Common Swine Flu Questions Answered

If someone has cold and cough are they likely to have swine flu? When should they get it tested?
Yes, if someone has cold and cough they are likely to have swine flu, in fact that’s the earliest sign in majority of cases but as the investigation is costly it is advised only when fever doesn’t subside or is complicated should the test be done. But it should be done early in high risk cases.

Should I get hospitalised or be at home if I have swine flu?
I would suggest hospitalisation in case of proven swine flu as not only you are isolated and it prevents further spread but it also helps in early
identification and treatment of complications.

Do all hospitals have swine flu treatment?
Yes, investigation and treatment is available in private as well as in government hospitals. Here are treatment and medication for swine flu.
For how long should the person be isolated?
Person is usually infective from a day before fever and 5-7 days after that, sometimes it lasts little longer in case of immunocompromised patients.

If someone in the family has cold and cough, what precautions should others take?
Maintain a distance, minimize contact, wash your hands regularly. Here are more tips for caretakers in case of swine flu.
In case of high fever, should a person be given cold compress? Or will that make it easier for the virus to spread? Also, should the person giving the compress wear gloves or mask?
Cold compress whenever required should be given and person in close contact has to take all precautions as mentioned.

Is swine flu curable?
Of course it is!

Can mosquitoes spread swine flu?
No mosquitoes don’t spread swine flu, it spreads by droplet infection.
Can one get vaccinated to prevent swine flu?
Yes one can get vaccinated.

Should I wear a mask? Where all should I wear it? What kind?
Mask wearing is advisable only for persons in close contact with the patient, type of mask: N-95. Surgical masks cannot prevent swine flu.

Should eating pork be avoided?
No, one can have well-cooked pork.

Does the cold weather makes it easier for the virus to spread?
Decrease in temperature is pleasant for viruses to grow and thrive when we only talk about dampness it should reduce the spread as it will decrease the travelling distance of droplets.

Are the symptoms in children different from that in adults?
Yes children can present with fever, irritability, drowsiness, vomiting.

What extra precautions should people with asthma take? Do they need to continue using their inhaler or anti-allergy medication?
Chronic asthmatics already have a compromised respiratory system, swine flu in majority of patients affects the respiratory system so there are increased chances of severity in them.
Apart from general precautions, they have to be more careful and vigilant and need to contact doctor immediately in case of any sign of flu. And of course they have to continue their treatment for asthma.

Should people with heart condition be more cautious about swine flu?
Yes people with chronic diseases like recurrent heart failure or with weaker heart need to be more cautious.

When does a person suffering from swine flu die?
Usually majority of patients get well after being diagnosed but sometimes it progress and complications arise. These people die when the severity of complications increases.

Is swine flu treatment covered by insurance?
Yes it is. more