Swine Flu News

Question: What are the differences between swine flu symptoms and those of "ordinary" flu?

(Posted by: ivallrod on 2009-11-21 12:44:19)

Posted by: TasselLady on 2009-11-21, 13:13:50

Swine flu and the regular flu bugs have very similar symptoms. But the major difference is that the Swine flu contains three distinct strains of the influenza. Influenza which pigs and other animals like them get, the avian or bird influenza which birds get, and a strain in which humans get. All three of these cause the H1N1 flu. This flu is more contagious than the regular flu bug we get yearly shots for, and it seems to attack mostly younger people, where the regular flu seems to attack everyone at every age of life. But, some websites have identified several signs of the H1N1: Chills fever sorethroat muscle pains headache (severe) coughing weakness Diarrhea and vomiting are sometimes part of this illness. These are the main ones. You might need to have blood testing done to see if this is the strain you have, or if it's another. Sometimes they can just tell you what it is. But only a doctor can tell you for sure.

Posted by: puspa on 2009-11-22, 19:38:42

Hi Ivallrod. With seasonal flu, we know that seasons vary in terms of timing, duration and severity. Seasonal influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Each year, in the United States, on average 36,000 people die from flu-related complications and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related causes. Of those hospitalized, 20,000 are children younger than 5 years old. Over 90% of deaths and about 60 percent of hospitalization occur in people older than 65. When the 2009 H1N1 outbreak was first detected in mid-April 2009, CDC began working with states to collect, compile and analyze information regarding the 2009 H1N1 flu outbreak, including the numbers of confirmed and probable cases and the ages of these people. The information analyzed by CDC supports the conclusion that 2009 H1N1 flu has caused greater disease burden in people younger than 25 years of age than older people. At this time, there are relatively fewer cases and deaths reported in people 65 years and older, which is unusual when compared with seasonal flu. However, pregnancy and other previously recognized high risk medical conditions from seasonal influenza appear to be associated with increased risk of complications from this 2009 H1N1. These underlying conditions include asthma, diabetes, suppressed immune systems, heart disease, kidney disease, neurocognitive and neuromuscular disorders and pregnancy. Take Care. Regards.

Posted by: Rhianna Returns on 2009-11-24, 08:36:53

Very little, but it appears that H1N1 is causing more diarrhoea and vomiting symptoms that is usually seen with seasonal flu.- Although this could be a result of the Tamiflu.