Are there medicines to treat swine flu?
Yes. CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza) for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. Antiviral drugs are prescription medicine (pills, liquid or an inhaler) that fights the flu by keeping viruses from reproducing in your body. If you get sick, antiviral drugs can make your illness milder and make you feel better faster. They may also prevent serious flu complications. For treatment, antiviral drugs work best if started soon after getting sick (within two days of symptoms)
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Should I take Tamiflu as a precaution if I’m not sick yet?
No. “What are you going to do with it, use it when you get a sniffle?” asks Dr. Marc Siegel of New York University Langone Medical Center and author of “Bird Flu: Everything You Need to Know About the Next Pandemic.” Overusing antiviral drugs can help germs become resistant to them.
Tamiflu and Relenza will not work for colds, other types of flu, or other viral infections. These medicines may be used for other purposes.
Your health care provider needs to know if you have any of the following conditions: kidney disease; live in nursing home; lung or breathing disease, like asthma; serious medical condition; an unusual or allergic reaction to zanamivir, lactose, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives; pregnant or trying to get pregnant; and breast-feeding.
You should also report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible if you are suffering from any of the following side effects: abnormal behavior; allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; breathing problems; confusion; fast, irregular heart beat; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; fever; hallucinations; other ear, nose, or throat infection; and seizures.
Meanwhile, side effects that usually do not require medical attention are cough, diarrhea, headache, nasal congestion, nausea, and vomiting. However, consult a doctor if these continue.
How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others?
People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic. It is possible for up to seven days following illness onset. But children, especially younger children, might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
Is there a vaccine for swine flu?
There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses.
I got a flu shot, so am I protected, right?
Health authorities say that seasonal flu shot (which addresses different strains of flu) will not protect us from swine flu. It’s because seasonal flu shot was developed to combat strains that are not related to the swine flu strain.
What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?
We can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Practice the following every day to protect your health:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, stay home and limit contact with people keep from infecting them. Avoid touching your eves, nose or mouth to prevent spread of germs.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you are sick, stay home and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading your illness to others.
In children, signs that need urgent medical attention include
• fast breathing or trouble breathing
• bluish skin color
• not drinking enough fluids
• not waking up or not interacting
• being so irritable that the child does not want to be held.
• flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• fever with a rash
In adults, signs that need urgent medical attention include
• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• sudden dizziness
• confusion
• severe or persistent vomiting
Can I get swine influenza from eating pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. Cooking pork to an internal temperature of 71°C (160°F) kills the swine flu virus as it does other bacteria and viruses.
What are the stages of the spread of disease?
The WHO developed a plan to respond to any health emergencies. Each stage represents a different level of response. For example, Stage 4 means that the disease can no longer be contained inside any specific country, therefore governments must take steps to handle community spread of the disease. As of press time, the WHO has raised its pandemic alert for swine influenza to phase 4. If the situation gets worse, and the WHO raises the alert to stages 5-6, it indicates that the swine flu has become pandem
What plans are in place?
Nearly 150 countries, including the Philippines, have flu contingency plans in place, covering everything from hospital and travel to internal2onal cooperation. Many governments have also started stockpiling anti-viral drugs, which are not a vaccine but would lessen some of the symptoms. Regulations have also been drawn up covering surveillance reporting and communication. The aim is to ensure there is good information available on which decisions can be based.
Where can I get further information?
Further information on swine flu can be found in websites of leading health and research organizations around the world. These websites include
• The CDC’s Travel Notice page
• World Health Organization’s Disease Outbreak page
• A Google Swine Flu map
• CNN keeps a map updated, too
• DOH website
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