Swine Flu symptoms

In 2009/2010 the UK experienced its first flu pandemic in 40 years. Not surprisingly, swine flu symptoms was one of the most searched items on our website.

Although scientists are still analysing data collected during the year, it now looks like the new strain of swine flu virus will be the predominant strain in circulation in the UK from now on during the winter months. In other words, it will become our usual seasonal flu.

It also seems that many of us have been infected and not known about it. That's good news as it will help limit the spread of the virus during the next flu season.

Scientists will be watching the countries of the southern hemisphere - about to start their second flu season with the new virus - to see what happens.

Compared with some past flu pandemics with their high death tolls, things could have been a lot worse. But it's still worth remembering that this particular strain of virus seemed to particularly target pregnant women, young children, young people and people with chronic health conditions.

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
• Bluish or grey coloured skin
• Lethargy
• Lacking alertness
• Flu like symptoms which improve, but return with again with fever and worse cough

If your child is experiencing any of these, then you must contact your doctor immediately.

This article was published on Fri 12 March 2010