May 15, 2009
Contact:
Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700
H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment, &
Updates
As health officials assess the spread of
Swine Flu around the world, the
Pennsylvania Department of Health is joining the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in preparing advisories, alerts,
and updates to keep you and your family on top of the latest and most trusted
sources for related information.
Targeted information is available for children and pregnant
women, schools, child care settings, emergency medical services, medical
providers and other clinicians. The general public can access
Key Facts about H1N1 Flu including how the viral infection is spread, as
well as its symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
According to the
CDC,
symptoms are similar to those for regular human flu including fever, cough, sore
throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some report diarrhea and
vomiting associated with swine flu.
While most swine influenza viruses have been susceptible to four
drugs, the most recent swine influenza viruses isolated from humans
appear resistant to amantadine and rimantadine. At this time, the CDC
recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or
prevention of infection with H1N1 (swine) influenza viruses.
Flu
prevention calls for:
-
Frequent hand washing
-
Plenty of sleep
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Managing stress
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Drinking plenty of fluids
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Eating nutritious food
-
Avoiding touching surfaces that may be
contaminated with the flu virus
-
Avoiding close contact with people who are
sick
-
Staying home when you are sick
