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The Swine influenza (also know as the swine flu, pig flu, or hog flu) is a respiratory H1N1 virus which is commonly known to infect pigs and birds, but in recent months has caused the deaths of many humans throughout Mexico, the United States, and many other countries. It has gained heavy media attention as it’s closely considered a pandemic flu, by definition means a new flu virus that spreads rapidly from person to person throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) is strongly monitoring new cases of the swine flu, tracing its steps as it develops into a pandemic. As the swine flu is a new virus, there is no know immunity to it and everybody is vulnerable for catching it.

What You Need to Know about the Swine Flu

• The swine flu spreads by direct contact or with respiratory discharges, for example somebody coughing or sneezing close to you.
• People infected with the swine flu are likely contagious for one day before, and up to seven days after they experience swine flu symptoms.
• Particles from the cough or sneeze can pollute surfaces like kitchen counters, doorknobs, and drinking glasses.
• Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) are available to prevent and treat the swine flu.

Minor Swine Flu Symptoms

Just like the seasonal flu, symptoms of the swine flu include the following:

• headaches
• chills
• sore throat
• cough
• runny nose or stuff nose
• diarrhea and vomiting
• fever, which it typically high
• body aches
• fatigue or tiredness

For more extreme cases, the swine flu infection may include respiratory failure and pneumonia. If you or your child believes to be infected by the swine influenza, contact your pediatrician for testing right away.

Serious Swine Flu Symptoms

People who experience intense symptoms and would need urgent medical attention include:

• severe vomiting
• high levels of tiredness, and not waking up to interact
• no drinking of fluids
• difficulty with breathing
• gray to bluish skin color
• child doesn’t want to be held from being irritable
• flu-like symptoms disappear, then come back worse with fever and cough

It’s key to remember that most children who experience a cough or runny nose will not have the swine flu, and won’t need to see your pediatrician.

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