The swine flu, or H1N1 flu, causes an infection in humans similar to the seasonal flu. H1N1 flu spreads by the same methods that the regular flu spreads and it generally causes a mild infection. The remedies for swine flu consist of treating the symptoms in the same manner as the seasonal flu, and avoiding contact with others during the course of the illness.
Antiviral Drugs
Antiviral drugs don't stop the infection entirely, but they may provide significant relief from symptoms. A doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to treat individuals with severe flu symptoms, and those at a high risk for developing flu-related complications, which include children younger than five, and especially younger than two years old, adults 65 years of age and older, and pregnant women. The Cleveland Clinic recommends taking the antiviral drugs within one to two days of the onset of symptoms, as that ensures the most benefit from the medication.
Rest
Getting plenty of rest helps the immune system fight off the infection, and staying at home prevents others from acquiring the illness.
Fluids
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with the H1N1 flu experience gastrointestinal symptoms more than people with the usual forms of the flu. Adequate fluid intake prevents dehydration that occurs with fluid loss from a high fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Drink water, juice or clear liquids until the gastrointestinal upset resolves.
Pain Medications
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, reduce the body aches and fever that goes with the swine flu. Other symptoms that pain medications treat include a sore throat, headache, and any physical conditions that the flu aggravated.
Stay Home
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends staying at home until fever-free for 24 hours or more. Not only does staying at home assist in recovering from the illness, but it inhibits others from getting sick. H1N1 spreads the same way as the regular flu, through human-to-human contact. Breathing in droplets from an infected person when they sneeze or cough, and touching contaminated surfaces before touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, spreads the infection. Close contact can spread the flu, and frequent hand washing helps in preventing further transmission of the illness.
