Even if the H1N1 virus was discovered many years ago, it was reserved only for medical journals until 2009 when the massive swine flu outbreak took place. People were relieved when millions of doses of swine flu vaccine were sent off to various medical facilities. Men, women and even children went to be immediately vaccinated.

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Nonetheless, what happens when a vaccine that should help, carries dangerous side effects? Swine flu usually causes fatigue, nausea, body aches, coughing, but also brain damage. This can happen also in young children and even unborn babies. If a pregnant woman develops swine flu, the virus can attack the genes that control birth, sometimes resulting in the newborn developing autism.

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Pregnant women who have swine flu tend to rush immediately to get vaccinated, but maybe this is not so safe as it may seem. Swine flu vaccine contains mercury, more specifically Thimerosal, a preservative. It has been proved that Mercury and many forms of it can cause autism, as well as other neurological disorders.

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Therefore, the question is: Should you avoid vaccination because of its damaging side effects or hope that your child won’t get swine flu? Or, on the other hand, should you inject your child or yourself with an element that is known as causing autism and neurological damage?

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You are the one who has the answer and this depends on your personal opinion, thinking if the risk of the swine flu vaccine outweighs the risk of the flu. The Centre for Disease Control claims that there will be mercury-free vaccine in injections and nasal spray forms, but this is still uncertain. Nonetheless, talk to your doctor and ask his opinion related to swine flu vaccine and its negative side-effects.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by a new strain of influenza virus. As seasonal flu vaccines don’t protect against this disease, new flu vaccines have been developed.

Usually, swine flu is mild, but there are cases when some people are very ill with swine flu. Generally, swine flu symptoms include:

• tiredness

• sore throat

• cough

• fever

• headaches

• aching muscles

• chills

• loss of appetite

• nausea

• diarrhea

• vomiting

• sneezing

• runny nose

Pregnant women and people with a weak immune system are at higher risk and they may need to go to the hospital, but some even die. This is the main reason why it’s very important to have a vaccine that prevents people from catching swine flu.

People also have to know that swine flu vaccines are different from seasonal flu vaccines because the seasonal flu vaccine doesn’t protect against swine flu.

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Swine flu vaccine should be offered first to those who are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms:

1. Adults and children over six months of age who have long-term diseases such as:

• Diabetes mellitus

• Chronic lung disease

• Chronic liver disease

• Chronic heart disease

• Chronic kidney disease

• Chronic neurological diseases

• Immunosupression caused by treatment or by a disease.

2. Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy as they are at risk of being seriously ill if they will catch this type of flu. Studies show that pregnant women are four times more likely to develop severe complications and the risks are highest at the later stages of pregnancy.

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3. People who live together in the same house and someone has a compromised immune system. In this case, the person who has a weak immune system should ask the others to vaccinate to protect her against catching swine flu, as well. Nonetheless, someone with a compromised immune system should discuss with his practice nurse or doctor if he isn’t sure if he should be vaccinated.

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Even though this vaccine is very useful, some people cannot have it: those who have had severe allergic reactions to a previous dose of the vaccine or any element of it and those who have anaphylactic reaction to eggs.

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All types of vaccines, as well as swine flu vaccine cause several mild side-effects such as redness, soreness, fever, headache, muscle aches, as well as swelling at the site of the injection. You also have to know that, fortunately, these symptoms are much milder than swine flu itself and they last a day or so, so you will be safe.

In April 2009 the news broke free: whine flu was in the United States of America. After making sick more than 1,000 people in Mexico, the illness spread somehow in the States, too. In the beginning there were just 10 cases of swine flu confirmed in the whole country by the Center for Disease Control, also known as CDC. Six of the cases which were diagnosed in America were in California, while the other were perfectly divided between the states of Kansas and Texas, each state having two sick people. Soon after this was revealed, eight children enrolled in a private school from New York City received the same diagnosis.

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At that moment, the World Health Organization recognized that the fears of everyone might become reality. According to a statement of the organization, the flu had the potential of going global and although this was the worst case scenario, people needed to be ready for it. The same organization offered details about the swine fly symptoms, about the signs that appear in people that have it, about vaccines and treatments. It was known that although the illness is mostly spread in animals, it was also a danger for humans.

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In America, measures where taken immediately. All schools and universities in Mexico City were shut for an undetermined period of time in order to prevent the spreading of the virus. Soccer games were played without any audience, as in large masses of people, the danger of contracting swine flu would have been higher. The school that the two sick children in Texas attended was closed and all those that traveled to Mexico were friendly advised to seek emergency medical help in case they notice any signs or symptoms of swine flu.

Information about swine flu symptoms was rapidly spread in order to make sure all the Americans knew the signs they had to recognize. Although these symptoms are similar to those of regular flu, the disease itself is very dangerous and does not simply pass in about a week like an usual case of influenza.

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The information that Americans had to know was that the unusual tiredness, the loss of appetite, the headaches, the aching muscles, the shortness of breath and the classical sneezing and coughing could have been important signs of the swine flu and not of the classic influenza. The whole nation was in danger of confronting a pandemic, so people were advised to seek medical help in case they had symptoms of the illness and in the same time to spend as much possible time at home.

However, the virus still spread and it even was resistant to usual flu drugs like Tamiflu. Relenza was another drug used in the treatment, but there were cases in which this failed, too.

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Unfortunately, what happened in the spring of 2009 was only the beginning of a severe flu pandemic which affected tremendously the United States of America. That was just the first part of a first wave of flu, but a second wave of swine flu was spread on the territory of the States in the autumn of the same year, making a lot of victims and affecting even the animals.

Swine flu symptoms are similar to seasonal human flu symptoms including sore throat, cough, fever, runny nose, body aches, as well as chills, fatigue, headaches, so it’s very difficult to make a clear distinction. Nonetheless, doctors have discovered that the swine flu is more likely to cause gastrointestinal ills, such as vomiting and diarrhea. This disease can be diagnosed by sending nose culture or throat to the laboratories to confirm the virus. Unfortunately, people with pre-existing health disorders like heart disease, asthma, diabetes are at higher risk of developing complications and of requiring hospitalisation as soon as possible.

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At higher risk are also pregnant women, children under 5 and adults who are older than 65. Related to pregnant women, it’s not such a high risk to the fetus, but mainly for women themselves.Their immune system is changing already during pregnancy and as the baby grows, they will breath harder, but if they suffer from swine flu as well, then things will complicate even more. It’s important for them to go to the doctor as soon as possible in case they suspect a case of this type of flu, as postponing treatment has lead so far to the death of many pregnant women.

Even though people don’t need to see a doctor if they suffer from swine flu, complications such as pain in the abdomen or chest, severe vomiting and trouble breathing may emerge, so in this case, hospitalisation is a must. Plus, one of the things that makes the difference between swine and human flu is the fact that symptoms abate, but they come back more severely. In case patients don’t follow the right treatment, neurological complications may take place, mainly in children and may show up in forms of seizures, memory problems or irritability. Adults may experience confusion and sudden dizziness, so such problems need instant treatment.

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Oseltamivir and zanamivir are one of the best drugs that can treat the symptoms of swine flu, shortening the duration of swine flu within 48 hours. Moreover, these drugs will also shorten the severity of the symptoms and are available only by prescription. The antivirals are 70-90% effective, but there were also cases when complications emerged and people went too late to the doctor, so they couldn’t be saved anymore. Although the swine flu vaccine is available, it doesn’t always provide increased protection from swine flu. Nonetheless, people can also prevent this type of flu by following a rich in fruits and vegetables diet, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight.

So far, for most people, this illness has been mild, but for a minority, it has caused severe illness. In many cases, various factors contributed to complications which generally, lead to pneumonia. Those who suspect they have swine flu symptoms have to stay at home, rest and take painkillers to relieve symptoms and feel better. Nevertheless, those who are included in high-risk groups should contact their doctor that will determine the most appropriate action for them. Find out more about swine flu symptoms here:

In case you have swine flu symptoms, an early diagnosis is very important. These symptoms are very tricky as they are similar with human flu symptoms, so the best thing to do is to go to the doctor as soon as possible. This will prevent a lot of problems from happening and you will be safe. The virus that causes this type of flu is very strong and is very easily transmitted, so avoid crowds or people that sneeze or cough. Additionally, wash your hands more often or use antibacterial napkins when you are not at home or you don’t have a place where you can wash your hands. Although going as soon as possible to the doctor is the best thing that you can do, you also have to know that this disease is not diagnosed so easily. Its symptoms are similar with regular flu, being very difficult to make the difference. 

During the early stages, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to human flu such as experiencing fever, cough, headaches, chills, fatigue, nausea, sore throat, but soon, things will become more severe and you will have symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Plus, you may also experience respiratory difficulties and even the inability to drink fluids, which is very concerning and you have to go as soon as possible to the doctor. 

At higher risk is in pregnant women, people with immune system disorders, as well as older people and children, who also have a weak immune system. There are also categories of people who are at higher risk of developing severe swine flu symptoms such as those who suffer from respiratory problems, diabetes, heart disorders, as well as stroke, liver or lung disorders. Although the vaccine has been invented, the virus has not been eradicated, so a new outbreak may emerge anytime. Under these circumstances, you have to be well informed on swine flu symptoms to be able to recognize them and to go to the doctor as soon as possible. The Internet is at hand, so with a few clicks, you will have the opportunity to find out a lot of things about it and to stay in touch with everything is new related to this problem.

Swine flu is one of the most confusing diseases due to the fact that its symptoms are very similar to normal flu, so people believe there is nothing severe. Suddenly, what they thought to be an ordinary flu transforms into a nightmare and they need medical check-up immediately. Swine flu symptoms are very tricky, at least at the beginning as you experience nausea, muscular pain, fever, chills, sore throat, so the common flu symptoms. Nonetheless, this is only the first stage of the swine flu as they become severe very fast. The disease is dangerous because it is a type A influenza virus, which is very strong and is very easily transmitted through coughing or sneezing. At higher risk are those people with a weak immune system, including kids and older people. Additionally, the symptoms will get worse for those who suffer from diabetes, heart, liver disorders, as well as those who suffer from respiratory diseases.

To prevent this disease, the vaccine remains the main solution, but you should also follow a healthy and rich in nutrients diet and also avoid junk food. A diet rich in fish, vegetables and fruits will strengthen your immune system, so you won’t experience severe and endangering symptoms. Additionally, receiving the proper testing is a must and vaccine stays the main way in which people are sure they will avoid this condition. 

Vaccination will prevent severe swine flu symptoms from happening, so you will be safe. Plus, tests will provide your precise and fast results, so you will find out very quickly if you suffer indeed from this disease. When swine flu symptoms start to worsen, you will experience fever, respiratory difficulties, as well as the impossibility to drink fluids, cough, so don’t postpone a visit to your doctor because swine flu can be easily cured. Nonetheless, if you will wait too long and you also have a weak immune system or you also suffer from other severe diseases, then the risks will increase and you will have huge problems which may endanger your health. Under these circumstances, time is very important, so go to your doctor as soon as possible. Diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue are also symptoms of this type of flu, but instead of wondering if you suffer from swine flu, go to the doctor as soon as possible.

Swine flu is one of the most famous diseases that exist. It is caused by more than one types of swine viruses and in 2009 provoked a world pandemic. It is also known as: swine influenza, pig influenza, hog flu and pig flu. Although it is called like this it also makes sick people, dogs, horses and birds. There are treatments for the flu and there are also vaccines. If you do not plan to have one of the vaccines, it is very important to know all the signs of it. The swine flu symptoms can be observed on people and swine, too.

In swine, the flu has similar signs as in people. Pigs may suffer of fever and lethargy. They may also have trouble breathing and, like people, they may sneeze and cough. In females, the virus can produce abortion. The mortality rate of the flu in swine is of maximum 4%, but the pigs may be affected. They can suffer weight loss and they can have growing difficulties. For farmers, this is a real problem, causing a huge loss. In a period of less than a month since getting sick, a pig can lose about 12 pounds. Even if swine do not die because of the flu, they are affected and those that grow them to sell them, even more.

In humans, the swine flu symptoms are very similar to those of regular flu. The virus can be transmitted directly from swine to humans and in such cases, it is named zoonotic swine flu. Since the first report of this type of flu in medical literature, in 1958, there were 50 cases in which people contracted the flu directly from the pigs. From 50 cases, 6 of them were deadly, people dying because of swine flu. From these 6, 3 had a high risk, as a woman was pregnant and two other people had leukemia and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The other three were apparently healthy when they died because of the flu. The signs of illness include fever, a runny nose and a sore throat, which are specific. Nausea and vomiting may also be present, together with coughing. The lack of appetite and the fatigue is typical in cases of swine flu and the stomach may also be hurt, causing diarrhea. It is very important to know the symptoms of this flu, so you can be able to go straight to a doctor if you suspect something is wrong.

In 2011, a study was made in order to establish the origin of swine flu and of swine flu symptoms, which are incredibly similar to those of regular flu, but unfortunately, much more dangerous. Apparently, swine flu was traced even before 1918. Even if the pandemics appeared and made a lot of victims in 2009, its phylogenetic origin is very old. In the beginning of the 20th century, the virus, with avian background, crossed the boundaries between species and infected humans for the first time. H1N1 appeared then and infected people in America, but also pigs, thus the popular name of this influenza, better known as swine flu. Until 1957, the virus was continuously transmitted. It even developed at some point in a new virus named H2N2. Since it transformed in H2N2, the original H1N1 was never encountered until 1976. At some point, the two different viruses met, thus resulting a new one, H3N2. Until present, H3N2 was a simple and regular flu and did not provoke any sort of problems to people or to other species.

In the mid 1970s, the flu evolved once again and H1N1 reemerged as a seasonal strain of flu. At some point, H2N2 was believed to be extinct. At the end of the 1970s, H1N1 infected pigs and developed into a swine virus which still exists in present. The most important part of the transmission of the whine flu was between 1990 and 1993. This period influenced the serious outbreak from 2009. At some point in the 1990s, North American pigs contracted the swine virus, humans contracted H3N2 virus and after these, the H1N2 swine strain was generated. In 2009, H1N2 infected humans in the same time as H1N1 swine strain, developing a new strain of H1N1 which caused the horrible pandemic that affected the whole world.

In June 2009, the whole world understood the gravity of the situations when the World Health Organization raised the pandemic alert at phase 6, the highest level. The swine flu and the swine flu symptoms were spread globally and there were cases of sick people in most of the countries. Even if the disease was not so severe, the fact that it was spread all around the world worsened the situation. Because the human to human transmission rate is high, it was very easy for such a pandemic to appear.

The term “swine flu” brings up a lot of extra panic and fear, which is why it is important for people to get informed on this subject before they start to worry. Also known as swine influenza, this infection is caused by swine influenza viruses, such as SIV or S-OIV. People wrongfully assume that swine flu can be transmitted from pigs to humans through direct contact or by eating pork products. This is not the case, since swine flu can only be transmitted from a person to another through respiratory droplets. This does not meant that it is not very contagious and it does not trigger alarming swine flu symptoms. It just means that while people with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk or developing this infection, ordinary people should relax if they see a porcine nearby.

The reason why people panic when hearing about swine flu is that this infection led to a global pandemic in 2009 and 2010. According to the World Health Organization, the pandemic is officially over as of August 2010, so people can finally relax. However, this does not mean that a swine flu pandemic cannot outburst again, which is why people should keep an eye out for any symptoms that are correlated with this condition. The thing is that the symptoms of swine influenza are very similar to the symptoms of regular, seasonal flu, so this infection should not be self-diagnosed by patients. They do need to know when they should see a physician, so here are the most common swine flu signs and symptoms. Swine flu typically starts with a sudden fever (of 100 F degrees or above) and a sudden cough.

Other common symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, lethargy, headache, muscle aches, sneezing, weakness, dizziness, aching joints, chills and tiredness. Patients with swine flu might also experience loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, or nausea. These are the most common swine flu symptoms, which nearly every patient has experienced. Naturally, more worrisome symptoms occur in high risk groups such as children, pregnant women, elderly people, or people suffering from chronic disease and illnesses. If people in one of these risk groups experience any symptoms of swine flu, they should see a doctor on an urgent basis. In fact, everyone should see a doctor whenever two or more of the aforementioned symptoms develop, because it is important to be diagnosed by a specialist and receive the proper care and treatment.