The Swine Flu - Signs and Symptoms
What exactly is the swine flu? What are the signs and symptoms of the Swine flu?Will I get it by eating pork? Do I have to touch a pig to get it? Is it like a normal flu? The swine flu is similar to a regular flu. You may experience a sore throat, coughing, a headache, fever and chills, body aches, and fatigue. You may also have diarrhea and vomiting. Check with your doctor to see what strain you have and if you may have the swine flu, a lab test can determine the differences. Get yourself checked out if you think you have the flu, only your doctor can diagnose the swine flu via lab tests.
How do you contract the swine flu? You can not get it from eating pork. Humans may get it by coming in contact with an infected pig, though. Also, infected humans may spread it to other humans in ways similar to the common flu via sneezing, coughing, or touching something which has the viruses on it. It is not clearly known how quickly the swine flu can spread through humans.
Those who become infected with the swine flu may be contagious as early as a day before they have any symptoms and may may continue to be contagious up to seven days after signs of symptoms are present. It may last even several days longer in children. Always wash your hands and wear a face mask if you are in malls or areas where there are known cases of the swine flu. As in most flu epidemics, try to avoid individuals with swine flu symptoms and continue to get plenty of sleep, eat a nutritious diet and exercise. Wash your hands as often as you can with soap and water or hand sanitizer. Cover your mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of any illness.
Try to avoid traveling to Mexico where there are known cases. Also, avoid travel to certain parts of the United States where cases are surfacing. If you have a low immune system due to another illness or a recent transplant, avoid these areas until things settle down. You’re best bet, no matter what kind of health you are in, is to try to avoid sick people.
