The swine flu is a viral infection that originates from pigs. It was first isolated from pigs in the 1930s. Antibiotics do not help. Symptoms of infection with the swine flu are similar to the the regular influenza virus most are familiar with. Most infected will do fine. Those who are immune compromised, older or pregnant may be at higher risk of complications or serious respiratory illness. The most common symptoms include:
- Cough
- Congestion
- Nasal Congestion
- Body aches
- Joint Pains
- Fevers
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Decreased energy
- Rarely death
The infection is transmitted to humans who are in contact with swine. Human to human contact occurs with casual contact or airborne transmission when one sneezes or coughs. Eating pork products will not cause one to develop the swine flu. Washing hands routinely and wearing a N99 mask, such as the Wein ViraMask may also be helpful.
If you contract the swine flu, there are 2 flu medications which can be helpful. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. These medications can also be used for the usual avian influenza. Remember- most with flu symptoms simply have a viral infection and NOT the swine flu.
A study by Dr. Cannell from California also showed that vitamin D can help prevent influenza infections by strenghtening the immune system. A daily intake of 2,000 IU daily should be taken- at minimum. A dose of up to 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily for a few days may also be helpful. Whether vitamin D will help with the swine flu is yet to be seen- however, I personally took a higher than usual dose of vitamin D last night after watching news reports on the infection. Better safe than sorry!
Dr. Eric Madrid
Wein ViraMask may help prevent respiratory transmission of airborne illnesses.
The swine flu is a viral infection that originates from pigs. It was first isolated from pigs in the 1930s. Antibiotics do not help. Symptoms of infection with the swine flu are similar to the the regular influenza virus most are familiar with. Most infected will do fine. Those who are immune compromised, older or pregnant may be at higher risk of complications or serious respiratory illness. The most common symptoms include:
The infection is transmitted to humans who are in contact with swine. Human to human contact occurs with casual contact or airborne transmission when one sneezes or coughs. Eating pork products will not cause one to develop the swine flu. Washing hands routinely and wearing a N99 mask, such as the Wein ViraMask may also be helpful.
If you contract the swine flu, there are 2 flu medications which can be helpful. The CDC recommends the use of oseltamivir or zanamivir for the treatment and/or prevention of infection with swine influenza viruses. These medications can also be used for the usual avian influenza. Remember- most with flu symptoms simply have a viral infection and NOT the swine flu.
A study by Dr. Cannell from California also showed that vitamin D can help prevent influenza infections by strenghtening the immune system. A daily intake of 2,000 IU daily should be taken- at minimum. A dose of up to 10,000 IU of vitamin D daily for a few days may also be helpful. Whether vitamin D will help with the swine flu is yet to be seen- however, I personally took a higher than usual dose of vitamin D last night after watching news reports on the infection. Better safe than sorry!
Dr. Eric Madrid
Wein ViraMask may help prevent respiratory transmission of airborne illnesses.