What are the symptoms of swine flu?
The symptoms of swine flu can be similar to those of regular flu and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Some people may also have vomiting or diarrhoea
What causes swine flu?
Swine flu is caused by the H1N1 virus, which spreads from person to person through droplets in the air when someone coughs or sneezes. You can also catch it by touching surfaces where the virus is present and then touching your face.
How common is swine flu?
Swine flu outbreaks can happen, typically in seasonal waves. It is more common during the autumn and winter months, similar to regular flu. Large outbreaks were noted in 2009, but since then, it has become less frequent.
Who is more likely to get swine flu?
Some groups of people are at a higher risk of catching swine flu or having severe symptoms, including:
- Children under the age of five
- People over the age of 65
- Pregnant women
- People with certain health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
How can I treat swine flu?
If you think you have swine flu, it’s important to stay at home and rest. You may also be prescribed antiviral medicines to help shorten the illness and reduce symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with fever and body aches.
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How to prevent swine flu?
You can take several steps to reduce your chances of getting swine flu:
- Get the annual flu vaccine
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Stay home if you are unwell
How quickly can I recover from swine flu?
Most people start to feel better within a week, although some may take longer to fully recover, especially those with underlying health conditions.
What’s the outlook for swine flu?
The outlook for swine flu is generally positive, especially for healthy individuals. While it can lead to serious illness in some cases, most recover with proper care and rest.
Final thoughts
Swine flu can cause illness similar to regular flu, but with proper care, most people recover well. If you have any concerns about your health, it’s always best to speak to your GP or healthcare provider.
Sources:
NHS
Healthline
WebMD
