Flu Symptoms and Signs: How to Treat Swine Flu Infection

If you have been watching the news, you might have noticed the recent panic related to the news that the Swine Flu infection has been detected in the United States and Mexico. This flu is a combination of a variety of more common influenza strains and the dreaded Avian Flu. Although this flu has been responsible for some deaths in Mexico, it is not the time to panic. This flu is currently treatable with some medicines on the market today.
Step 1
Pay Attention
If you suspect you have the Swine Flu, pay attention to your symptoms. If you have basic cold symptoms, such as runny nose or cough, just treat like you would regularly with bed rest, fluids, and cold medicines

Step 2
Stay Home
Stay home from work or school. This virus is highly contagious. Do not go into work or send your children to school if you suspect you are sick. It is important that people who are ill help to contain the Swine Flu by remaining as isolated as possible.

Step 3
Monitor symptoms
If you do get more severe symptoms associated with the Swine Flu, get to the doctor immediately. Watch out for more severe symptoms of the virus such as pain in chest or stomach, dizziness that comes on suddenly, shortness of breath or having a problem with breathing, feeling suddenly confused or diarrhea or vomiting. Small children may have a bluish coloring to their skin, and have a fever with an associated rash.

Step 4
Antivirals and Medicines
Ask your doctor about oseltqamivir and zanamivir. These are medicines that may be used to treat and possibly prevent Swine Flu infection. In addition, if you have contracted Swine Flu, Tamiflu and Relenza have shown some effectiveness in fighting the virus. These need to be taken within 2 days of infection in order to work.