The term "swine flu," also known as H1N1, causes panic in many people. The fear of the unknown often makes us worry about what we could be facing if the swine flu reaches our neighborhoods, so knowing and understanding the symptoms can help ease some of those fears. Swine flu symptoms are similar to regular seasonal flu symptoms, but there are some occasions when the symptoms indicate a more severe infection and need immediate medical attention.
General Symptoms
One of the first symptoms reported with swine flu is a sore throat, which may be accompanied by a runny nose, causing most to people assume they have a common cold. The Centers for Disease Control list other general symptoms as stuffy nose, cough, body and muscle aches, headaches, fever, chills, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. It is not necessary, however, for all of these symptoms to be present in a case of swine flu.
Severe Symptoms in Children
While most swine flu symptoms are the same as those of the seasonal flu, there are cases in which they can become much more severe. A child may present breathing difficulties, such as rapid breaths. The Canadian Lung Association reports that skin and lip color may also take on a different tone, turning bluish or gray in appearance. Other signs are low urine output, excess vomiting, irritability, lethargy and even seizures. Often the symptoms may diminish, but then suddenly increase, along with cough and fever. A child who presents any of these severe symptoms needs immediate medical attention.
Severe Symptoms in Adults
Chest pain, breathing difficulties and abdominal pain in adults should be immediately brought to the attention of a physician. Other emergency symptoms, as listed by the CDC, include dizziness, confusion and severe vomiting. Other severe symptoms in adults include changes in skin and lip color, seizures and a return of symptoms that started to leave but return accompanied by a fever.
