By Andrea Moreno
Translation by Patricia Roxana Solórzano
Translation by Patricia Roxana Solórzano
Swine, hog or pig flu is a phenomenon that has caused global panic and uncertainty. Now any simple cold is taken out of proportion, and people sneezing around are subject of discrimination and rejection. We cannot afford to trust if someone is infected or is following the health tips, the least we can do is pay more attention to ourselves and our bodies, trying to feel relaxed in order to avoid false symptoms caused by stress and suggestion.
The virus is not in the air; it travels through small drops of saliva that people expel while speaking, coughing or sneezing. The virus, survives for 48 to 72 hours in surfaces such as hands, banisters or handles, and porous surfaces like tissues and clothes. It spreads when talking closely to someone infected, shaking their hand if they have saliva particles on them, and by kissing.
Above all, it’s very important to be clear about the differences between a common flu and the H1N1 flu that is currently affecting many people around the world:
Fever
Flu: is not that common in adults and teens, however it can rise up to 39°C (102.2 F) in little children
Swine flu: it rises up to 39°C (102.2 F) and may reach 40°C (104 F) for the next three or four days
Headache
Flu: it does not always appear
Swine flu: it is very intense and unbearable
Muscle pain
Flu: mild to moderate and bearable
Swine flu: very intense
Fatigue and weakness
Flu: mild to moderate
Swine flu: it is often very intense and it may last two or three weeks
Nasal congestion
Flu: frequent
Swine flu: it is not a common symptom but it happens sometimes
Sneezing
Flu: frequent
Swine flu: sometimes
Sore throat
Flu: often
Swine flu: sometimes
Cough
Flu: mild to moderate
Swine flu: it is very often and may be very intense
The virus is not in the air; it travels through small drops of saliva that people expel while speaking, coughing or sneezing. The virus, survives for 48 to 72 hours in surfaces such as hands, banisters or handles, and porous surfaces like tissues and clothes. It spreads when talking closely to someone infected, shaking their hand if they have saliva particles on them, and by kissing.
Above all, it’s very important to be clear about the differences between a common flu and the H1N1 flu that is currently affecting many people around the world:
Fever
Flu: is not that common in adults and teens, however it can rise up to 39°C (102.2 F) in little children
Swine flu: it rises up to 39°C (102.2 F) and may reach 40°C (104 F) for the next three or four days
Headache
Flu: it does not always appear
Swine flu: it is very intense and unbearable
Muscle pain
Flu: mild to moderate and bearable
Swine flu: very intense
Fatigue and weakness
Flu: mild to moderate
Swine flu: it is often very intense and it may last two or three weeks
Nasal congestion
Flu: frequent
Swine flu: it is not a common symptom but it happens sometimes
Sneezing
Flu: frequent
Swine flu: sometimes
Sore throat
Flu: often
Swine flu: sometimes
Cough
Flu: mild to moderate
Swine flu: it is very often and may be very intense
