The swine flu, also known as the H1N1 influenza virus, is a strain of influenza that is a combination of the genetic materials from human, avian and swine flu virus. This virus was first discovered in 2009 and was declared a pandemic worldwide by the World Health Organization. Symptoms of the swine flu are often the same as the seasonal influenza virus while the intensity and overall affect is at a greater level. According to the Mayo Clinic, a person should only seek medical attention for symptoms of the swine flu if they are pregnant, elderly or have an immune disorder such as HIV/AIDS.
Body Aches
Body aches are one of the main distinguishing signs that a person has a flu. These aches affect the entire body and is generally not relieved with pain medication. Body aches associated with the swine flu can be more intense than those associated with the seasonal flu.
Fever and Chills
The presence of chills and fever is a common symptom of the swine flu, according to KidsHealth.org. Fever associated with the swine flu will usually peak at a high temperature for several hours and then slowly decrease throughout the next few days. Chills often accompany a fever, since because is a result of the body trying to reduce the internal temperature.
Cough and Sore Throat
The swine flu may also present the symptoms of a sore throat and coughing. The Mayo Clinic notes that the swine flu is a respiratory virus, which means that the virus attacks the respiratory tract, which includes the throat and lungs. This attack of these areas can leave a person coughing and with a sore throat.
Headache
An intense headache that is not relieved by medication is a symptom of swine flu. In some instances, the headache can be so intense that a person must resort to bed rest.
Fatigue
As the body fights off the swine flu virus, the majority of the person's energy is used to keep the defense process strong. Without extra energy, the body becomes fatigued, which will often leave the person sleepy, regardless of how much rest they may have had.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
One symptom that is often distinguishes the swine flu virus is vomiting and diarrhea. With the normal seasonal flu, stomach upset rarely occurs. These symptoms should subside once the body begins to defeat the virus, although it is not uncommon for that to take several weeks.
