Swine Flu Influenza | Difference Between the Swine Flu and Influenza

Swine influenza, otherwise known as swine flu or pig flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a virus usually found in pigs, hence, its name swine. The swine influenza virus was first discovered in pigs sometime in the year 1918. No concrete conclusion yet has come up on whether the virus started from human and was then transferred to pigs or it was the pigs that caused the virus and was then transmitted to humans.

Also of the same year, there were about 50 to 100 million people were killed throughout the entire world due by the pandemic flu.

Swine Flu Symptoms

Swine flu influenza symptoms are almost the same from that of a common cold. A person infected by the H1N1 swine flue influenza will manifest some signs such as fever, cough, body aches, and headaches.

Some patients also were reported to have suffered diarrhea and vomiting. Children are more likely to experience shortness of breath even without having fever or cough. It must however be noted that swine flu influenza symptoms can be likened to an ordinary flu. So it is advisable to immediately visit your doctor for check up in case some signs of flu is being experienced or suffered.

Who Are at More Risks?

Swine flu influenza is commonly a mild respiratory infection. But to some people the influenza may cause them to suffer pneumonia that may lead to death. The following are enumerations of people who have high risk of death:

Pregnant women
People who are under the age of 65 and even under 25 years old
Those who have history of medical respiratory illnesses such as asthma, lung disease, and heart disease
People who are diabetics
Those who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment
Those who are having kidney problems

Difference Between Swine Flu and Influenza

Swine flu commonly displays almost the same symptoms with that of the influenza or ordinary flu. It is really hard to tell the difference between swine flu and influenza from just mere observation of the suspected swine flu infect person. The only best way to confirmed either it’s a swine flu or just an ordinary flu is to submit yourself for a laboratory tests. Hence, it is highly recommended that one should visit his doctor immediately after manifesting some flu signs.

However, signs like fever or cough may not appear in children making it therefore more difficult to determine whether the child is infected by swine flu or not. Extra vigilance should be done therefore in monitoring swine flu influenza cases in children. Some kids may experience shortness of breathing, bluish or pale skin. Other signs on children may also include irritability and vomiting.

November 7, 2009 | Filed Under Communicable Diseases

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