Swine flu symptoms
Warning signs to look out for
Most people who contract swine flu will experience only mild symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu, and some people will not exhibit any symptoms at all. Unfortunately, a small number of people will have a more severe reaction to the virus. Children may show additional symptoms and need to be monitored closely. Listed below are handy check-lists for each case.
Mild symptoms
Swine flu symptoms are similar to those for seasonal flu. The most common are:
- Sudden fever (body temperature higher that 38C or 100.4F)
- Sudden cough
Again, like seasonal flu additional symptoms include:
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Chills
- Aches in muscles and joints
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Loss of appetite
Swine flu may also cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea, which is unusual in seasonal flu.
Severe symptoms
Doctors recommend to look out for more severe symptoms which may require immediate medical attention. These are:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- A high temperature lasting more than three days
Symptoms in children
For children, as well as all of the above, also look out for:
- Difficulty in waking up
- Lethargy
- Lacking alertness
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms you should immediately contact your GP.
Swine flu and meningitis
The symptoms of meningitis may be mistaken for swine flu. Read this article for more information:Swine flu may mask meningitis.
TheFamilyGP guide to swine flu
Action plan
For tips on how to be prepared for swine flu, and important contact numbers and sources of information.
Swine flu background
Risk groups
Progress of the disease
This article was published on Fri 17 July 2009
Image © Kaarsten - Fotolia.com
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