Swine flu is a type of influenza referred to as H1N1. It can occur throughout the year but is most common during the seasonal flu months in late fall through early spring. The swine flu has been known to cause some of the similar symptoms of regular influenza but tends to target those with preexisting conditions. Some of these health conditions include asthma, a weakened immune system, diabetes and heart disease.
Respiratory System
One of the main targets of the swine flu is the respiratory system. This includes symptoms such as running and stuffy nose, cough, chest congestion, watery eyes, scratchy throat, sore throat and breathing difficulties such as wheezing. Once the virus begins to attack the body, it may target the bronchial tubes. The swine flu can be differentiated from the common cold by having a multitude of symptoms that are mainly centered in the chest. Those who have preexisting breathing conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema may experience complications from the swine flu. Complications may include an asthma attack, acute respiratory distress, sinus infection or pneumonia. These types of complications require immediate medical attention.
Temperature Changes
Something that generally every sufferer of the swine flu will experience is a fluctuation in body temperature. Initially this begins as a sudden spike in fever of up to 102°F, although in rare cases it can be higher. The fever is the bodies natural way to fight off the virus. As the virus attacks the body, temperatures may drop and the body may experience chills. This is a very uncomfortable experience as the body can feel as if it's going from hot to cold within a short period of time.
Gastrointestinal
Another troublesome symptom of the swine flu is extreme gastrointestinal distress. Not every case of the swine flu experiences stomach discomfort, but some cases have shown symptoms of nausea, stomach cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms can be troublesome as it is difficult to keep food and fluids in the body. In some cases dehydration can occur.
Body Aches
One sign of of having the swine flu is experiencing overall body aches and weakness. The swine flu affects muscle groups by making them feel overworked and tired. This can also lead to body weakness, forcing the body to require more hours of sleep and rest until the virus exits the body. The effects of this type of malaise can make walking and moving around difficult and tiresome as the body feels forced to rest. Moderate to severe headaches are also common as the virus runs its course over 24 to 48 hours.
