Swine Flu is caused by one of the hundreds of influenza viruses that exist in nature. At this time there is no cure for any form of influenza. It can be treated in a number of ways that may shorten the length of the illness or reduce its severity.

The primary medical treatment is the use of anti-viral medications. The drugs oseltamivir or zanamivir are normally prescribed in the United States. These drugs are better known under the trade names Tamiflu and Relenza.

Read the rest of the article here.

Swine flu, pandemic H1N1, is spreading once again in the United States and the Northern Hemisphere. It continues to be infecting young people under the age of 24 in the highest numbers, closing schools and forcing cancellation of various events.

The Centers for Disease Control report 128 influenza associated pediatric deaths at this point in the 2008-2009 flu season. That number is 50% higher than last year and the highest in the last four years. Hospitalization rates for patients in the under age 2 and the age 5-17 categories also exceed the multi year average.

Read the rest of the article here.

A comparison of the current swine flu outbreak to the annual seasonal flu shows many similarities and a few important differences. The many strains of the influenza virus produce the same symptoms and the same effects, as a general rule, but certain strains such as Swine Flu do behave slightly differently.

Seasonal influenza and the Swine Flu share a great many symptoms. They produce fever, lung congestion and cough, a stuffy or runny nose, body aches and extreme fatigue. Influenza is a “whole body” illness, unlike the common cold which affects the upper respiratory system alone.

Read the rest of the article here.

The symptoms of swine flu are very similar to those of seasonal flu. The different strains of influenza seem to affect people in pretty much the same ways.

The first key symptom is a high fever. The fever may be mild but can also rapidly increase to a dangerous temperature. In an adult, an oral temperature over 100 degrees F is considered a fever, and in children a rectal temperature over 100.4 degrees F. Fevers over 103 degrees begin to be dangerous. A spiking fever, rapid onset and rapid increase to a high temperature, is also a sign of danger. Headache and chills may accompany the fever. CDC WebMD Mayo Clinic

Read the rest of the article here.

Click for a larger image

The latest report from the New York State Department of Health on the influenza situation outside of New York City shows a dramatic increase in visits to hospital emergency rooms for flu like illnesses in Upstate New York. The October 24 report shows nearly a 50% increase in such visits from the October 17 report. The Hudson Valley and Long Island regions show a much smaller increase.

Here is the article