What You Can Do About H1N1 Swine Flu

The swine influenza, a respiratory disease that is caused by the H1N1 virus, is also known as the 2009 H1N1 type A influenza. The disease has been named so because of the fact that the virus consists of genes from human, bird and swine flu viruses.

Although some antiviral medications have been showed by swine flu researchers to be effective to some extent in the treatment of swine flu, research is still being done to evaluate the effectiveness of these medications in patients of different age levels and stages of the disease.

Studies have shown that swine flu does respond to antiviral medications like Relenza and Tamiflu. Although, they do not completely cure the disease, they can reduce the period of time, lessen the severity of the symptoms, as well as prevent the disease entirely if there has been an exposure. Doctors advise those with flu-like symptoms to stay at home so that the disease cannot spread further. If the conditions worsen or difficulty in breathing is experienced, medical attention must be sought. Besides, it is also advised that individuals at the risk of exposure to the virus should eat a balanced diet and stay physically active, wash hands regularly with soap, stay in a clean environment and get vaccinated under the supervision of a health care provider.