When to Test for Swine Flu or H1N1 Virus Infection?

An article, in Indian Express on February 5, 2015, stated that this year’s death toll, due to Swine Flu or H1N1 Virus in India, has almost equaled last year’s figures already. Thus, it has become vital to know if you are infected with the H1N1 Virus at the earlier stages of infection itself. As per the data released by the Indian Health Ministry, 201 people have already died till February 2, 2015, compared to the total death figure of 216 in 2014. While experts are still trying to figure the exact cause of this sudden rise in death rates, let us look at the ways that you can protect yourself and your family from Swine Flu.

The most important question here is to know when to visit your Lung Specialist. The symptoms of Swine Flu are cough & cold, fever, and an upset stomach. At the advanced stages, the symptoms include wheezing, productive cough, and chest pain. The ideal time to visit a Lung Specialist is between the 2^nd and 4^th day of the symptoms. This is the period when the virus can be best detected. Waiting for more than 4 days not only increases the probability of non-detection but also the risk of the virus spreading to the lower respiratory tract. The spread of the virus builds up multiple complications making correct prescription, a difficult task.

It is still unclear whether this sudden rise in number of deaths is due to the virus following its cycle or mutations in its antigen or the development of resistance by the virus against Tamiflu, the medicine which is usually prescribed for Swine Flu. Even as the experts battle the causes in the labs, it is highly advisable that if you catch cold and are suffering from fever and stomach upset as well, make a visit to a reputed Lung Specialist within the 2^nd and 4^th day of the symptoms.