Signs and Symptoms of Swine Flu H1N1 Virus in Humans

Swine flu has brought a lot of fear all over the world. This word has now become one of the most terrible words. The correct knowledge can help you protect against it. Prevention is always better than cure. It is a type of influenza caused by H1N1 virus.

H1N1 virus is just another type of flu virus like other typical seasonal flu symptoms. The only difference is that the H1N1 virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, so that humans don't have any immunity to it. This has made it a pandemic virus that has the ability to cause a global outbreak because it could easily spread from person-to-person.

Swine Flu H1N1 Symptoms

It is very important to recognize the signs and symptoms of swine flu in the early stage. Generally the symptoms of H1N1 are similar to those of the common winter influenza. The symptoms of this flu begin 1-4 days after being exposed to a contagious person. Sudden chills and fever are generally the first symptoms. Temperatures usually remain between 100F and 104F for many days.

Other signs and symptoms can include

• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Dry cough, runny nose or stuffy nose, scratchy throat and head congestion
• Chills
• Body aches (myalgia)
• Headache
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Sometimes diarrhea and vomiting

Emergency Warning Symptoms in Children

Signs of a more serious swine flu infection might include pneumonia and respiratory failure.

• Trouble breathing or fast breathing
• Gray or bluish skin color
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Fever with a rash
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Not drinking enough fluids or liquid
• Irritability
• Symptoms of flu improve but then return with worse cough and fever

Emergency Warning Symptoms in Adults

• Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the abdomen or chest
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Confusion
• Sudden dizziness

More serious symptoms indicate that the person with swine flu would need immediate medical attention.

To learn more about swine flu, how is it transmitted and prevention, you need to know the complete information on H1N1. Be sure to grab the book on swine flu to keep yourself and your family away from this pandemic disease.

10 Things You Must Know About H1N1 Vaccines

1. Multi-dose vials both seasonal and inject able H1N1 swine flu vaccines contain MERCURY, which is a known neurotoxin.

2. The vaccines contain FORMALDEHYDE and exposure to formaldehyde has been shown to increase the risk of developing certain CANCER. 3. It is unknown whether H1N1 vaccines are safe to give to all pregnant women, children and adults, especially if they are chronically ill or sick at the time of vaccination. 4. There was an increased risk of developing Gullain-Bare Syndrome (GBS), a sometimes fatal inflammation of the nerves, after the swine flu vaccination in 1976. 5. BGS and brain inflammation has been reported after seasonal influenza vaccination. 6. Swine flu vaccines have not been evaluated for the ability to cause cancer, damage genes or impair fertility. 7. It is not known whether H1N1 swine flue vaccines can harm the fetus if given to a pregnant woman. 8. One H1N1 flu vaccine manufacturer product insert states that immune response and safety was only evaluated "in 31 children between the ages of 6-26 months." 9. The live virus nasal spray H1N1 swine flu vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women, children under age two or anyone with a history of asthma. 10. The H1N1 swine flu influenza has not been associated with more serious disease or more deaths than seasonal influenza strains that have circulated in the past few decades.

2009 H1N1 Flu: Situation Update

Pro and cons

CONS

Not enough information from the FDA. To early to start using it. Some doctors are even going as far as to tell their pharmacies not to recommend it yet. The reason behind most of those opposed?

Production of the vaccine was started before the FDA had concluded their testing. all of this was done to be certain that the vaccine would be available on time to distribute to the public.

There is even a FDA statement associated with the vaccine that states that "Clinical Studies are Ongoing" according to some doctors this can only mean that all of the evidence is not yet in.

Skeptics are telling us that this untested vaccine is potentially dangerous and unnecessary.

PROS

Immunize before it causes a major pandemic across the country. They want to vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible.

This was the only way they had to get the vaccine to the public in time for the flu season.

Some say that there "were no shortcuts" by the FDA inspectors.

Some doctors also tell us that even though the vaccine production was speeded up, the quality of the inspections were just as thorough.

The production of the normal seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine differ very slightly.

It should be given to the public ASAP because children especially are at a higher risk for the H1N1 Swine Flu virus.

Priority for the H1N1 Swine flu vaccine are being given to health care workers, children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years, adults who care for infants under 6 months, pregnant women and adults with conditions such as asthma or a compromised immune system that predispose them to complications from flu.

Emplyers and problems

Prior to any increase in instances of H1N1 at the workplace, employers should take simple steps to impress upon their workforce the importance of personal hygiene. Circulate an email or post a notice reminding employees about the possibility that swine flu infection may increase and that personal hygiene is critically important. Encourage employees to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or with hand sanitizers if there is no soap or water available, to avoid touching their noses, mouths and eyes, to cover their coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or to cough and sneeze into their upper sleeves if tissues are not available. Employees should always wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer after they cough, sneeze, or blow their noses.

It is recommended that employers engage the services of a healthcare professional with experience in communicable diseases. That healthcare professional can assist employers in dealing with health and other issues related to the flu.

Should employees begin to become infected with H1N1 flu, then the employer should advise employees to avoid close contact with coworkers and customers, avoid shaking hands, and always wash their hands after coming in contact with others.

The business should provide customers and the public with tissues and trash receptacles, and with a place to wash or disinfect their hands. The business should also keep work surfaces, telephones, computer equipment, and other frequently touched surfaces and office equipment clean at all times. Discourage your employees from using other employees' phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment. Minimize situations where groups of people are in close contact, such as in a meeting. Instead, encourage the use of e-mail, phones, and text messages to communicate with each other.

A more challenging problem for employers is the application of the employer's absence policy in the event of a swine flu outbreak at the workplace. If an employee becomes infected with the disease, it is in the employer's interest that the employee remain away from work. On the other hand, concerns about this infectious disease might cause employees to remain away from work unnecessarily or, worse, to make a false claim of illness as a way of avoiding coming to work. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional for help with these types of issues.

Given the fact that it is in the best interest for every business to prepare for potential problems caused by H1N1, it is strongly recommended that employers review, and where necessary update and clarify its policy on absenteeism. The employer should immediately communicate any changes to that policy to employees. The policy on absenteeism should address such issues as whether a doctor's note will be required to justify any absences, and whether an employee will need clearance from a doctor in order to return to work. The policy should also deal with the question of what to do with employees who have used up any paid vacation or sick time, and yet, need to be away from work because they have contracted the swine flu.

The business should also make contingency plans to deal with the reality that many employees may be absent from work at the same time, thereby making it difficult, if not impossible, to perform critical functions. The employer should make arrangements for the use of temporary employees, and also thoroughly explore the option of permitting employees to work from home.

A swine flu outbreak poses significant challenges for employers. Begin preparing now, so that if the worst happens, you are ready.