How Long Is The Swine Flu Incubation Period?

The swine flu is a virus of moderate severity that is widespread in almost every country in the world. The flu has gone through several mutations and there is evidence that multiple strains are circulating, so any data collected on the flu may be inconsistent with clinical reports due to the different strains and mutations, like the PB2 mutation and Tamiflu resistance. The best way to prepare for the flu is to know when you'll start showing symptoms if you're sick, how long the virus is spread for, and how deadly the virus really is. All of that information can be found below.

The incubation period for the swine flu appears to be 24 to 96 hours (1-4 days), but the median time from infection to onset of illness is about 48 hours. This falls in line with what is seen in seasonal influenza and is not surprising at all. Some people will fail to show symptoms for up to 7 days, but this is a rarity and you can usually consider yourself to not be infected if you're still healthy after four days since exposure.

While the incubation period of the swine flu is important, you'll also want to know how long you are contagious for, especially if you're around high risk groups. Pregnant women, by the way, are at the highest risk of dying from the swine flu. According to studies, you can shed the virus (that is, be contagious) 24 hours before you start showing symptoms and up to 16 days after resolution of symptoms, although most people are not contagious after 7 days.

The most important thing to look out for if exposed to swine flu is a bacterial co-infection, which kills the most people that are infected with H1N1. This is because the swine flu can ruin your lungs and make them susceptible to additional infection, especially from strep or bacterial pneumonia, although MRSA is also a common ailment in H1N1 deaths. A common sign of bacterial co-infection is if you start feeling better and then suddenly get sick again. If this happens, you should go to the doctor immediately and be treated. Remember that early treatment is the most sure-fire way to survive the flu.

By: Dalyinx

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You can find more information relating to the swine flu and how to prepare for it at the following sites: Prepare for Pandemic Flu How Does Swine Flu Kill You