Sneezing and nausea any time in winter can create panic in people. The 2009 swine flu pandemic clearly showed that people need to learn more about the difference between swine flu and the common flu in order to start with a proper treatment, quickly. To find out the differences between the 'novel' H1N1 infection and common influenza, you probably have to look beyond the common symptoms. Experts believe that a virology test is the most convincing way to distinguish the two conditions. But if you don't have immediate access to a lab, take a look at the symptoms list first.
Common flu symptoms
Symptoms of common flu are usually more severe than those of common cold. Common influenza usually begins with a sore throat and is accompanied by fever and chills. You are likely to have severe headache and body aches too. Nasal congestion, runny nose and cough are common symptoms of any flu infection. Common flu can be caused by hundreds of different viral strains, while swine influenza is caused by a 'novel' viral type.
Depending on the type of flu virus, the symptoms may go away in 2-5 days, or may last for about a week. But if the symptoms don't go away and you experience shortness of breath, inform your doctor right away for diagnosis of pneumonia, a common post-flu complication experienced by people with heart or respiratory conditions.
Swine flu symptoms
It is difficult to distinguish common flu and swine flu by looking at their symptoms. Perhaps the only difference you can tell from the symptoms is that the patients suffering from swine flu may experience vomiting and diarrhoea, which the common flu patients are unlikely to suffer from.
Spotting the key differences
Virus - Swine flu is caused by a new strain of influenza virus type A. Common flu, on the other hand, can be caused by all 3 influenza viral types.Treatment - Swine flu treatment is usually more challenging as compared to the common flu treatment because until 2009, humans were never infected with the 'novel' viral type that causes swine flu.Resistance - Like avian bird flu, swine flu too, is difficult to prevent. The H1N1 virus can infect healthy individuals with strong immunity. Viruses that cause regular flu often target people with compromised immune systems.
How can you safeguard yourself against flu
Taking annual flu vaccines is one of the most reliable ways to keep flu at bay. Following the outbreak of swine influenza in 2009, an H1N1 vaccine was developed to vaccinate people who could possibly have been infected with the H1N1 virus. If you get exposed to an environment that may pose the threat of flu transmission, talk to your doctor immediately for preventive treatment. You may be asked to take Tamiflu oseltamivir, a prescription anti-flu medicine which is known for its efficacy in preventing and treating nearly all flu types. This medicine can give you relief from flu symptoms 30% faster than patients who are not taking it. But to ensure quick recovery, you need to take it within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
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