Doctor's Notes on Variant Influenza Virus (Swine Flu) Symptoms
Swine flu (variant influenza virus) symptoms may include the following:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Body aches
- Fatigue
People with swine flu may experience more nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea than the seasonal flu.
All of these symptoms may become more severe in some individuals, especially in someone who is immunodepressed; complications such as pneumonia and death may occur in some individuals.
The cause of the symptoms are variant influenza viruses (generally grouped together and termed swine flu by some; others consider influenza A viruses that mainly infect pigs as swine flu). For example, H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 are three examples of variant influenza viruses that infect humans.
What Are the Treatments of a Variant Influenza Virus (Swine Flu)?
Most individuals with swine flu do not need treatment, only symptom relief for fever and headache (drink liquids like water, rest and over-the-counter pain relievers except no aspirin for children). Some people may benefit from antiviral drugs. Antiviral drugs (FDA approved) that are sometimes prescribed for the swine flu (H1N1) are as follows:
- Oseltamivir
- Zanamivir
- Peramivir
- Baloxavir
However, they only may reduce symptoms and complications if they are administered within the first day or two of symptom development. Prevention is possible with a vaccine.
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Swine Flu
Prior to 2009, swine flu was a form of influenza that predominately affected swine. The virus was not easily transmitted to humans. However, the swine flu virus has mutated, allowing for person-to-person transmission. Swine flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, and cough. Infected individuals may also experience fatigue, headache, chills, or body aches. Lab testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis of swine flu. Treatment may involve oseltamivir or zanimivir.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.