We can expect a new flu season at the beginning of each fall.  Usually it lasts well into winter.  So-called “regular” flu strains are seasonal and are often referred to as “seasonal flu.”  While they pose a danger to the elderly and those with weak immune systems, generally most healthy people may be sick for a few days and then return to health.  But with all the talk about swine flu, it might make you wonder:  What is the difference between swine flu and regular flu?

One of the big differences has to do with immunity.  We are all exposed year to year to the various strains of regular flu.  The H1N1 strain, or the swine flu, is different.  It is an entirely new strain that, prior to the spring of this year, no one has ever been exposed to.  

Therefore no one is automatically immune.

Where did swine flu originate? This type of flu strain, the H1N1, originates in the intestines of pigs. There is also a bird strain (H5N1) that crosses over to humans from time to time.  The current swine flu is believed to have had its origins on a pig farm in Mexico. The first person to contract it was from that area. That happened in April, 2009.

Since this is an entirely new strain, no one is immune. It appears, however, that those over the age of 65 are less susceptible to this strain.  It is believed that their exposure to similar animal strains in the 1950s and 1960s may be the reason.

According to the CDC, people 25 and younger are most likely to catch this strain.  Even with their good health and strength, this  swine flu could become a danger to them.  

Will regular flu vaccine protect against swine flu?  No. The swine flu vaccine is entirely separate.  It appears that it will not be available until sometime in October, 2009.  Initial supplies will likely be rationed because manufacturers are not able to provide a large enough supply to inoculate everyone at the beginning of flu season.

Swine flu and regular flu have identical early symptoms: Coughing and sneezing, fever and sore throat, runny nose with chills, aches and fatigue.  Vomiting and diarrhea are also experienced by some.

If you have these symptoms, your doctor will have to tell you which strain you have.  This can be determined by a simple swab test.

If you have the normal flu, your symptoms usually last a few days at most. In the case of swine flu, however, the symptoms may last 7 days or longer.

If you contract the H1N1 virus, you can count on being down for at least a week. Your doctor will want to watch your breathing. Health officials feel the greatest danger is to the respiratory system. If you have the flu and have difficulty breathing, seek medical help immediately.

Health officials are concerned that the swine flu will reappear in greater force this fall and winter. It has the potential to be deadly, and it could interrupt public transportation and commerce.

As we have discussed, even young, healthy people need to stay alert. Everyone should be vigilant, because there are deadly differences between swine flu and regular flu.

How can you tell the difference between a regular flu and the swine flu?

With so much discussion about the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, you may be wondering what is the difference between regular flu and the swine flu.   This article should give you some easy to understand answers.  Regular flu is also referred to as seasonal flu. Generally it refers to influenza type A, B, or C, which is endemic to humans. Swine flu actually is a mutation of an animal strain that was transmitted to humans.   In this case, the strain originated with a pig, which is the H1N1 strain.   Other animal strains come from birds, and they are the H5N1 strains.   Scientists have traced the current pig strain to a farm near Vera Cruz, Mexico. Is it true that swine flu is more dangerous than regular flu?  Why?It is believed that swine flu is more dangerous.   In the case of the current strain, no one in the world has been exposed to it before 2009.   Therefore no one has been able to build up an immunity to it.  That is the main reason the entire world is looking to a vaccine for protection. Won’t your regular yearly flu shot protect you against swine flu?It appears that it will not.  Is there a Difference between Swine Flu Vaccine and Seasonal Flu Vaccine?Yes.   Swine flu vaccine is made up of the H1N1 virus.   Seasonal flu vaccines are generally a combination of the three most common flu viruses found in humans.  Are the symptoms between swine flu and regular flu different?You probably would not know, at least at first, if you have seasonal or swine flu.   Coughing, sneezing, fever, chills, aches, fatigue – these all appear to be symptoms of both flus. The largest concern about swine flu is its tendency to settle in the respiratory system and progress into pneumonia or other complications.  Are the folks with the highest risk factors with swine flu the same as regular flu?Seasonal Flu is particularly dangerous for anyone with a weakened immune system, which generally includes the elderly. Younger people who are healthy normally are not bothered seriously by the side effects of seasonal flu. There is a big change when it comes to swine flu.  CDC information states that the  H1N1 flu is likely more dangerous to people younger than 25 years of age.   People over 65 seem to have less of a chance to contract it.   It is believed they may have some immunity from exposure to similar (though not identical) strains in the 1950s and 60s. How will I know which flu I have?You will need to have a lab test run.   Your doctor can take a simple swab test and you should know within a day or two. Will the treatment differ between the two flus?It appears most people will be treated about the same.   This includes bed rest and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.   Some over the counter medications to relieve coughing and indigestion may be indicated.  Naturally, you will want to follow your doctor’s advice.   He or she will have the most up to date information.  Some doctors may prescribe antiviral drugs such as Relenza or Tamiflu.   These appear to have some effectiveness against the swine flu virus – particularly if they are taken as soon as the symptoms first appear.  If your child is sick they should be watched carefully to make certain they do not become dehydrated or develop difficulty breathing.   Consider it a danger sign if they appear overly lethargic or find breathing strained of hard. Keep in touch with your pediatrician.   This is vitally important. Why is swine flu considered more dangerous than regular flu?It is possible that the swine flu could cause serious respiratory problems which could result in life threatning complications.   These will generally develop around the fifth or sixth day, when regular flu symptoms would be disappearing. The World Health Organization, in April, 2009, raised the warning level to Level 5, thus instructing governments to immediately prepare for a global pandemic.   Infections have already been reported around the world, particularly in the Western Hemisphere and the United States. Past history suggests these strains appear to die out during the summer months but roar back with greater ferocity in the fall and winter.

I don’t know why people are over reacting so much to the swine flu. Is it more deadly than the regular influenza? Many People get the flu every year, some may die from it, some may recover. But They never closed schools just because someone died from the flu. So why is the swine flu any different?

I don’t see anything except that swine flu came from pigs. Why are people so scared of it now?