Have I Got Swine Flu? By Debi Evans

Question: I have some symptoms, aching and feeling exhausted but no temperature and it all seems quite mild, have I got swine flu?

Answer: Doctors ARE NOT routinely testing for swine flu now. The swabs are too expensive. So I guess none of us will 100% know for sure! Any virus such as flu WILL present with a temperature, usually a high one above 39.C.
That accompanied with other symptoms would indicate influenza. As far as I know there is no other flu going around at the moment. 

Question: I am of more mature years but lead a healthy life style; do I stand a high chance of getting swine flu?

Answer: If you were born before 1957 there is a high chance you could have antibodies already for swine

flu or even have had it and never known! You could get it mildly or better still NOT AT ALL! That is one advantage of being over 50! Sadly I was born in '58 so just escaped it first time round. 

Question: What are the signs of a high temperature?

Answer: The normal temp is 37.C or 98.4 F in old money!!

A fever may be accompanied by:

• Shivering
• Headache
• Sweatin
• Thirst
• Flushed face
• Hot skin
• Rapid breathing

 Question: When should I see my doctor?

Answer: Always see your doctor if your temperature remains above 38 C for longer than two days, or rises above 40 C. If you have taken paracetamol and this does not reduce the fever, see a doctor as soon as possible.

In the case of babies, call your doctor if the temperature rises above 39 degrees centigrade, whatever the suspected cause. A high temperature can lead to seizures in some children.You should see the doctor if a fever occurs in a baby under six months old; in a child with a history of febrile convulsions seizures related to high temperatures; or in an elderly person.

Do so if there are any  other symptoms, such as severe headache with stiff neck, abdominal pain, or painful urination. A very high fever is potentially dangerous as it can lead to coma in both adults and children. You should seek medical help immediately.

 Question: What causes a high temperature?

Answer: Most fevers are caused by pyrogens fever-inducing toxins released by viruses or bacteria. Pyrogens act on the temperature regulating centre in the brain.

Common illnesses caused by such infection are the common cold, tonsillitis, influenza and urinary tract infections cystitis. Fever may also occur in non-infectious conditions such as dehydration, heart attack or cancer.

In addition you can develop a high fever from over-exposure to heat, and especially to the sun. This is known as heat stroke.

In children, a high temperature may be caused by infections such as measles or an upper respiratory tract infection such as tonsillitis. For some children a high temperature can lead to convulsions or seizures which are caused by the effect that the fever has on the brain.

Copyright 2009 Debi Evans. Visit Debi's web site for information on autism/challenging kids and Aspergers Syndrome.