With all the media coverage that the H1N1 virus, formerly known as the swine flu has received, it is easy to get caught up in a state of panic. The purpose of the article is to inform our readers of the facts and provide knowledge. In possessing knowledge, a person no longer has to live in fear of the unknown or the poorly understood. Just briefly, Flus have, throughout history killed millions of people. Their primary attack is on the Respiratory System; Lungs, airways, and trachea. Another way Flus cause morbidity is through increase in the body’s thermogenesis or heat regulation systems utilized by the Immune System. Pulmonary failure of some kind and/or exceedingly high fever is usually what will cause the person who has a flu to succumb. Death secondary to flu is no stranger to mankind.
This most recent outbreak of flu is receiving the publicity and media coverage because of a couple reasons. First, The quick, unexpected onset. Second, the unexpected nature in the behavior of this virus. Let me explain. Most patients who succumb to flu are the weak, very young or the elderly who are frail, poorly nourished, or immuno-compromised in some way. The patients who are succumbing to the H1N1 virus are atypical healthy, in the prime of their lives patients. This is very different. Third, H1N1 virus is very virulent which means it easily and quickly infects people. It is for these reasons that scientists are so worried about this new flu strain. The rest of the article will provide basic information to help our readers avoid contact with, recognize, and manage symptoms of the H1N1 virus.
Symptoms of H1N1 (Swine) Flu:
- High Fever
- Aches and pains
- Sore throats
- Painful coughing and trouble breathing
- chills and fatigue
- Some infected people have also reported diarrhea and vomiting
According to the CDC, currently those most at risk include individuals:
- who live or have recently traveled to San Diego or Imperial counties, California, or Guadalupe County, Texas
- who traveled recently to Mexico or were in contact with persons who had swine flu and were in the above mentioned U.S. counties or Mexico during the seven days preceding illness onset.
Often people think they have the flu when it is just a cold. Below is information to help you discern the difference.
Know the Difference Between Cold and Flu Symptoms
Can you tell the difference between symptoms of flu and the common cold? To learn more about your symptoms, if they are associated with the flu, and how TAMIFLU may help check out the Symptoms at a Glance chart below.
| Symptom |
Cold |
Flu |
| Fever |
Fever is rare with a cold. |
Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu. H1N1 flu presents with much higher fever, i.e., 102 degrees Farenheit or higher! |
| Coughing |
A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold. |
A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough). |
| Aches |
Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. |
Severe aches and pains are common with the flu. |
| Stuffy Nose |
Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. |
Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu. |
| Chills |
Chills are uncommon with a cold. |
60% of people who have the flu experience chills. |
| Tiredness |
Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. |
Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu. |
| Sneezing |
Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. |
Sneezing is not common with the flu. |
| Sudden Symptoms |
Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. |
The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains. |
| Headache |
A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. |
A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases. |
| Sore Throat |
Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. |
Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu. |
| Chest Discomfort |
Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. |
Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu. |
Information can help prevent fear and panic that many people may feel as more people become infected by this new strain of flu. Swine flu is mainly spread from person to person when the virus is carried in droplets from coughing or sneezing of infected people. You can also become exposed by touching contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, and then touching your mouth or nose. In the past, most cases of swine flu in people were those who were in close contact with pigs. The swine flu virus may be shed by infected people beginning 1 day before symptoms and up to 7 or more days after symptoms start.
STEPS TO TAKE TO PREVENT CONTRACTING H1N1 VIRUS (SWINE FLU).
The regular seasonal flu vaccine does not cover the new swine flu virus, but there are ways to reduce your risk of getting swine flu. Here are 7 tips for preventing the swine flu from affecting you:
- Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for 15 to 20 seconds. Try to do this after you cough or sneeze or touch surfaces in public places. If soap is not available, carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue whenever you cough or sneeze. And immediately dispose of the tissue after use.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as the flu virus can enter your body that way.
- Avoid close contact with sick people and avoid places with large numbers of sick people such as hospitals.
- If you have flu symptoms, call your doctor to see if you should receive one of the recommended prescription drugs. The swine flu virus is susceptible to the prescription flu drugs Tamiflu and Relenza.
- If you think you may have the flu, stay home from work or school and avoid close contact with family members and others.
- Avoid direct contact with pigs. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products.
Symptoms of H1N1 virus are easily managed with the medication Tamiflu. TAMIFLU is Effective for Children and Adults
- TAMIFLU is indicated for the treatment and prevention of influenza in people 1 year and older.
- For flu treatment: When taken within two days of experiencing symptoms, TAMIFLU works by helping to stop the flu virus from spreading inside the body
- For flu prevention: When you have been exposed to someone with the flu, taking TAMIFLU can help keep the virus from making you sick
TAMIFLU is not a substitute for the flu shot; vaccination is the first line of defense for flu protection. This year’s flu shot would not have offered any protection against the H1N1 virus.
Remember, Knowledge is power. Knowledge will help us deal with this new threat to our health and help us manage not only our body’s health, but our state of mind as well. If we keep informed and remain calm, and vigilant, we will as a world society manage this, the newest health threat we are now facing.
Additional Information and Resources
For more information about swine flu: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu
• Additional information is also available by calling
The CDC has also been working closely with public health officials in Mexico, Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO), and has NOT recommended that people avoid travel to affected areas at this time. Recommendations found at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx will help travelers reduce risk of infection and stay healthy.
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