I saw this on another website...
1) If I catch the swine flu will I die?
Very unlikely. In fact, there is new research that has just come out that says that the current swine flu is less potent/deadly than the common seasonal flu virus we have every year.
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-sci-swine-reality30-2009apr30,0,3606923.storyBear in mind, there is the possibility of it being deadly for the elderly, the young, and the already sick, or a very minute chance it may kill you. Make sure you go see your doctor if you have concerns.
All i'm saying is that there is a statical chance of you dying from the swine flu, but you have a greater chance of getting killed going to work or getting anally raped by a Giants fan.
2) But, but the media is making it sound super dooper deadly!
It's the media. With 24 hour news, they are in the business of making news, not just reporting it.
3) How do I prevent myself from getting infected with the Swine Flu?
Practice proper hygiene tactics. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water (or use an alcoholic gel like purell), cough with your mouth closed, don't stick your fingers in your mouth and nose, etc. For those of you that are really paranoid, you can wear a mask, but the efficacy of them are subject to debate.
4) If I have a flu vaccine/shot will it keep me from getting the Swine flu?
Unfortunately no. The Swine flu is an entire new strain of the Influenza virus. The vaccine that you took targets the viral proteins of other strains of the influenza virus that are most likely to be present during the flu season (the vaccine is essentially a scientific guess).
Beacause the influenza virus has the ability to mutate very rapidly, it is hard for scientists to come out with a vaccine that permanently protects against the flu?
5) What are Swine flu symptoms?
The symptoms are the same as the average flu: cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, chills, aches, etc etc. If you have 2 or more of these symptoms, it is advisable to go see a doctor ASAP (no need to panic, its just a precaution).
6) Are there medicine to help combat the flu?
Fortunately there is. Oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu) and Zanamivir (Relenza) do have the ability to combat ANY flu virus by blocking the spread of the virus to other cells.
Therefore, if you experience flu like symptoms, it is very important you go see the doctor ASAP so they can give you meds. 24-48 hours after presentation of symptoms is the time period in which these meds work the best in.
7) Can you prescribe me meds?
No. I'm not a doctor yet. Go ask your primary doc.
Are there certain foods that will help me while I have the flu?
Believe it or not, your mom's home remedy is spot on: Chicken soup is good for the soul. For some reason, chicken soup has some inherent anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate symptoms. Some spicy foods as well will help too.
Most important is for you to drink plenty of fluids (water, diluted gatorade, juice, etc). Eat your veggies as well--they have strong antioxidant properties that help combat the flu.
Also, don't forget to take your vitamin supplements. I usually take one vitamin supplement + Ester C and a B complex pill.
Be sure to follow all instruction on labels.