Symptoms of the Swine Flu

What is the Swine Flu?

The Swine influenza is a respiratory disease of pigs. There are many different strains of it, some of which can be caught by humans. Humans that contract the flu are usually those that work with or near pigs. However, once a human is contracts the flu, they can easily spread it to other humans.

How does it spread?

The flu is a highly contagious virus. It is passed the same way that the average flu or cold is passed, through germs. One can be exposed to germs by touching something that an infected person has touched (and the touching their nose, eyes, mouth). It can also be contracted by inhaling infected airborne spores (ie, someone near you coughs and you inhale the micro-spore carried in the air.)

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of the Swine Flu are similar to that of a regular flu.

• Generally it begins with a high fever. Most cases have noted a fever that sharply spikes well above 100 degrees Farenheit.
• Sore muscles and body aches.
• Headaches.
• Coughing, sneezing and chills.
• Fatigue.
• In some cases, vomiting.

If you think there is a chance you have the Swine Flu, contact your doctor immediately. The flu is most treatable in the first 48 hours of exhibiting symptoms. One is contagious one day before and seven days after exhibiting symptoms. Avoid anyone who appears to be sick or flu-ish.

In the meantime, wash your hands and stay as healthy as possible. As with any flu, a comprimised immune system is more susceptible. Young children and older people are most at risk.