Swine Flu - Things You Must Know About Swine Flu

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to regular influenza-like fever, lethargy, body ache, lack of appetite, and cough. Some people have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How do I confirm that I have Swine Flu and not ordinary influenza?

For diagnosis of Swine Influenza infection, throat and nasal swab specimens would need to be collected within the first 4 to 5 days of illness.

How can someone with Swine Flu infect others?

If you are infected, you may infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 7 or more after becoming sick.

Are there medicines to treat Swine Flu?

There is currently no vaccine available against human Swine Influenza. However, the use of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is recommended for the treatment and/or prevention of infection. This medicine is currently available in Government hospitals and is administered under the supervision of clinicians.

What should I do to avoid getting Swine Flu?

There are many things you must and must not do to prevent the infection from getting to you.

Do’s and don’ts to avoid the Swine Flu:

• Wash your hands as often as possible with soap or alcohol-based hand wash.
• Avoid close contact with people who have a respiratory illness.
• If possible, stay at home, away from work, school, and public places when you are sick.

Do’s and Don’ts for people infected with the Swine Flu:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing.
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
• Self-isolate yourself in your home for 7 days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved whichever is longer.
• If you have difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, you should seek immediate medical attention and report a nearby hospital.
• Wear a face to reduce the risk of spreading the virus in the community.
• If a face mask is unavailable, use a handkerchief or tissues to cover any coughing and sneezing.

Household contacts who are well, should:

• Minimize contact in the community to the extent possible.
• Wash hands with soap and water frequently; use alcohol-based hand gets (containing at least 70% alcohol)
• Designate a single household family member as the ill person’s caregiver to minimize interactions with asymptomatic persons.

Precautions for School children:

• Schools with a confirmed or suspected case should be considered for closure.
• All school or childcare-related gatherings should be canceled and encourage parents and students to avoid congregating outside of the school.

In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Fast breathing troubled breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids/eating food
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

Swine Flu Symptoms

• Fever
• Sneezing
• Sore Throat
• Cough
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Lack of appetite

Diagnosis of Swine Flu

• The respiratory specimen should be collected as soon as possible. Our Home Collection facility ensures the safest method of sample collection.

If you are not feeling well

• Stay home and limit contact with others
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough
• Get tested immediately
• Rest and take plenty of fluids