Even if you received a flu shot, you are not protected against the hybrid strain of swine flu that emerged during the spring of 2009. The H1N1 virus contains genetic code from human influenza, avian flu, and a flu virus usually seen in pigs. It can be transmitted from human to human. If you suspect you have been exposed to the H1N1 virus, you may be interested in how to treat swine flu. The information on this page can help you learn how to get swine flu treatment.

1. Call your doctor if you have been exposed to H1N1.
2. Isolate the patient.
3. Provide clear fluids.
4. Use OTC medicines other than aspirin, to treat symptoms of patients older than 4.
5. Take Tamiflu or Relenza if prescribed by your doctor.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

• Treatment for swine flu is the same as for any flu. Plenty of rest, fluids and supportive therapy may be all that's needed. In severe cases, antiviral drugs may be prescribed, and hospitalization may be required. You should contact your doctor if you think you've been exposed to swine flu.

Wash your hands to prevent infection (Creative Commons photo by Anna Saccheri)

• If you are experiencing flu symptoms, and believe you may have been exposed to swine flu, contact your doctor immediately. They can take a swab of mucous and send it to the appropriate state laboratory to determine if you actually have swine flu.CDC: Guidance for Clinicians & Public Health Professionals Guidance for Clinicians & Public Health Professionals While the treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your symptoms, an accurate diagnosis will help your doctor properly plan your course of treatment.

• As of April 28, 2009, most patients with swine flu in the United States have been successfully cared for at home. If someone in your household has swine flu, there are several things you should do.

1. Take precautions to avoid spreading the disease to any one else.
   1. Keep the patient isolated from the rest of the householdCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
   2. The patient should cover coughs and sneezes.CDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
   3. Everyone in the house should practice frequent hand washingCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
   4. Patients should avoid contact with people outside the home for 7 days after the first symptoms appearCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
2. Make sure the sick person gets plenty of rest and clear fluids.CDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
3. Although over the counter medications may be useful in alleviating flu symptoms, do not give medications containing aspirin to children or teenagers because of the danger of Reye's Syndrome.CDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
4. Ask the doctor if the patient, as well as other family members, should be taking an antiviral drug.

As with any flu, get rest and drink plenty of fluids(Creative Commons photo by Alicia)

• Viruses can develop resistance to medications used to treat them. The H1N1 virus is resistant to two commonly prescribed antivirals, amantadine and rimantadine. As of April 2009, Tamiflu and Relenza were still effective in reducing the severity and duration of swine flu symptoms.The New York Times: Tracking Swine Flu (April 26, 2009)

1. The CDC has issued guidelines for which patients who have confirmed, probable or suspected novel influenza should be treated with antivirals:
   1. All hospitalized patientsCDC: Antiviral Drugs and H1N1 Flu (April 29, 2009)
   2. Children under 5, and adults over 65CDC: Antiviral Drugs and H1N1 Flu (April 29, 2009)
   3. All nursing home residentsCDC: Antiviral Drugs and H1N1 Flu (April 29, 2009)
   4. Patients 18 and younger taking long term aspirin therapyCDC: Antiviral Drugs and H1N1 Flu (April 29, 2009)
   5. Patients who have chronic illnesses, such as chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), kidney, liver, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disordersCDC: Antiviral Drugs and H1N1 Flu (April 29, 2009)
   6. Immunosuppressed patientsCDC: Antiviral Drugs and H1N1 Flu (April 29, 2009)
   7. Pregnant womenCDC: Antiviral Drugs and H1N1 Flu (April 29, 2009)
2. People in the high risk groups above, and their close contacts, may be prophylactically treated with Tamiflu or Relenza to prevent swine flu. Prophylactic treatment should be continue for 10 days after the last confirmed exposureCDC: Antiviral Drugs and H1N1 Flu (April 29, 2009)

• While most U.S. swine flu patients to date have been successfully cared for at home, there are symptoms that require immediate medical attention. These include:

1. Difficulty breathingCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
2. Chest painCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
3. Purple or blue discoloration of the lipsCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
4. Persistent vomitingCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
5. Signs of dehydration
   1. Dizziness when standingCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
   2. Reduced urine volumeCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
   3. In infants - lack of tears when crying, dry diapersCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
6. SeizuresCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)
7. Confusion or other signs of altered mental status, such as being less responsive than normalCDC: Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1)