Swine Flu : Symptoms and Treatment

swine fluMichael Appleton for The New York TimesFears about swine flu may be relieved with a simple call to your doctor.

How do I know if it’s swine flu? That’s the obvious question people around the country are asking themselves the moment they experience a cough, sniffle or body ache.

Even under the best of circumstances, it can be tough to know if you really have the flu. I’d always thought I knew what flu felt like until the day a few years ago that I really caught it. I was so sick, achy and bedridden that I realized all my other bouts with “flu” were really just bad colds or upper respiratory infections. The real flu knocks you for a loop.

Swine flu can only be confirmed by a lab test. But I spoke with infectious disease expert Dr. Dan Hinthorn, director of the division of infectious disease at the University of Kansas about what distinguishes the symptoms of swine flu from regular flu.

“We’d all like to know the exact answer,’’ he explained. “The symptoms are quite similar between regular flu and swine flu. Influenza ordinarily is a respiratory illness with fever, headache, sore throat, nasal stuffiness and cough. And body aches are real common. You go to bed and feel terrible. The difference may be that some of the people who have had swine flu have diarrhea or vomiting. That’s unusual except in children. Adults usually don’t have diarrhea with flu. It may well be that that could be a marker, but it’s not clear yet.’’

The good news for people in the United States is that every case so far has been mild. But at what point do you call your doctor? The very old and the very young should always see a doctor about flu. People with underlying medical conditions like cancer, diabetes or heart disease should also check with their doctor when they develop flu symptoms. But given the widespread fears about swine flu, even otherwise healthy people who develop symptoms should at least place a call to their doctor.

“Making the phone call to the doctor’s office is always in order,’’ Dr. Hinthorn said. “There may be something else going around in your community. They may say don’t come in, but it’s a good thing to touch base with your provider’s office.”

Remember, whether it’s swine flu or another type of flu doesn’t really matter. If you are getting worse instead of getting better, you need to go to the doctor.

“If you get a real high fever, if you just feel worse than you should, yes, go to the doctor,” Dr. Hinthorn said. “If you have an underlying disorder, go to the doctor. If the headache doesn’t seem to go away, if your neck is stiff, any rash, joints get swollen, that sort of thing. If the nightsweats seem like too much, call somebody.’’

Another good reason to check with a doctor is that he or she may prescribe drugs that shorten the severity and duration of your symptoms. Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides regular updates on swine flu cases and other information on its Web site. The New York Department of Health Web site is also useful. And over at the Consults blog, reporter Pam Belluck has provided answers from experts to several reader questions.

And if you’re tired of fretting about swine flu, you can join the folks at Gawker who are complaining about the alarmist nature of the swine flu reporting. Check out their “Aporkalypse Now” video montage of swine flu television coverage.



Is this swine flu virus contagious?

The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, presently it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?

No. Swine flu viruses are not transmitted by food. You cannot get swine flu from eating pork or pork products. It is perfectly safe to eat properly handled and cooked pork products.

Do we have a specific swine flu vaccine?

At present, there is no specific vaccine for humans.

Will current human flu vaccines help protect people from swine flu?

It is not clearly known. Influenza viruses are adapting and changing all the time. If a vaccine was made, it would have to be specifically for a current strain that is circulating for it to be effective.

Are there medicines to treat swine flu?

There are some drugs around that can effectively treat swine flu infection in humans. Two main types of antiviral drugs, oseltamivir or zanamivir, are used for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with these swine influenza viruses.

If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within 2 days of symptoms). Most previous swine influenza human cases recovered completely without the need for medical attention.

I got a flu shot, so am I protected?

The authorities say that a seasonal flu shot will not protect us from the swine flu. The seasonal flu shot was developed to combat strains that are not related to the swine flu strain, H1N1.

I get the swine flu, how long will it last?

The length of illness will depend on the severity of your flu infection. You will be contagious from the onset of symptoms, plus an additional seven days after your symptoms go away. Children may be contagious even longer.

How can I protect myself?

The best method is prevention. Wash your hands regularly with soap. Try to stay healthy and get plenty of sleep. Drink plenty of fluids and eat a well balanced diet. Refrain from touching surfaces which may have the virus and avoid going close to people who are sick. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

If I am infected, how can I protect others from becoming infected? 
Limit your contact with other people. Do not go to work or school. When you cough or sneeze cover your mouth with a tissue. Put your used tissues in a waste basket. Keep all surfaces you have touched clean and follow your doctor's instructions.


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