Swine flu is a type of flu that is thought to originate in pigs, although this is not 100 per cent certain.

In this article:

What is swine flu?

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Effect on your life

Treatment

How Chemist Online can help

Advice & Support

What is swine flu?
The swine flu virus is passed from human-to-human and can feel like a ‘normal’ flu with symptoms such as headache, fever and shivers.

In 2009, a new strain of the swine flu virus (N1H1) created a pandemic worldwide. The origins of this have been traced to South America. Prior to this, swine flu was not a virus which was easily spread from pigs to humans, and then from human-to-human thereafter.

Symptoms
Symptoms of swine flu include:

High temperature

Headache

Cough

Sore throat

Runny nose

Sneezing

Fever

Upset stomach

Loss of appetite

Fatigue

Muscle aches and pains

Joint pain

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

It can take up to 7 days for your swine flu symptoms to become apparent.

Causes
Swine flu is contagious. It is thought to originate in pigs, but this has never been unequivocally proved. When a pandemic occurs, this means that there is global outbreak of the spreading of the virus.

Diagnosis
If you are suffering from the aforementioned symptoms and think that you may have the swine flu virus do not go to your doctor or local (nearest) hospital. Instead, stay at home and call your GP. You can also the National Flu Service on 0800 1 513 3100 or online at: www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu.

A diagnosis will be made based on your description of your symptoms.

Note: Do contact your GP directly (rather than the National Flu Service) if you are pregnant, think that your child may have the virus (and is under one year old), or have a serious underlying illness.

Effect on your life
The effect of swine flu will basically be the same as ‘normal’ flu. You are best to go to bed until your symptoms clear up. As swine flu is a contagious condition, avoid contact with others until you have fully recovered.

Treatment
As swine flu is a virus it is usually treated with a vaccine. A 5-day course of the antiviral medication Tamiflu® will generally be prescribed. Although this will not cure swine flu, it can be effective in controlling and reducing symptoms until your body recovers.

How Chemist Online can help
Through this website we have a range of treatments available to buy that can help relieve the symptoms and associated symptoms of swine flu, such as headache, fever and cough.

www.chemistonline.co.uk

Advice & Support
National Pandemic Flu Service
Tel. 0800 1 513 3100 or Text phone 0800 151 3200
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu

This information and advice is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or chemist. Chemist Online is also not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based upon the content of the Chemist Online website. Chemist Online is also not liable for the contents of any external internet sites listed, nor does it endorse any commercial product or service mentioned or advised on any of the sites.

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Millions around the world are scrambling to comprehend and tackle the new coronavirus, which emerged in China during early December 2019. The virus, which has been declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, has attacked every country on the planet and caused the death of millions across the world. While most of the countries are under complete lockdown to prevent the spread of the disease, this deadly virus has wreaked havoc on several countries such as China, Italy, Spain, and the United States.The novel coronavirus, which is deadlier than the seasonal flu, is highly transmissible and has devastating effects. As the virus spreads quickly from one person to another in a contained environment, there are several methods to slow down the spread of the disease. Social distancing, frequent hand washing, wearing facemasks, and virus protection clothing can limit the spread of the disease to an extent.Why Virus Protection Clothing is Essential for Healthcare Workers?One of the most depressing facts about the novel coronavirus is that a person can spread the disease even before the symptoms appear. This explains why it is extremely difficult to contain the virus at an early stage as asymptomatic people keep spreading the disease even without being aware of it.As healthcare workers are the first line of defense, it is important for them to wear virus protection clothing as it acts as a barrier against the disease and prevents the person from being infected. The use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is essential to fight the battle of COVID-19. Equipments such as facemasks, disposable gowns, disposable gloves, and eye protection are essential for healthcare workers as they interact with infected people round the clock.The use and significance of protective clothing can seldom be stressed enough due to the innate ability of the virus to spread quickly from person to person and from inanimate objects. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, the virus becomes airborne and it remains suspended in the air for about 20 minutes or more, posing a dangerous threat to people in the vicinity. This is exactly the reason why the CDC recommends the use of protective clothing by healthcare workers, which include doctors and nurses, as they are at the risk of contracting the virus quickly. The proper use of protective clothing and equipments will help to deter the spread of novel coronavirus, which has quickly traversed from country to country within a period of three months.It is pertinent for people in the healthcare sector to use virus protection clothing and other equipment to protect them from being infected by the deadly disease. More thousands of healthcare workers across the world have fallen ill due to coronavirus pandemic and many are forced into quarantine due to the lack or shortage of proper PPE.

The Growing Academic Burden and Its Impact on Student Mental Health
Increased Academic Demands
Over the years, the academic workload for students has intensified significantly. A study by the National Survey of Student Engagement found that the average full-time college student spends about 15 hours per week studying, and this number can be much higher in more rigorous programs. This increased workload can lead to stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Mental Health Challenges
According to the American Psychological Association, over 30% of students seeking help at college counseling centers report that stress negatively affects their academic performance. Additionally, data from the Center for Collegiate Mental Health indicates a steady increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression among college students over the past decade.

Therapeutic Interventions for Student Mental Health
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely used approach that helps students identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It has been proven effective for a range of issues, including depression and anxiety. A meta-analysis published in the “Journal of Cognitive Therapy and Research” suggests that CBT can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in students.

Art and Interpersonal Therapies
Art therapy, which includes activities like music and dance, provides a creative outlet for students to express themselves and manage stress. Interpersonal therapy focuses on improving students’ relationships and social interactions, which can be crucial for those struggling with depression.

Family Therapy
Involving family members in therapy can help address dynamics that may contribute to a student’s stress and mental health issues. Family therapy can facilitate better communication and support within the family unit.

The Role of Behavioral Health Consultants
Behavioral health consultants play a crucial role in integrating mental health care with primary health care. They conduct assessments, provide counseling, and help students develop coping strategies. These professionals are trained to use various diagnostic tools, including drawing tests, to understand a student’s mental state and tailor interventions accordingly.

The Importance of Support Systems
It is essential for parents, educators, and peers to support students in managing their mental health. Creating an environment that promotes mental well-being and encourages seeking help can significantly impact students’ academic success and overall quality of life.

Conclusion
As academic pressures mount, the mental health of students cannot be overlooked. Effective behavioral therapies and supportive environments are critical for helping students navigate the challenges of modern education. By addressing mental health issues proactively, we can foster a healthier, more resilient student population.