How Long Does Swine Flu Last
How long does the Swine Flu last? Suffering from the Swine Flu, or any influenza virus, has a way of taking its toll both physically and mentally. How long will you be suffering the symptoms and effects of Swine Flu or H1N1 Virus? What is the typical duration of Swine Flu or H1N1? Swine Flu, like seasonal influenza, typically lasts at its worst for three to five days. Symptoms such as cough or fatigue may continue for several additional days or weeks depending on the patient’s individual circumstances and special risk factors. What factors affect the length of a Swine Flu or H1N1 infection?
- Patient’s health before illness. Weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses such as asthma affect how well the body defends itself against the Swine flu virus. Poor health prior to infection may require additional medical treatment or more intense care.
- The development of other complications. Patients are at risk of developing complications such as pneumonia or suffering the effects of dehydration during infection with the flu. Additional complications or concerns increase the length of recovery time required.
- Care during infection. It is important to receive adequate medical care during infection to insure that the body defends itself properly against the infection. Taking extra care to avoid dehydration and watching for signs of additional complications or worsening, as well as knowing when to seek professional medical help or antiviral medications impact the recovery time associated with Swine Flu.
It is important to get adequate fluids, nutrition and rest during any bout with the flu but, it is also necessary to understand when those basic flu-fighters are not enough. With a true case of Swine flu, antiviral medications may be necessary to help the body fight off the viral infection and return you to your normal state of health and activities.
