Six Questions You Need to Ask About the Swine Flu

With the Swine Flu predicted to be a major concern this coming Fall and Winter, and as the numbers of people infected with the Swine Flu continue to rise, it’s important to know the symptoms of the Swine Flu and for you to be able to asses your risk. However, please bear in mind that the symptoms of human seasonal flu and Swine Flu are almost identical, so it is important not to get too alarmed if you are displaying flu symptoms as they are most likely to be caused by human seasonal flu. But, you should always contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you suspect you have any type of flu and fall into the “at-risk” categories listed below.

Question #1
You have a 101 degree fever, and have suddenly developed a cough. Is it possible you have the Swine Flu?

Health experts list a sudden fever (38°C/100.4°F or above) and a sudden cough as two primary symptoms of the swine flu, so it’s possible that you may have contracted the virus. However, before you head to the emergency room, or visit your doctor or healthcare provider, keep in mind that your symptoms may also mimic those of the regular flu, or cold.

*See below for those who are most at-risk and should seek a consultation immediately.

Question #2
You’ve suddenly developed a runny nose, sore throat, achy joints and muscles, and seem to have lost your appetite. Could you have the Swine Flu?

These are common symptoms of the Swine Flu, but again are also common symptoms of the regular flu, or even the common cold. Additional symptoms of the Swine Flu include:

• headache
• tiredness
• chills
• aching muscles
• limb or joint pain
• diarrhea or stomach upset

*See below for those who are most at-risk and should seek a consultation immediately.

Question #3
You’ve displayed some of the symptoms of the swine flu, and thought you’d feel better in a few days but your condition has only worsened, or suddenly gotten MUCH worse. Is it the Swine Flu?

If you’re experiencing flu symptoms, and your condition gets suddenly worse (or isn’t getting any better after a duration of seven days), you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider regardless of whether or not it’s the swine flu. If not, you’re only putting your health at risk.

Question #4
You recently returned from a foreign country where Swine Flu is present, or have been in contact with someone who had traveled to such a foreign country. Do you have the Swine Flu? Could you be at risk?

There’s certainly a chance that you have been exposed to the Swine Flu. Even if you’re not presenting any symptoms, you could still be a carrier of the virus so watch for symptoms to arise, and carefully monitor your health.

Question #5
You are between the ages of 19 and 64. Since that age group generally represents the individuals “least likely” to get flu, should you be concerned about catching the virus?

Generally, individuals between the ages of 19 and 64 are less at risk for contracting any type of flu. But there are exceptions. In fact, experts now believe that if you were born prior to 1957, you have a lower risk of contracting the swine flu than those that were born after that year. But, if you fall into any of the categories listed below, you may be more at risk for getting the swine flu regardless of your age.

Question #6
You have a chronic illness, such as kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or lung disease. Are you more at risk for contracting the Swine Flu?

You are, in fact, more at risk for getting the Swine Flu if you have any of the above chronic illnesses. Be sure to protect yourself by avoiding large public places, and by practicing good hygiene (washing your hands, sanitizing, etc.).

Contact Your Doctor If . . .

If you fall into any of these categories, and you develop any of the above symptoms of the Swine Flu, you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider for an immediate consultation:

• You have a serious underlying illness that weakens your immune system, such as cancer
• You are pregnant
• You have a sick child under the age of one year
• Your condition suddenly gets much worse
• Your condition is still getting worse after seven days (or five days for a child)
• You have a chronic condition such as lung disease, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, a neurological disease (i.e. multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease), or diabetes
• You have had drug treatment for asthma within the past three years

Protect Yourself and Others from Contracting the Flu

If you have flu symptoms (such as the ones listed above), stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the disease. Do not return until two days after your symptoms are gone. If you have more severe symptoms (such as difficulty breathing), visit your doctor or healthcare provider. But if your symptoms are moderate, try to stay away from the hospital as you run the risk of further spreading the influenza to others with compromised immune systems. Also . . .

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue away after you use it.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth since germs can spread this way. Make sure your children follow your lead.
• Get in the habit of washing your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Although influenza spreads by respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing, it can be carried on other surfaces.
• Try to stay away from public places where the likelihood of contracting the disease increases dramatically. Schools, workplaces, gyms, shopping centers and large sporting evens can all be hotbeds for spreading the disease.

**Please be advised this article is in no way to serve as a medical diagnostic tool for the Swine Flu. You should always take your health into your own hands and consult a doctor or healthcare provider if you feel your health is at risk.