Avoiding the flu is something that everyone tries to do during flu season. The swine flu or H1N1, is a particular type of flu virus that normally affects pigs but can affect humans too, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also known as influenza type A, the swine flu has an array of symptoms. Many go away on their own, but some can bring more serious side effects.
Upper Respiratory Symptoms
Swine flu in humans is generally harmless except for people who have weakened immune systems, are already ill, the elderly, the young or those who have never been exposed to the H1N1 flu strain before. Common symptoms that affect the upper respiratory tract include a cough, a sore throat, a runny nose and chest congestion. In some cases, these symptoms can develop into more serious complications such as ear infections, bronchitis, asthma attacks, bronchial spasms, respiratory failure or pneumonia, according to the MayoClinic.com. All of these symptoms need to be addressed through your medical care provider and proper treatment including bronchodilators or antibiotics may be necessary to help you recover safely and completely.
Body Aches
General malaise, body aches and the feeling of chills are frequent symptoms of the swine flu. Body aches can be very uncomfortable, forcing you to rest but generally last around 24 hours and subside slowly, shortly thereafter. You may still feel weak or slightly achy a few days later but the aches should go away by taking an over-the-counter pain killer or anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen. If body aches continue along with your other symptoms getting worse, it should be enough to warrant medical attention promptly, notes the American Academy of Pediatrics. Serious symptoms to watch for along with body aches include no appetite, not drinking fluids, not urinating often, a gray or blue skin tone, a rash and trouble breathing.
Fever
A fever generally occurs with most flu viruses, including the swine flu. A fever is an indication that the body is trying to fight off something from invading or compromising the body and immune system. A fever of 100 degrees usually spikes initially with swine flu and then slowly subsides as the virus runs its course, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. With the swine flu you will want to observe your fever very closely. A high fever can also zap your energy and make you fatigued, so be sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. If you cannot bring the fever down by alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen, you will need to seek medical treatment, as this indicates a complication of the swine flu and could be life threatening.
