Swine flu symptoms checker

The word ‘pandemic’ is unnerving to most people and the constant news about the swine flu pandemic has many people wondering what the symptoms are. The swine flu, now officially called the H1N1 virus, is a new virus first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. How do you know if you or someone you know has the swine flu and what do you do to treat it? Here is some basic prevention information and a symptom checker to help you figure it all out.This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. Aside from the news and websites that have symptom checkers, the best source of reference is your family doctor when you are concerned that you or a family member has the swine flu.If you live in an area where the swine flu (H1N1)has been identified, your doctor can give you advice and schedule an appointment if necessary. My childrens’ pediatrician had my son come in to be checked today as his symptoms were similar to that of the swine flu. Several cases had been identified in the area, so she wanted to be cautious to protect the health of my other children.

However, it is not always necessary to go into a doctor’s office if your symptoms are not severe. So many people are in emergency rooms and doctor’s offices with various illnesses that this may just end up spreading the virus even faster. The best advice is to stay home and call a doctor before heading into a public clinic or hospital.What are the signs and symptoms of the 2009 Swine Flu or H1N1 virus?According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. It is very important to not get dehydrated if you are experiencing these symptoms.The swine flu vaccine has been approved in the United States, but do not count on that being your best prevention. Not everyone will get it when it becomes available in early October. Plan on getting your swine flu shot at work? Don’t count on it.

The new vaccine will be rationed initially to groups most at risk of contracting the virus or developing complications. Children and young adults, pregnant women, health care workers and the chronically ill will be high on the list. People caring for infants will also receive priority.According to the CDC About 90,000 sites — mainly hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, county health departments and pharmacies — are expected to receive doses. The federal government is covering the cost of the vaccines and related supplies. A total of at least 195 million doses are expected through winter.Knowing how to prevent the swine flu is of ultimate importance. The virus spreads quickly and someone who has the swine flu can infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after and in some cases, longer.The Center for Disease Control recommends:Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities.Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.To prevent the spread of influenza virus it is important to keep surfaces (especially bedside tables, surfaces in the bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children) clean by wiping them down with a household disinfectant according to directions on the product label.Do not not to panic when the word “pandemic” is mentioned. Refer to the above symptom checker list or call your doctor if you are concerned. However, being aware and educated is your first line of defense. Your family doctor is your greatest resource and teaching children to keep their hands clean and away from their mouth and eyes is of ultimate importance. If there are elderly people in your neighborhood or in your family, take the time to check on them to make sure they are healthy and know about flu prevention.