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What are the symptoms of the H1N1 virus?
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This is part two of a series to inform and educate you about the H1N1 virus.
Now that you have a better understanding of what the H1N1 virus is exactly, I will continue next with the symptoms of the virus.
It is important to note that symptoms of the swine flu are similar to most influenza infections. Such symptoms are: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Some patients can also develop severe respiratory problems and need respiratory support. These symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions. Your doctor cannot tell if you have swine flu just based on the symptoms above. Swine flu can only be confirmed with an actual lab test. According to WebMD, health professionals can offer a rapid flu test, but a negative result may not mean you have the flu. Test accuracy depends on the quality of the manufacturer’s test, the sample collection method, and how much viral sample a person is shedding at the time of testing. Pandemic swine flu can also cause neurologic symptoms in children, but this is rare. Neurologic symptoms can range in seizures and even changes in mental status, and can be severe and sometimes fatal.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should contact your physician. Swine flu is a very contagious illness, and people who feel they have the H1N1 virus should avoid going out in public. It is important to check with your primary care physician regarding flu concerns.
Below, you will find detailed lists breaking down symptoms of the H1N1 flu provided by Flu.gov:
Symptoms of Seasonal and H1N1 Flu
Seasonal Flu- All types of flu can cause:
• Fever
• Coughing and/or sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headaches and/or body aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
H1N1 Flu- Similar to seasonal flu, but symptoms can become more severe. Additional symptoms may occur, but many H1N1 cases have these symptoms:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
Emergency Warning Signs- If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency care.
Emergency Warning Signs in Children:
• 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
Emergency Warning Signs in Adults:
• 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
Stay tuned for part three of a series to inform and educate you about the H1N1 virus. Next article: How to treat symptoms of the H1N1 virus
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