How to Get Swine Flu Treatment

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.


Step 1: Call Your Doctor if You Think You Have Swine Flu

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.1 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.

Step 2: Caring for Swine Flu at Home

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.
Take precautions to avoid spreading the disease to any one else.
Keep the patient isolated from the rest of the household2
The patient should cover coughs and sneezes.2
Everyone in the house should practice frequent hand washing2
Patients should avoid contact with people outside the home for 7 days after the first symptoms appear2
Ask the doctor if the patient, as well as other family members, should be taking an antiviral drug.
Make sure the sick person gets plenty of rest and clear fluids.2
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.

Step 3: Signs that Immediate Medical Care is Needed for Swine Flu


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:
Difficulty breathing2
Chest pain2
Purple or blue discoloration of the lips2
Persistent vomiting2
Signs of dehydration
Dizziness when standing2
Reduced urine volume2
In infants - lack of tears when crying, dry diapers2
Seizures2
Confusion or other signs of altered mental status, such as being less responsive than normal2

Treatment of High Blood Pressure

Treatment of High Blood Pressure
It is important to take steps to keep your blood pressure under control. The treatment goal is blood pressure below 140/90 and lower for people with other conditions, such as diabetes and kidney disease. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is an effective first step in both preventing and controlling high blood pressure. If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in keeping your pressure controlled, it may be necessary to add blood pressure medications. In this section you will learn about blood pressure-lowering lifestyle habits and blood pressure medications.


Lifestyle
These links go to the Prevention section of this site.
Following a Healthy Eating Pattern
Reducing Salt and Sodium in Your Diet
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Being Physically Active
Limiting Alcohol Intake
Quitting Smoking
Other Factors Affecting Blood Pressure
Medications
Types of Blood Pressure Medications
Search for Information on a Drug (This link opens a second browser window. Simply close that window to return to this page.)
Tips to Help You Remember to Take Your Medicine
Questions to Ask Your Doctor If You Have High Blood Pressure
Test Your Medication IQ