How Long is Swine Flu Incubation Period ?

Swine flu has spread throughout the world after starting in Mexico and in this article we look at the incubation period before the real onset of the virus.

Influenza comes in many different forms and the latest is named swine flu. Although many thousands of people have caught this virus it is still not widely known just how long the swine flu incubation period is although many believe it to be anywhere between 2 and 7 days not unlike other forms of flu.

Symptoms of Swine Flu

The same symtoms for any flu virus are the same with swine flu in that you feel awful with body aches and perhaps a headache, chills of the body and sore throat. The most important difference between a cold and flu is that you will have a fever as well (in that your body temperature increases from the standard) – so if you think you have flu check your temperature first.

Preventing Swine Flu

Much like any other viruses you can catch swine flu from the virus travelling in air particles because someone has sneezed or because you have touched an item in a public place that someone has previously sneezed on and then put your fingers into your mouth.

So for standard measures make sure you wash your hands on a regular basis, avoid touching your mouth with your hands and if you have the virus cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough to prevent others from catching it.

Swine Flu Vaccine

There is an approved vaccine available which is being mass produced around the world called the H1N1 vaccine which is anticipated to be available in time for the winter months. Flu viruses are more prevalent in the winter because of the dryer air both outside in any case and in doors because of heating drying the air out. If you are in a higher risk group it may be wise to speak with your doctor about the vaccine which governments around the world are stockpiling in readiness for the flu season and the standard vaccine will not prevent swine flu.

In the US it is recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and that one dose is sufficient for most people.

There was a swine flu outbreak in 1976 and this current strain is different so it’s unlikely that a person who was vaccinated in 1976 would be protected against the current outbreak.

The demand for the vaccine is increasing and visits to doctors for flu like symptoms are higher than normal across the US so if you believe you would like to get the vaccine for you or your family it may be worth contacting your doctor now for advice and to make an appointment to receive vaccines.

Treatment for Swine Flu

Although like many viruses there is no cure with the swine flu there are antiviral drugs available for those most at risk because normal healthy people will recover without any complications. For those in the higher risk categories such as very young children, adults over 65 or pregnant women the US government suggest drugs named oseltamivir (trade name Tamiflu®) or zanamivir (trade name Relenza®) are prescribed – in any case you should seek professional advice from your doctor first.

For most healthy people you should treat swine flu like any other form of influenza and simply have plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids – preferably water.

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