Is Bad Breath a Sympton of Swine Flu ?

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath is caused by Anaerobic Sulfur Producing Bacteria which normally live WITHIN the surface of the tongue and in the throat. These bacteria are supposed to be there, because they assist humans in digestion by breaking down proteins found in specific foods, mucous or phlegm, blood, and in diseased or "broken-down" oral tissue.

Under certain conditions, these bacteria start to break down proteins at a very high rate. Proteins are made up of Amino Acids. Two of the Amino Acids (Cysteine and Methionine) are dense with sulfur.

When these "beneficial" bacteria come into contact with these compounds, the odorous and "lousy-tasting" sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat, as Hydrogen Sulfide, Methyl Mercaptan, and other odorous and bad tasting compounds. These "problem" compounds are often referred to as volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), where volatile means Vaporous and Effervescent, two adjectives which accurately describe their ability to offend other people instantly.

Causes of Swine Flu

The swine flu virus is spread in exactly the same way as the ordinary cold and flu viruses.

How Do I Know I Have Bad Breath ?
It can be difficult to realise that you have bad breath. Other people tend to notice it first, and they may find it difficult to tell you. If you are worried that you have bad breath you may have to ask a close friend or family member to tell you honestly whether they think that you have.

There is a way of finding out if your breath smells bad without having to call in outside help. "You run your tongue a couple of times over your wrist, let the saliva dry for 30 seconds and then smell it," reveals Benno Raddatz, a dentist from the southern German state of Badem-Wurttemburg. The same trick can be carried out using a cotton wool bud.

How do I know I Have Got Swine Flu ?

Just like normal Flu, the symptons of Swine Flu include:

1/ a sudden fever (a high body temperature of 38C/100.4F or above)

2/ a sudden cough

Other symptons may include:

* Headache

* Sore throat

* Tiredness

* Runny nose

* Chills

* Sneezing

* Aching muscles

* Loss of appetite

* Limb or joint pain

* Diarrhoea or stomach upset

Bad Breath is NOT a sympton of Swine Flu

If you think you have Swine Flu, do the following:

Stay at home and check your symptons on government (or your National Pandemic Flu Service) regulated websites.

Only call your doctor, if:

1/ You have a serious underlying illness

2/ You are pregnant

3/ You have a sick child under one year old

4/ Your condition suddenly gets much worse after 7 days (or 5 days for a child)

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