Many people are scared about contracting the swine flu, and not sure how to tell if they may be infected with it or any other seasonal flu virus. Because the symptoms of the swine flu virus are so similar to a seasonal flu virus, it can be hard to discriminate between the two to know if you are really infected. This can lead to more spreading of the virus because people who do not get tested may not be aware that they have the virus.

Common Symptoms of the Swine Flu Virus
•    Fever
•    Lethargy
•    Lack of appetite
•    Coughing
•    Runny nose
•    Sore throat
•    Nausea
•    Vomiting
•    Diarrhea
•    Headache

Because the symptoms of the swine flu virus are so close to other forms of the flu virus, a respiratory test can be done by your doctor, which is sent to a lab to confirm whether or not the swine flu virus is present. Another concern with the swine flu virus is that people can actually spread the virus before they have symptoms that they are sick with it. One day before symptoms start, people who are infected with the virus are already becoming contagious. They remain contagious for up to seven days after becoming sick.

How the Swine Flu Virus is Spread
Although the virus originally is spread among pigs, human contraction is possible and can be spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing and touching the same objects. For these reasons, it is important that everyone uses precautions to try to prevent further spreading of the virus. How can we all be proactive in this? The best way is to practice good habits like frequently washing your hands with soap and water and carrying hand sanitizer with you. It is especially important to use precaution when you are in public places or in areas where you are more likely to be exposed to the virus.

If you or someone in your family becomes infected with the swine flu, it is best to try to keep them separated from the public and other members of the family until the contagious phase is over. This can help prevent it being passed from family member to family member and out in the public. Keep the area where the sick person is in very clean and sanitized, and after the person is out of the contagious stages be sure to wash all linens and clothes that the person touched while sick. If everyone does their best to keep the virus contained, it can greatly reduce the wide spread outbreak of swine flu. To help yourself from contracting the virus, be sure to get plenty of sleep, eat a well balanced diet and exercise.  Even if you have a flu vaccine for seasonal flu, that is not likely to protect you from the swine flu virus and you should still take precautions.

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