If you notice any of the symptoms of swine flu contact your doctor immediately. Swine flu is a highly contagious respiratory disease in pigs caused by infection with swine influenza A (H1N1) virus. Here are the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of swine flu in humans.

The symptoms of swine flu are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, runny nose, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, diarrhea and vomitting. Other symptoms include pneumonia and respiratory failure.

Diagnosis of swine flu:

A respiratory specimen is taken and tested within the first 5 days of illness. People who experience a fever and  one or more of the above symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately.

Treatment of swine flu in humans:

There is no vaccine currently available to protect humans from swine flu. There are antiviral drugs  available to help in the treatment of swine flu. The swine flu is susceptible to two antiviral drugs, including Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir).

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Avoid contact with sick people.