Symptoms of Swine Flu H1N1

Swine Flu, or H1N1, has symptoms similar to normal flu viruses, which include fever, cough, chills, sore throat, body aches, runny or stuffy nose, nausea, muscle pains, headache, weakness, fatigue, and general discomfort.

Several patients during the current 2009 outbreak have complained of diarrhea and vomiting.

Should you see a physician?

Not necessarily. These symptoms are not usually life threatening. You should, however stay home if you have these symptoms unless you are traveling to medical facility for treatment. You are contagious.

If you have severe illness (please see the list below) or you are at high risk for flu complications, contact your health care provider or seek medical care. Who is at risk? Persons 65 years and older, children younger than five years old, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions.

What are the symptoms of a serious infection?

The following list of symptoms indicates a serious or dangerous infection. If you or your children have any of the following symptoms, it is recommended that you see your physician IMMEDIATELY. (This list is gathered from the Centers for Disease Control of the US Government - www.cdc.gov)

In CHILDREN, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing
Bluish or gray skin color
Not drinking enough fluids
Severe or persistent vomiting
Not waking up or not interacting
Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In ADULTS, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
Sudden dizziness
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting

Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

Note: Interestingly, in pigs which have the influenza virus, the infection produces symptoms similar to humans: fever, lethargy, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and decreased appetite.

How can you avoid getting infected?

Understand how infection is transmitted. Influenza is spread from person-to-person. If you are in an area where people are sneezing or coughing, avoid them. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use Purell or other alcohol based hand cleaners. Avoid touching parts of your body where infection can enter: eyes, nose and mouth.

How do you keep others from becoming infected?

"Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective. Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them." (www.cdc.gov)

Sources:
Wikipedia, "Swine Flu", www.wikipedia.com
Centers for Disease Control, "H1N1", www.cdc.gov