Q. I just found out that I have the swine flu, but before that I had a fever. The highest I went was 101.2 degrees. Later on in that week, I went to the doctor and found out that I had the H1N1 virus. Throughout the day, I have been sweating and my temperature went down to 98.4 degrees. Is that because I have been taking Motrin, or am I getting rid of the flu? Also, how can you die from the H1N1 virus? What age does it commonly affect?
- Keala, Rock Hill, S.C.
A. I hope you're feeling better, and staying home and resting. I assume you are talking with your doctor about your specific case, but you raise a few important issues everybody should know about.
First, fever is one of the main symptoms of swine flu, and taking Motrin or other drugs only alleviates the symptoms of the infection. You are not clear of the virus until you go at least 24 hours fever free, without medication.
And even then, you still may infect others. Your best bet is to keep practicing good hygiene.
People of all ages have unfortunately died from swine flu, from infants to senior citizens. Most of those who die from swine flu either have existing medical conditions that weaken their immune system or they develop a secondary bacterial infection after having the flu.
That's why it's so critical to rest once you become sick. Bacterial infections usually crop up usually once people think they have recovered enough to resume normal activities, but instead get sidelined with another bout of illness.
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