The swine flu, also called H1N1 influenza, causes fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, aches, chills and fatigue. Some people also develop diarrhea and vomiting, though most people get better without any medical treatment. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that more severe cases of swine flu require hospitalization. Deaths from swine flu documented during the 2009 outbreak have been attributed to complications of the disease.
Pneumonia Warning
The most serious complication of swine flu is bacterial pneumonia, of which Pneumococcal bacterial pneumonia is the most common and serious form. MayoClinic.com says that even young, healthy people can easily succumb to pneumonia when they have already been weakened by swine flu. Antibiotics are used to treat some forms of bacterial pneumonia, but treatment-resistant strains of the pneumonia are becoming more common.
Bronchitis Consideration
Bronchitis is a significant complication that can arise along with swine flu. It is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes and can affect the ability to breathe properly. A one-time, brief case of bronchitis may not have lasting effects. MayoClinic.com says, however, that if bouts of bronchitis return many times, more serious, chronic bronchitis may be diagnosed. Chronic bronchitis is also a consideration when associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, with most of the treatment centered around easing symptoms and making breathing easier.
Sinusitis Effects
Those suffering from swine flu may have the complication of sinusitis. This inflammation of the sinuses may be made more problematic if the patient has chronic sinusitis. In sinusitis, the air-filled spaces behind the forehead, eyes and nasal bones fill with mucus, which allows bacteria to grow. Symptoms include fever, cough, headache, sore throat and nasal drip. Children may run a high fever. MedlinePlus states treatment is mostly symptomatic with fluids, rest and pain-relief medications prescribed.
Potential
The swine flu has the potential for much more serious health risks due to the complications that arise from it. Those with chronic medical conditions are likely to be worsened by swine flu as a complication. Diabetics, asthma sufferers and those with heart disease are all likely to have their conditions made worse. The CDC states that the condition of congestive heart failure patients may worsen because of swine flu, with a heart attack sometimes being triggered due to the disease.
Prevention/Solution
In order to stop the chain reaction of weakened immune system due to swine flu, the CDC advises getting a flu vaccination. Vaccines developed for the 2010-2011 flu season may be supplemented with the monovalent 2009 H1N1 vaccine to accommodate potential vaccine shortages . As of August 2010, the CDC advises those with special susceptibility to complications such as children ages 6 months to 8 years, people traveling where 2009 H1N1 is occurring and those with chronic lung, heart or neurological disease be vaccinated with available vaccine. Diabetics and pregnant women are also encouraged to be vaccinated.
