Description
Swine flu is an influenza type A virus that has been identified as the H1N1 strain that normally can only be transmitted from pigs to human. The swine flu outbreak of 2009 is a genetic combination of avian, swine and human flu. This strain can be passed from human to human. The severity of this disease varies widely, ranging from fever and cough to pneumonia and death.
Symptoms
Fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, cough, runny nose, sore throat, shortness of breath. The fever in influenza tends to be higher (> 101 F or 38.3 C) than in other upper respiratory infection caused by viral illnesses such as the common cold. The muscle aches and fatigue tend to be more severe as well.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical will be done. A chest x-ray may be performed to rule out a lung infection (pneumonia).
Tests:
X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Rapid influenza swab
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical will be done. A chest x-ray may be performed to rule out a lung infection (pneumonia).
Tests:
X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Rapid influenza swab
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Infectious Disease Medicine, Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine
Treatment
The strain of swine flu seen in 2009 is sensitive to the anti-viral medications oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza). Treatment should be started within 40 hours of symptoms to be most effective. Patients with swine flu should avoid close contact with other people to prevent the spread. The fever and other symptoms can be reduced by taking ibuprofen (Motrin) and/or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Influenza vaccination can help prevent infection with the H1N1 virus.