Kristie McNealy, MD

Swine flu is all over the media today, and I just finished watching the latest CDC press briefing live on the CBS website.  According to the individual who spoke at the briefing, their are currently 40 confirmed swine flu cases in the US, in 5 states.  The median age of infection is 16 years, with a range of 7 to 54 years.  At this point, there has been one hospitalization amongst the 40 confirmed cases, and no deaths.  However, the speaker cautioned that this is a serious event, and that we shouldn’t be overly optimistic about the current statistics.  There is still a lot we don’t know, and at this point, only time will tell.

In the meantime, the CDC is stressing personal responsibility for reducing infection.  In other words, wash your hands, cover your mouth, and stay home if you are sick.  So, if you are wondering about swine flu symptoms, prevention and treatment, keep on reading.

Swine Flu Symptoms

The symptoms of the swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal influenza, and swine flu may cause worsening of other systemic or chronic illnesses.  Swine flu symptoms include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Loss of appetite
• Coughing
• Sore throat
• Some cases report nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Swine Flu Prevention

As they say, and ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so what can you do to stay healthy?  In the most general terms, you can prevent the swine flu the same way you would prevent yourself from catching any other flu or cold.

• Wash your hands frequently
• Avoid touching your mouth or nose.
• Use a waterless hand sanitizer when soap and water isn’t available
• Stay in good health by eating well, drinking plenty of water, getting some exercise and plenty of rest.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick and avoid crowds if possible
• A medical face mask or a respirator with an N95 rating or higher can help prevent flu in certain situations, but the best prevention is avoiding contact with sick individuals.

What If You Get the Flu

If you are feeling ill with the symptoms listed above, and you live in an area with confirmed swine flu cases, the CDC recommends contacting your healthcare provider to see if you need testing or medication.  Two newer ani-viral medications, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) can be effective against swine flu if given early in the course of the disease.  Beyond that, it is best to remain home and avoid other people unless medical attention is needed.

Warning signs of a potential medical emergency include (but are not limited to):

• Fast breathing or difficulty breathing and/or shortness of breath.
• Bluish skin coloring
• Not waking or interacting.
• Extreme irritability in children that can’t be improved by holding.
• Confusion.
• Resolution and then return of symptoms with a fever and worsening cough.

Similar Posts:

• Swine Flu Hits Mexico and US
• Cold and Flu Prevention and Safe Natural Remedies – Medical Monday
• RSV, Germs and Protecting Your Preemie – Blogging for Prematurity Awareness Month
• Soothe That Cough or Cold Naturally