Have you had swine flu? Don’t panic, act quickly.
Swine flu continues in epidemic form. But many people do not know what to do when faced with the disease. So, what are the symptoms of swine flu, what should a person do when he realizes that he has the disease, who is tested and how is it treated? We answered our questions about the disease to Anadolu Health Center Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Elif Hakko replied. Anadolu Health Center Infectious Diseases Specialist Dr. Elif Hakko says that there is no need to panic due to the disease and that it is necessary to act quickly. Dr. said that 90 percent of the flu cases that occurred during this period were diagnosed as swine flu and were kept under control. Hakko points out that swine flu has a low lethality and recovers faster than seasonal flu.
What are the symptoms of swine flu?
Fever up to 39-40 degrees, dry cough, muscle and joint pain spreading throughout the body, sore throat and runny nose in some people, and fatigue can be counted among the symptoms of swine flu. In some cases, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur.
What should be done against swine flu symptoms?
Symptoms appear suddenly. If there are complaints of fever, cough or pain, it is necessary to apply to a health institution. People themselves cannot determine whether they are in the risk group or not. Physician evaluation is important as pneumonia may occur even at the beginning.
Who is in the risk group against swine flu?
Pregnant women, children between the ages of 0-5, people over the age of 65, anyone with a chronic disease; Diabetic and heart patients, asthmatics, kidney patients, neurological and rheumatic diseases, and cancer patients are in the risk group.
It is interesting that people over the age of 65 get over swine flu much more easily. But they also need to be seen by a doctor. Because they recover from the disease does not mean that secondary infections will not occur. They need to be kept under control as they may subsequently develop pneumonia.
What should you do if you suspect you have swine flu?
- Get a mask before going to the hospital
- The sick person and those caring for him/her should also wear a mask at home.
- People in the risk group should not be in the same room with the patient and, if possible, should be removed from home.
- Special attention should be paid to hand hygiene. Wash frequently with soap and water, use alcohol-containing hand disinfectants,
- Common areas should be cleaned with bleach
- The room where the patient is located should be ventilated frequently
What should you pay attention to if you are diagnosed with swine flu?
- drink plenty of water
- Be sure to take bed rest
- Do not leave home for a week as the risk of contagion continues
- Pay attention to your nutrition
- Be sure to be under the supervision of a physician
If you’ve had swine flu, is there a chance you’ll catch it a second time?
If there is no change in the virus, the disease cannot be transmitted a second time. But if the virus has changed, it is possible to pass it on again.
What are the treatment methods for swine flu?
These people must apply for treatment within the first 48 hours. Drug treatment is started and it is necessary to monitor especially for secondary infections. Patients are treated without being hospitalized whenever possible. However, they are hospitalized if necessary due to their general condition. Patients must be in contact with their physicians. People outside the risk group are generally monitored with symptom-relieving medications such as antipyretics and painkillers.
Who should be tested for swine flu?
People in the risk group for swine flu need to be tested. Clinically, anyone presenting with these symptoms is considered to have swine flu, and tests are performed to provide evidence and shape the treatment.
Is there a swine flu vaccine? When should it be done?
Yes there is. It should be held every year in September-October.
