Treating H1N1

Tools

Story Published: Oct 22, 2009 at 8:45 PM MST

Story Updated: Oct 23, 2009 at 9:33 AM MST

By Jennifer McGraw

Video

IDAHO FALLS - With the threat of Swine flu increasing, emergency facilities are inundated with patients and people are rushing to the hospital too soon, but others not soon enough.

"I was just miserable. I have not been that sick since I can remember," says Eric Gomez.

The common signs of the flu, cramping, aching, and fever.

"I ran about 103 to 104 degree temperature for about eight hours," says Gomez.

This was a high enough risk where Eric knew he needed professional help.

"He said 85 percent chance I have the Swine Flu," he says.

Tamiflu is what the doctor prescribed. The same medication used to treat seasonal flu.

"It broke, the fever broke," he adds.

In Eric's case, the household remedy of sleep and chicken noodle soup wasn't going to cut it, but for the other 80 percent of cases, that would probably do the trick.

"The vast majority of people don't have to do anything. Stay home from work, stay home from school, get some rest, and push the fluids," says Corbin Bunnage, Mountain View Hospital physician assistance.

These at home remedies could save you a bundle of money in unnecessary exams and tests, especially for those of you who can't afford it, or who are uninsured.

"For people who are uninsured that becomes a big concern because one of the medications out of pocket will cost you $85 dollars. For those people who are insured and need to be evaluated, we have the Family Community Care here in town that could help out," says Bunnage.

If your symptoms are extreme enough you must see a doctor. A small price to pay if you take a turn for the worse and alternatively don't make it back to health.

The medication will only work within the first 48-hours, so if you're pregnant, or a young child, or have compromised health, see a doctor immediately.

Current Weather

Current Temp 9.0 °F

Overcast

Video

More Weather

Current Weather

More Weather

Upload directly from your mobile device.

Learn how

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.