Swine Flu Signs, Symptoms and Action

Indicators of 2009 H1N1 or swine flu are not unlike those for regular old run-of-the-mill flu. What makes the swine flu virus different from typical flu is that more serious complications, such as pneumonia, might occur more often. Swine flu is also a new strain of flu, and no one in the population would be expected to be immune since it has never been encountered before.

During an outbreak such as this, one of the biggest concerns for officials is simply that a lot of people could get sick at the same time. This could put a terrible strain on the medical system in the country where it is happening. One thing is certain though, our government health officials are doing everything they can to make sure the country is prepared. The best thing to do in the mean time is learn the signs to watch out for. If you or your child are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor as soon as possible. He or she may want you to come in and be tested. Here are the symptoms you should look out for:

  • Fever. You should watch for a fever above 100.4 for babies 3 months and younger, and 101.1 for everyone else.
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Intense body aches
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

There have also been reports by some people that they have diarrhea and vomiting, too.

Pregnant women and small children are at extra risk. Pregnant women face extra risk for complication even with regular flu and should be more careful during the swine flu outbreak. Small children have a higher rate of hospitalization. Moms with children under 2 years old should be extra careful about taking action quickly.

If you or your child experiences the following symptoms, you should consider a trip to the ER

If you notice that your child is demonstrating any of the following symptoms, it’s time to seek emergency care:

  • Fast or troubled breathing
  • Bluish skin color
  • Refusal to drink fluids
  • Difficulty waking up and/or 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
  • Fever with a rash, especially one that does not blanch

In adults, the following symptoms deserve an ER trip as well:

  • If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Pain or pressure in the chest
  • Abdominal pain
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Severe or persistent vomiting


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