Swineflu can be treated with Tamiflu which is very effective. However, the true danger of the influenza is for those who have comorbidities (so numerous medical conditions), are pregnant and at the far spectrum of the age continum (ie the very young and the very old).
I got tamiflu when I had swine flu last year while I was pregnant. Tamiflu is no longer available for those who aren't at risk (health care workers, pregnant women, indigenous Australians are all high risk categories). My DH and my toddlers (DD was 2 years and DS was 13 months) had to fight it without Tamiflu. Their temperatures were around the 39.5* mark for about 5-6 days. The symptoms were terrible. Tamiflu was really effective and I was no where near as bad as the rest of my family but there are no scripts being given for those who don't fall into the high risk category.

My advice is that if you suspect you have swine flu (a temperature over 38*C with any other flu like symptoms is the most defining factor) see the doctor immediately. If you do qualify for Tamiflu, they can't give it to you if you have had symptoms for longer than 48 hours.

HMN, that is horrible that your DD got so sick from the vaccine. I'm glad she is feeling better now. I think it is good to raise awareness and let other parents know what to expect.

I guess I feel that the whole issue is such a predicament because really it comes down to a case of what is the better of two evils. There were a lot of pregnant women in Townsville that lost their babies or died themselves from contracting swine flu while pregnant. There were further cases of other people who died and unborn babies who suffered brain damage. It was pretty full on here for a while and very scary. There is also so much unknown about the vax. Personally, after having the virus and watching my family go through it without drugs, I would strongly recommend the vax as the side effects are only a small taste of the actual virus, but that is my opinion and everyone needs to make their own decision. It is not an easy one.

I will say this though - some of the deaths caused by swine flu were caused by untreated secondary infections. No matter what you do, I cannot stress strongly enough - see your doctor the moment symptoms appear and monitor yourself carefully. If you seem to get worse, see your doctor or go to emergency. It is a serious virus and it is better to harrass your doctor about your symptoms than to have serious complications.

That's my 2 cents worth anyway