Nasty Disease From Nearly 15 Years Ago Spreading Throughout Gem State

This time of year can be rough on many. The weather is cold, and depending on the rain or snow, it can keep many locked up inside. When out and about running errands though or around other people, it can be tough as everyone seems to have some cough, running nose, or some sort of illness. Sending children to school or going to work is like raising your hand and asking to get any disease in the room as there are many to choose from this time of year. While most expect the common cold, the flu, and some other illnesses going around, sometimes there are ones that can surprise you. One illness from nearly 15 years ago has made the rounds in Idaho this year, and it can put those who get it at home for multiple days, and in the hospital potentially as well.

Swine Flu in Idaho

While many know that the flu is making the rounds in Idaho this time of year, as it does every year, this year there have been cases of the Swine Flu, with some cases in the Magic Valley. For those unfamiliar with it, it had a major breakout back in 2006, with 2009 being the year that it became a pandemic, causing over 284,000 deaths. While it didn't shut the world down, many became ill with the Swine Flu. It is back this year as there have been cases in the Magic Valley, and if someone with it doesn't take the right steps, they could end up in the hospital, or at best, in bed for multiple days. As the name says, it comes from pigs, and with many in the area having them, it is not surprising to see some have the Swine Flu this year. 

Symptoms for the Swine Flu in Idaho

The Swine Flu is similar to the normal flu, but a little more extreme. Fevers can reach extremely high levels, such as 105 or 106 degrees, especially in children. Aching muscles, fatigue, coughing, chills, sweats, headaches, watery eyes, and diarrhea are some of the many symptoms to keep an eye out for. If one gets the Swine Flu, expect them to be home for about a week, as the virus takes anywhere from 5 to 8 days to recover from fully. Watch the fever, if it is above 103 for too long, you need to take the person to the hospital. If someone you live with or work closely with tests positive for Swine Flu, clear your schedule as chances are high that you too will end up with it, as it is highly contagious and spreads aggressively and fast. 

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Make sure to check with your children on how they are feeling daily when picking them up from school or daycare, and make sure to take care of yourself, especially if coworkers are showing up to work with symptoms. For more on Swine Flu, make sure to click on the links in the paragraphs above.