What to Do if You Get Sick?

The swine influenza, also known as the 2009 H1N1 type A influenza, is a respiratory disease that is caused by the H1N1 virus. The virus consists of genes from human, bird and swine flu viruses and is, therefore, called the swine flu virus.

People who have been in contact with any swine flu-infected patient should see (at least for 10 days) if they have any symptoms that are typically shown by the disease. Some of the symptoms include fever (above 100.4 °F), cough, soar throat, runny nose, muscle aches, chills, headache, fatigue and decreased appetite, and sometimes even diarrhea and vomiting.

Anyone facing difficulty breathing should see a doctor immediately. Since, many other viral diseases show exactly the same symptoms as the swine flu, anyone who thinks that they may have been exposed to the H1N1 virus should get diagnosed right away and start treatment with proper antiviral medication as prescribed by the doctor. Sometimes it is seen that tests give negative results even when done on people infected with swine flu. It is for this reason that some doctors advise individuals at risk to start taking medication right away instead of waiting to get tested. They can also stay at home in a hygienic environment so that the disease cannot spread further.