoms of swine flu? - know what H1N1 symptoms to watch for
• Caring for someone with H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms at home - guidelines to help care for those with symptoms of swine flu without getting sick yourself
• Treating colds, seasonal flu, and H1N1 symptoms early can reduce severity say pharmacists - if you do come down with H1N1 symptoms, treat them quickly
• What to do if you have H1N1 Swine Flu symptoms - know how to deal with H1N1 symptoms

For more on natural antivirals and ways to prevent and treat Swine Flu symptoms, be sure to read:

• Natural Ways to Prevent Swine Flu
• Natural Treatment for H1N1 Swine Flu Symptoms
• Natural ways to boost immune system health, for a broad look at natural ways to increase immunity
• Top Ten Overall Immune System Booster Foods, looking more specifically at immunity builders in the diet
• Natural Antiviral Alternatives for an overview of foods, herbs, and essential oils that have natural antiviral properties

For a touch of humor, be sure to check out these great I Survived the Swine Flu Panic t-shirts and other fine products.

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