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Dr. Ray Deloney is a physician and CEO of Vitascripts, a health and wellness company. The Xavier University graduate with degrees in both biology and chemistry is the author of seven books, including Swine Flu: The True Facts and Japan’s Nuclear Crisis: Understanding and Reducing Your Radiation Risk.

Dr. Deloney is also the CEO of Deloney Publishing Group, which provides health information through various forms of media.

If swine flu is the same as the regular flu then why is it called swine flu?

The swine flu, now called H1N1, was given its name because it was similar to flus found in pigs.  That changed several years ago, when a new virus emerged that spread among people who hadn’t been near pigs.  It is now a human seasonal flu-like many other seasonal flu strains. It just happens to be a virus that also circulates in pigs.

 So doc. The swine flu has nothing to do with live stock. Hogs ? I remember in 2009 my husband had flu like symptoms n his job was very concern because he is a breeding supervisor. He breeds hogs.

Actually it does. The swine flu, now called H1N1, was given its name because it was similar to flus found in pigs.  And people with regular exposure to pigs are at increased risk of swine flu infection. It is important to know, however, that you cannot get H1N1 (swine flu) from properly handled and cooked pork or pork products.

I took the flu vaccination in Nov of last year but for the last couple of weeks I’ve been vomiting with nosebleeds and severe uncontrollable coughing. Are these symptoms of the swine flu!!

Being vaccinated does not mean you won’t catch the flu.  It just means your immune system will be better prepared to deal with it, resulting in a shorter course. Coughing and vomiting can occur during the flu. And your nosebleed could be a result of something else such as allergy.  To be sure, you should see your health care provider. The typical symptoms of the Swine Flu (H1N1) include fever, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, cough, body aches, headache, chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

 Why is it whenever I do have a flu shot, I get very sick with the flu. I have not gotten the shot in the past few years because of that side effect

The flu shot can cause mild side effects that are sometimes mistaken for the flu. Soreness at the injection site, fever, muscle pain, and weakness can last 1-2 days after vaccination. These symptoms are usually much less severe than actual flu illness. Also, there is a two-week delay between vaccination and protection by the vaccine. This means you could have actually caught the flu during this time. The vaccine works well and should be considered. But if you are interested in natural ways to help ward off the flu you can visit my website at www.vitalscripts.com for other alternatives.

 Hello Doc, if I tested positive for influenza a, is that H1N1?

Yes. If you tested positive for influenza A, most likely you have H1N1. H1N1 is the predominant strain this year and responsible for 80% of the flu.

 When I’ve taken flu shots in the past, I’ve been sick and bed ridden for 3-4 days. Why is that and is there an alternative I perhaps can take for the flu?

The flu shot can cause mild side effects that are sometimes mistaken for the flu. Soreness at the injection site, fever, muscle pain, and weakness can last 1-2 days after vaccination. These symptoms are usually much less severe than actual flu illness. Also, there is a two-week delay between vaccination and protection by the vaccine. This means you could have caught the flu during this time. The vaccine works well and should be considered. But if you are interested in natural ways to help ward off the flu, you can visit my website at www.vitalscripts.com for other alternatives.

 How come when someone who hasn’t been sick for 5 to 6 years hasn’t taken the flu shot and all of a sudden they get sick for like a week?

The flu shot can cause mild side effects that are sometimes mistaken for the flu. Soreness at the injection site, fever, muscle pain, and weakness can last 1-2 days after vaccination. These symptoms are usually much less severe than actual flu illness. Also, there is a two-week delay between vaccination and protection by the vaccine.  This means you could have caught the flu during this time. The vaccine works well and should be considered. But if you are interested in natural ways to help ward off the flu, you can visit my website at www.vitalscripts.com for other alternatives.

 Is it too late in the flu season to get the vaccine?

No. The vaccine is still available. There are some shortages because several people have been getting vaccinated. But it’s not too late and it should be considered.

When you are diagnosed with the Flu, why does the doctor say u have flu type A,B or C? Which one if them is swine flu?

There are three types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. Human influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics. Influenza type C infections cause a mild respiratory illness and are not thought to cause epidemics.  H1N1 (Swine Flu) is influenza type A.

 Does the swine flu shot affect pneumonia shot given?

No. The pneumonia vaccine can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine.

 How long do flu symptoms last? 

Most flu symptoms will improve in a week or two.

 I am a female in my mid 40’s that has not had the flu or a cold since my late teens.  Although I am extremely healthy, my doctor now wants me to start taking vitamins and to get the influenza shot.  I don’t think getting the shot is a good idea as I see everyone who allows it gets sick afterwards. What do you think?

This year, healthy young adults have been particularly at risk because the predominant flu strain is H1N1 (Swine Flu). If you weren’t exposed to the virus in 2009 and have never been vaccinated against it, your immune system is at a disadvantage when it comes to mounting a defense. Some people can experience mild side effects from the vaccine. But these symptoms are usually less severe than the flu. The vaccine works well and should be considered. But if you are interested in natural ways to help ward off the flu, you can visit my website at www.vitalscripts.com for other alternatives.