Swine Flu Effects

The Truth About Swine Flu Effects

As the world has unfortunately seen, swine flu effects can be quite devastating, resulting in death.  This respiratory disease is caused by very specific viruses that infect respiratory tracts in pigs, resulting in decreased appetite, barking cough, nasal secretions and listless behavior.  The swine flu offers quite similar symptoms in both pigs and humans.

Swine Flu Effects

Since the disease is still considered new and it has the ability to mutate and worsen at any time it is hard to be aware of all of the effects but with more and more cases, experts are learning a significant amount of information about this virus.

Swine flu effects can vary from person to person depending on age, the individual’s overall health and how quickly the virus is treated.  In general, at least 95 percent of people who become infected with the swine flu feel downright miserable but most will recover with no complications.

Individuals with a depressed immune system see far worse outcomes than healthy individuals and mortality rate is highest in this category.  Additionally, young adults and children under the age of two are seeing some of the worst swine flu effects out of the affected population as well.

Primary viral pneumonia is found to be the leading cause of death with the swine flu because severe pneumonia often results in either organ failure or worsening of underlying chronic obstructive airway disease or asthma.  In nearly 30 percent of fatal cases, secondary bacterial infections have been to blame and respiratory failure results.

Unlike the seasonal flu, this virus travels deeper into the lungs to cause viral pneumonia.  When this happens, the lungs experience severe damage which can quickly lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome which is a life-threatening condition.  Patients who have a viral infection that persist will often develop swine flue effects of seizures as well.

Treatment

Vaccination is the best prevention for the swine flu.  There are two antiviral agents that are suggested to reduce swine flu effects being Tamiflu and Relenza.  However, these must be started no later than within 48 hours of becoming infected with the virus for them to be effective.  It is also important to note that these drugs should not be overused because the virus will become immune to the medicine.

Of course, the problem with these medications is that health care experts are suggesting that just because you feel sick does not mean that you need to go to the doctor or the hospital.  Many doctors suggest just staying in bed and allowing the virus time to run its course.  So, how are you suppose to start medication within 48 hours?  Good question!  There’s a lot of conflicting recommendations and opinions when it comes to seeking medical care so you’re best to use your own best judgment of when you think that you need it.

Prevention

Aside from the vaccination there are also preventative measures that you can take to prevent catching and spreading the virus.  Symptomatic individuals need to stay home, avoid crowded places and take off of school or work until the disease is not contagious anymore which can be from two to three weeks.

Coughing, nasal secretions and sneezing must be kept from other people by using tissues and then immediately disposing of them.  The CDC recommends to schools and employers that if an individual shows up with flu symptoms, they should be sent home immediately and they should not return unless they show no fever without the aid of fever reducers.

Individuals who believe that they are seeing swine flu symptoms need to seek medical attention and be cautious of infecting other people on their way to the doctor’s office or emergency room.  Swine flu effects can be fatal when left untreated so it is crucial to tend to your illness in a timely manner.