Henry Raymond
Fairfax News => Current News & Events => Topic started by: Henry on October 12, 2009, 07:22:57 PM
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"You'll probably first develop a mild headache, body aches, a sore throat," said Dr. Stephen Leffer from Fletcher Allen Health Care.
He says the symptoms usually take one to two days to develop. By the third day, you're going to feel awful because those symptoms will get much worse.
"You'll have a cough that's really bothering you, you'll have a sore throat, you'll have some real significant body aches, you'll be pretty sore and you may have a pounding headache," said Dr. Leffer.
Add in a fever, which can reach as high as 103, and you are in the midst of the swine flu.
At this point, you may be ready to head to the emergency room or see your doctor, but experts say if you don't fall into a high risk category, the best place to ride it out is in bed.
"Most people who have the H1N1 don't need to see a doctor, most people will get better on their own," said Dr. Leffer.
That's why it's a good idea to have at least one item in your medicine cabinet.
The best thing to help you cope with the flu is acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, which will help your body aches and your fever.
As for flu and cold medicines, doctors say they aren't very effective. The best thing you can do is drink plenty of liquids.
If you have trouble keeping them down or have difficulty breathing, it's time to see your doctor.