Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by influenza virus called H1N1 virus. The H1N1 virus is highly contagious as it spreads quickly from one person to another. A simple sneeze can cause thousands of germs to spread through the air.

SYMPTOMS OF SWINE FLU:

Symptoms of Swine flu are similar to the common symptoms of regular flu. People affected with swine flu will suffer nearly from two symptoms. The symptoms are listed below
⦁ Fever over 100.4°F
⦁ Fatigue
⦁ Lack of appetite
⦁ Cold
⦁ A sore throat
⦁ A runny nose
⦁ Nausea and vomiting
⦁ Diarrhea

TREATMENT:

Swine Flu Treatment

The treatment for Swine flu includes intake of antiviral drugs and some self-medications.

Anti-viral drugs:

Anti-viral drugs like Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza) are used to treat Swine flu. To get effective benefits, it should be taken within 48 hours of the beginning of symptoms. These drugs can decrease the duration of flu by 1 to 2 days and these drugs should be prescribed by a health care professional.

Self-medication:

Antibiotics should not be taken to cure flu because cold, sore throat and bronchitis are caused by viruses. If antibiotics are taken, it will increase the risk of infection.

RISK FACTORS:

Some people are at higher risk when they are affected with Swine flu. Those are listed below
⦁ People with heart disease, lung disease, and liver disease are at greater risk
⦁ People suffering from lung diseases like asthma
⦁ People with suppressed immune system
⦁ People with diabetes
⦁ People with neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis
⦁ Pregnant women
⦁ People aged 65 or older
⦁ Young children under age five

PREVENTIVE METHODS:

To prevent swine flu

Some of the preventive measures to reduce the risk of Swine flu are listed below
⦁ Cover your mouth and nose using a tissue while coughing and sneezing.
⦁ Wash your hands with soap and water.
⦁ Don’t go to work while ill.
⦁ Stay in the home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone.
⦁ Take fluids such as water, broth, electrolyte beverages.
⦁ Wear a face mask approved by FDA to reduce the risks of flu.

HOME REMEDIES:

Some of the home remedies which are to be taken at home to reduce the risk of flu are listed below

Wash your hands:

Using soap and water to wash your hands frequently will reduce the risk of infection by 30 percent. Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Intake healthy food:

Proteins are essential in building your body and enhance the muscle strength. The rich sources of protein are lean meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds. Vitamin B6 is available in foods such as potatoes, spinach, cereal grains and also in meat, milk, and fish which are powerful immune boosters. Minerals such as Selenium and Zinc helps to maintain the immune system strong. These minerals are found in protein-rich foods such as beans, nuts, meat, and poultry.

Regular exercises:

According to recent studies, when moderate exercise is done at daily basis it will enhance the immune system. To maintain good health, experts recommend doing at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, biking or running every day.