Normal / Mexican Flu
Flu is an inflammation of the airways, in other words: throat, windpipe and/or lungs. Flu is caused by an infection by the influenza virus type A or B. Mexican flu is type A, that is why it has the name New Influenza A.
The symptoms of the flu from Mexico are the same as the symptoms of normal seasonal flu: fever, sniffling, coughing and potentially joint pain.
The RIVM (National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Protection) advises people returning from the US or Mexico, who have a temperature (38 degrees or more) and flu-like symptoms, or who develop these symptoms within 7 days, to contact their general practitioner.
People who have been to other countries where the new flu is in circulation and who have had contact with sick people, should also report to their general practitioner if they have these symptoms.
Through an examination they will then analysed for the presence of influenza virus type A (H1N1). If they do have Mexican flu, a virus inhibitor, such as Tamiflu, will be prescribed.