Swine Flu: Symptoms, Vaccine, Treatment, Causes & Pregnancy
If you catch flu you'll probably feel very ill with a headache, fever, chills, and aches. But most people get better without needing any treatment. We've brought together the best and most up-to-date research about flu to see what treatments work.You can use our information to talk to your doctor and decide which treatments are best for you.
What is flu?
H1N1 flu is also known as swine flu.
What are the symptoms?
These are pretty much the same as seasonal flu. They can include: chills, a dry cough, muscle aches, a headache, and a sore throat; you may get a high temperature (about 38°C to 40°C).
What will happen to me?
Swine flu can lead to more serious problems including pneumonia, a lung infection, and other breathing problems. You'll probably feel pretty ill for about one week. This is more likely to happen if you're very young, older than 65, pregnant, or have another medical problem, such as a lung disease (for example, asthma) or heart disease.
Should I get a flu vaccine?
A flu vaccine won't help if you have flu. But it can lower your chance of getting flu in the future. It's given as an injection or a nasal spray. To be protected, you need to get a new flu vaccine each year, usually in the autumn.
What treatments work?
Most people with flu get better on their own. Usually the best thing to do is to stay at home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. Paracetamol can help with aches or fever. Ibuprofen is another option. Children can use child versions of these medicines. However, children under 16 should not take aspirin, as it can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome, which leads to swelling in the liver and brain (Make sure that over-the-counter cold medications do not have aspirin before giving them to children.)
The main flu treatments are called oseltamivir (brand name Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza).These treatments work best if they are used within two days of the start of flu symptoms. Studies suggest that people who take one of these medicines get better about a day or two sooner than people who don't take them. These medicines may also help prevent serious problems (complications) from developing, such as pneumonia.
Other things you can do to stay healthy:
Wash your hands throughout the day with soap and water. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Don't touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Avoid people who are sick
avoiding large gatherings when swine flu is in season
