What is the Difference Between Regular Flu and Swine Flu?

Are you, like so many, wondering what's the difference between regular flu and swine flu? This article will give you some simple answers.

The Virus: What is the Difference between Regular Flu Virus and the H1N1  Virus?

When we speak of regular (or seasonal) flu, it refers to one of three major types of flu (Influenza type A, B, C) endemic to the human population.

The H1N1 or Swine Flu virus originates with animals. It is a flu which came from a mutation in an animal strain but is transmitted to humans. These animals strains normally come from birds (H5N1) or pigs (H1N1). In this case, the current pig flu appears to have originated this spring near Vera Cruz, Mexico.

Danger Levels: Why is Swine Flu More Dangerous than Regular Flu?

Because no one in the world had been exposed to this new strain of H1N1 (Swine) flu before the first cases appeared in Mexico in April 2009. Therefore, most of the population has no protection against this new virus. That's why it is so important to get vaccinated when the vaccine becomes available.

Vaccinations: Will Vaccination for Regular Flu Protect Against Swine Flu?

No. It does not appear regular flu vaccine will fight off this pig flu.

Vaccine: What is the Difference Between Regular Flu Vaccine and Swine Flu Vaccine?

Regular Flu Vaccine generally is made up of a combination of the 3 common human flu viruses. H1N1 Flu Vaccine is made up of just the H1N1 virus.

Symptoms: What is the difference in Symptoms Between Regular Flu and Swine Flu?

The initial symptoms appear to be the same: Coughing, sneezing, fever, aches and pains and general fatigue. Some people also develop vomiting and diarrhea.

However, with H1N1 within five days it is possible to have the onset of severe respiratory symptoms that progress to pneumonia or other life-threatening complications.

High Risk Groups: Are the People with the Highest Risk Factors the Same in Regular Flu as in Swine Flu?

No. Regular Flu is particularly dangerous to the elderly and anyone with a weakened immune system. Younger, healthier people usually bounce right back from regular flu without any serious side effects.

With the H1N1 pig flu, however, those over age 65 do not appear to be at risk of catching it or having serious complications. This might be because they developed a residual immunity from similar animal flu strains they were exposed in the past.

On the other hand, information analyzed by CDC concludes that the H1N1 flu is likely more dangerous to people younger than 25 years of age.

Diagnosis: How Can I Tell if I have Regular Flu or Swine Flu?

Your doctor or health professional will give you a simple swab test to confirm the infection. It takes a few days to get the results back.

Treatment: What is the Difference in Treatment Between Regular Flu and Swine Flu?

First off, always follow the advice of your doctor. Seek his or her advice to insure you are getting the best, most up to date treatment

It now appears that treatment for most people will be the same. This includes avoiding dehydration by taking in plenty of fluids, use of over-the-counter medications to help relieve coughing and congestion, and getting plenty of rest.

Your doctor may also suggest you take antiviral drugs. It appears the drugs Relenza and Tamiflu are somewhat effective against the swine flu virus, especially if taken within 48 hours from the development of your first symptoms. These antiviral drugs may reduce the severity of the flu which should help prevent serious complications.

If you have a sick child you need to watch him/her very closely. Keep your child hydrated. If he/se seems overly lethargic, or have developed any breathing difficulty, call your pediatrician immediately.

What Symptoms Could Arise that make Swine Flu More Dangerous than Regular Flu?

While the initial symptoms may be the same, if you have swine flu it is possible that within five days to develop the onset of severe respiratory symptoms that progress to pneumonia or other life-threatening complications.

In Conclusion

In April of 2009 the World Health Organization had raised the flu pandemic warning level from 4 to 5, meaning that governments should immediately prepare for the possible emergence of a global pandemic. Infections reported around the world, including the United States, have reminded health officials of previous periods of pandemic influenza that claimed tens of millions of lives. As these earlier episodes loom in the minds, they are determined not to ignore the lessons of history.

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