Swine Flu Symptoms
The swine flu is a viral infection that originated from pigs. It was first isolated from pigs in the 1930s. Antibiotics do not help this infection since it is not from a bacteria. From 2005 up to 2009, 10 cases of swine flu were reported in the USA according to the CDC. About 8 cases have been confirmed in the last month.
The symptoms reported when infected with the swine flu are similar to the regular influenza virus most are familiar with. The good news is that most people who become infected will do fine and will not have any long term complications. Those who are immune compromised, older or pregnant may be at higher risk of complications or serious respiratory illness. The most common symptoms of swine flu include:
Cough
Congestion
Nasal Congestion
Body aches
Joint Pains
Fevers
Sore throat
Headaches
Fatigue
Decreased energy
Rarely death
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.
Washing hands routinely with soap and warm water will malp protect you. If you are planning on traveling by air, having and wearing a mask would be a good idea.
If you contract the swine flu, there are 2 flu medications which can be helpful. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. These medications can also be used for the usual avian influenza. Remember- most with flu symptoms simply have a viral infection and NOT the swine flu. The swine flu is diagnosed if your physician suspects infection, and sends a nasopharyngeal swab in a special viral collection container to a special lab to be tested.
At this time, there is no vaccine available to help prevent the swine flu. 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. However, this would not be available for several months at the earliest.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.