by Charles Simmins

Created on: July 18, 2009   Last Updated: August 05, 2009

Swine Flu is caused by one of the hundreds of influenza viruses that exist in nature. At this time there is no cure for any form of influenza. It can be treated in a number of ways that may shorten the length of the illness or reduce its severity.

The primary medical treatment is the use of anti-viral medications. The drugs oseltamivir or zanamivir are normally prescribed in the United States. These drugs are better known under the trade names

Tamiflu and Relenza.

As with any medication, these anti-virals have some restrictions on who can be treated with them. Tamiflu is not normally prescribed for children under 1 year of age. The FDA has given the drug an emergency use authorization so that it may be used in that age group if necessary.

These anti-virals are only effective if treatment is begun in the first 48 hours of the infection. Patients may see their illness shortened by a day or two, and the severity of their flu symptoms may be lessened.

There have been several reports of isolated cases of Swine flu that have been resistant to Tamiflu. That was anticipated, as nearly all the A1 influenza varieties have become resistant. Relenza is still effective is used properly.

The vast majority of Swine Flu cases in the United States and other Western nations are mild and the patients recover in about ten days just as they would from the seasonal flu. Patients with Swine Flu experience the usual flu symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, aching and fatigue. This variety of flu has one slight difference, in that adults may experience vomiting and diarrhea. With the seasonal flu, gastric symptoms are normally found in children only.

The Centers for Disease Control suggest that Swine Flu be treated just as seasonal flu is. Absent risk factors for complications, rest, plenty of fluids and over the counter medications for cough, runny nose and fever would be an effective way to treat the illness.

Two major warnings, however.

Aspirin and medications containing aspirin should not be used by children between the ages of 4 and 18. There is a well established link between aspirin use during a viral illness by children and Reyes Syndrome, a potentially deadly paralysis.

Under age 4, over the counter cold medications should only be used at the direction of the doctor. The effectiveness of many of these medications in young children has been questioned.

Risk factors for complications from the Swine Flu include a compromised immune system due to cancer

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