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The incubation period for anyone suffering from swine flu can last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, maybe longer. It just depends on the extent of the disease. In most cases, the average time that people suffer from the virus extends anywhere from two to seven days.

Symptoms of the virus include a cough, a sore throat, fever, chills, headache and body aches, diarrhea, vomiting and fatigue. The virus can infect you if you touch a person who has contracted the virus, and in turn touch your eyes, nose or mouth. Therefore, it’s advised that you get into the habit of washing your hands on a regular basis or take precautions by using a hand sanitizer if you aren’t somewhere where you can easily wash your hands.

Swine flu vaccine is now available in most areas of the U.S. Most cases are mild in this country, and people can expect a full recovery within a couple weeks. Two flu medications have proven to be effective in some cases, and should be taken at the first sign of symptoms to help speed up the recovery process.

One of the medications, TAMIFLU, counteracts the effects of the flu by preventing the spread of the virus within the body. The medication is helpful to adults or children, and aids in reducing symptoms when taken as directed and in a timely manner.

Another medication, RELENZA, has been proven to work in preventing the flu as well. However, RELENZA is not advised for individuals suffering from respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. Therefore, it’s essential to check with your doctor first to see if any of the aforementioned medications will be of particular benefit for you.

Aside from taking certain flu medications, it’s important to keep your distance during flu season, especially when people are sneezing or coughing. Also, as mentioned, keep your hands as clean as possible. If you do acquire flu-like symptoms, it’s better to stay home to recuperate so you won’t infect others.

To reduce your chances of getting the swine flu or H1N1 influenza, get a flu shot. Just make sure that it’s the H1N1 inoculation as a regular seasonal influenza shot will not protect you from the swine flu.

Swine flu inoculation is imperative for pregnant women, babies and young people from 6 months to 18 years old, as well as people who have high-risk conditions such as heart disease, cancer and lung disease, and health care personnel.

As mentioned, symptoms last on average 2 to 7 days. Be aware that people who are especially high-risk candidates include individuals who are hospitalized, children younger than five years old or adults over 65. Also, women who are pregnant and people with chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, neuromuscular disease or emphysema are at a higher risk and usually have a longer recovery time.

It’s hard to make a distinction between many different viruses of influenza and the swine flu virus. Therefore it’s important to be seen by a health professional to determine whether or not you indeed have the H1N1 virus if you exhibit symptoms of the flu.