Swine Flu and Its Treatment Options

Swine flu is also known as 2009 H1N1 type A influenza. It is a viral disease which is very contagious. It is named swine flu because it spread to humans from pigs or swines. This deadly disease is a mix of strains from human, bird and swine flu. Some health experts are still debating on what it should be called but people call it the H1N1 swine flu.

Swine flu with a difference

The new outbreak of swine flu is different. It can spread from one person to another without pigs coming anywhere in the picture. This makes this flu a human virus which is a threat to humanity. Only after you go for a lab test, can you come to know for sure whether you are suffering from swine flu or not. People who are suffering from asthma, chronic lung conditions, kidney problems, liver problems and metabolic disorders are more susceptible to this disease. Pregnant women and children are also vulnerable to this viral condition. It has been noted that most people who have been affected by swine flu are obese and have underlying respiratory problems.

In case you come into contact with a person who is affected by swine flu, there are high chances that you may get infected as well. There is no guarantee that you may get infected after getting exposed to a person who has already been infected, but the chances of this happening increase considerably. Try your best to protect yourself from such exposures.

Beware of treatment scams

While millions of people have already been affected and more are getting affected as each day passes; some unethical companies are trying to make a quick buck out of the whole situation by selling fake drugs, which hardly cure anything. They make false claims and offer huge discounts to cheat people. Most importantly, people are led to believe that only prescription medicines can help them get rid of this disease and the importance of dietary nutrients and amino acids in diet are unimportant for fast and efficient recovery. Stay away from such scams as they do more harm than good. Always consult a doctor before you take a medication.

Treatment with Tamiflu

Oseltamivir is an antiviral drug, which slows down the spread of influenza in the body. It works by detaching the flu virus from its host cell, and its effects can be seen within 12 to 24 hours. It is marketed under the trade name Tamiflu. It has saved millions of lives by helping people overcome this illness. If you wish to have a speedy recovery, you should try to stay at home as much as possible and drink a lot of water and juices to keep your body hydrated. Ensure that you take plenty of rest so that your body recovers well from stress and exhaustion and avoid smoking or consumption of alcohol. Always consult your doctor before you start taking this medication. Expert help is always better. Most experts prescribe Tamiflu only in the most serious cases.