The H1N1 swine flu has become the 21st century's first pandemic and the first one the world has seen in over 40 years. It has many characteristics that make it unlike the typical seasonal flu and it appears to spread relatively quickly from human to human. Whether it will be severe and claim many lives remains to be seen.
Because of the many unknowns about this virus, people are understandably concerned. This complete guide to the swine flu will help calm your fears and provide reliable, honest information. Prepare yourself and your family now so that you will be ready for the swine flu pandemic.
Swine Flu Overview
The basics of swine flu, how it makes us sick, how it has turned into a pandemic and what to do if you get sick.
Do you think you might have swine flu? The symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu, but may differ slightly.
Swine Flu Websites and Resources
A thorough list of reliable websites and resources to find more information about H1N1 swine flu. You can’t believe everything you read, make sure you are getting good information.
Why H1N1 Is (and Isn't) Swine Flu
This one virus has gone through several name changes and it has people a little confused. What exactly should we be calling it and why? Learn how and why the H1N1 virus got it's many names.
How Swine Flu May Affect You
Day by Day Look at H1N1 Swine Flu
There is a good chance that you or someone you know will contract H1N1 swine flu before the pandemic is over. It's a good idea to be prepared and know what to expect if you do come down with the virus. Here, we look at each day of the infection and how it affects one person's life.
Swine Flu High Risk Populations
Certain groups of people have proven to be at higher risk for complications from swine flu than others. These aren't the same groups that are at high risk from seasonal flu, so take a look to see if you fall into one of these categories.
What to do if You are in a Swine Flu High Risk Group
If you are in a group that is considered to be at high risk for H1N1, how you protect yourself and how you react to symptoms will be different from the general population. Find out more about what to do if you are at high risk and you think you might have swine flu.
If you get sick with what you believe is the flu, you may head to your health care provider's office expecting to be testing for swine flu. You may be surprised to learn that very few tests are being performed these days though. Find out more about what to expect from swine flu testing.
Helpful information about how swine flu may affect those with COPD or any other chronic respiratory problems. If you have respiratory issues, the virus is likely to affect you more severely, so you need to know what to watch for and what to do.
Swine Flu in People With Addictions
People with addictions often have other chronic illnesses as a result and may be at higher risk for complications from the virus.
One group that may be particularly vulnerable to severe illness from the pandemic is pregnant women. Find some important information about prevention and treatment options if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Those with weakened immune systems like people undergoing treatment for cancer are typically at higher risk for complications from any type of influenza virus, particularly the swine flu.
Whether or not you have a significant phobia about health crises, this information can help us all put the pandemic into perspective and figure out how to handle the constant news coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swine Flu
How is the swine flu different from other types of flu? Can I still get the swine flu even if I stay away from pigs? Will my flu shot protect me from the swine flu? Find out the answers to these questions and more.
Should You Fear the Pandemic Swine Flu?
When news of the swine flu first broke, there was near-panic in the media and among the public. Now that the hype has died down, many people feel the initial reaction was overblown and are becoming complacent. So how should we react? The answer probably lies somewhere in the middle.
Good news – you can’t get swine flu from eating pork or Mexican food! Although you may have already figured this out by now, there are still many myths circulating about the disease. Figure out how to separate fact from fiction.
Share Your Feelings About Swine Flu
How do you feel about the swine flu pandemic? Did you fear it at first and now feel it was overblown? Are you getting concerned again now that it is a full blown pandemic? Share your feelings and see how other readers are reacting to the 21st century’s first flu pandemic.
