When a person is infected with the swine flu virus, commonly known as H1N1, they may experience symptoms similar to the common flu. These symptoms include fever, sore throat, coughing, congestion, headache, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Most patients will also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, although these symptoms are less common.
If left untreated, H1N1 can cause serious, even fatal, complications. The virus can cause pneumonia, a serious infection of the lungs, as well as other respiratory illnesses, such as bronchitis and sinusitis. It can also cause encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, and meningitis, an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can also lead to sepsis, a life-threatening infection of the blood, and septic shock, a severe drop in blood pressure.
In order to prevent these complications, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms of swine flu appear. Treatment usually includes rest, fluids, and medications to reduce fever and ease the symptoms. In more severe cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help reduce the severity of the illness. In addition, people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or cancer, may need to receive specialized care in order to prevent serious complications.
It is also important to practice preventive measures to avoid contracting swine flu. These include washing your hands frequently, avoiding contact with people who are sick, and avoiding large crowds. Vaccines are also available for those at high risk of developing complications due to H1N1.