Swine flu symptoms

You spin, kick and grunt, and collapse at the feet of pigs. No, that’s not swine flu. That’s Jackie Chan.

If you have swine flu, the symptoms are likely to be fever, lack of appetite, lethargy and coughing. Some who get it also have a sore throat, runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If not treated early, it can lead to serious infections like pneumonia and, in some vulnerable people, even death.

Swine flu recently was reported in Mexico, where hundreds have been infected and as many as 81 have died of the disease. Seven recent cases were reported in California, two in Texas and two in Kansas, and now we’re hearing of a swine flu scare in Queens, where 75 students at St. Francis Prep School complained of fever, nausea, aches and pains. Nine of the students appear to have swine flu.

Update April 29: First 2009 swine flu death in U.S. is confirmed. A baby in Texas.

Not from pork. You can get swine flu, first, by handling infected pigs in pig barn. If you have it, you can spread it by coughing or sneezing near other people. You also can get it if you touch something that someone with the flu has touched and then you touch your eyes, nose or mouth. You don’t get it by eating pork.

So watch out. If you think you might have it, see your doctor. "At this time, CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses," the Centers for Disease Control Web site says.

Oseltamivir is the drug Tamiflu. Zanamivir is the drug Relenza. (This is not a commercial. I don't know how well they work. Check with a doctor.) Update April 27: There is some debate about whether Tamiflu and Relenza work for the flu everyone is worried about this week. If your flu is mild, you might not need a medication. Again, ask your doctor for the most up-to-date information.

Be sensible. Wash your hands. If you can, stay away from the sickness. Especially if you have the flu, cover your mouth with a tissue if you cough or sneeze around other people, and throw the tissue away. If you’re sick, stay home.

Stay healthy. If you have the flu, get well soon.

Frank Warner

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See also: Remember President Ford and swine flu.

See also: Jackie Chan fears China freedom, but his words stir the idea.

See also: J.K. Rowling: Imagine what goes on in totalitarian states.

Comments

[Marissa]

Is it spreading to CT?

[anon]

I think it is spreading to CT... Just came back from vegas last week and I've been sick since... At the walk in right now.. Will find out soon

[ali]

is hallucinating or smelling funky smells a symptom?

[CJW]

Biden's office downplays swine flu warning

Maybe he needs to use a teleprompter.