Bird Flu (H1N1 Virus) - Symptoms, Treatment and Breaking the Myths

No other virus has caused so much panic and apprehension in recent times as the H1N1 virus, better known as the "bird flu". The furor causes by AIDS and the Ebola virus did cause a sizable ripple in the news media but the H11 virus surpassed that because of the nature of the disease and the fact that it is one of the most contagious disease known to man. The bird flu gets its name from a migratory bird usually found in Asia that was reported to have carried the first instances of the disease.

The disease was initially called the Avian Influenza, but the medical term is H1N1. One of the reasons why there has been widespread panic regarding the virus is because there is no known cure yet. The most doctors can do is prescribe medication that slows the advance of the virus and also prevents the disease from combining forces with the common human flu. This also brings us to another reason why there seems to be widespread apprehension regarding the disease; it exhibits much of the same symptoms known to be present in the common cold or flu.

Symptoms

H1N1 suffers first report the same symptoms that one would have if they had a cold, namely, a running nose, a persistent dry cough, headaches and sinus pressure. This means that people who have contracted the bird flu may initially dismiss it as inconsequential and may treat it as they would any other fever that will go away in one or two days. But the disease also comes with additional symptoms namely chronic muscle aches, diarrhea and a burning fever that may clock over 100 degrees. These symptoms if untreated may afflict the patient for a week or two.

H1N1 is not known to be fatal in itself but has been known to kill toddlers and the elderly. It can also complicate matters for people who possess a pre-existing medical condition especially if that condition has already taken a toll on their immune system.

Treating H1N1

There has been a stampede to visit the doctor once the above general symptoms have been detected. This has stretched medical resources to breaking point in some countries especially those that had a medical system that was already over-burdened. Since there is no known cure for H1N1, doctors can only prescribe medication to "manage" the sickness. One can also purchase Tamiflu from a local pharmacy and this has been known to arrest most of the symptoms and give the body's own defense systems time to regroup.

Patients are also asked to stay in seclusion as much as possible especially students who study in crowded buildings. Again, H1N1 is highly contageous and can be spread quickly through dense population centers. Many workplaces are now instituting training and education on how to deal with the disease.

Patients should also concentrate on resting and should also take as much water and fluids as possible especially those who are experiencing diarrhea. Again, H1N1 is not fatal in itself and the body's immune system does eventually prevail against the virus. Taking regular vitamins is essential because these help boost the immune system to withstand a possible future attack.

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