Swine flu, or H1N1, is a form of respiratory infection caused by a combination of human, swine and avian influenza viruses. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms resemble the seasonal flu, but this strain is easily transmitted form person to person. Toddlers and infants are at a higher risk of complication from swine flu, and their symptoms are not always the same as symptoms in adults.
Cold-Like Symptoms
As with the seasonal flu, swine flu can produce the following symptoms in infants and toddlers: sneezing, runny nose, congestion, coughing and sore throat. Infants and toddlers may exhibit lethargy or sleep longer than usual while they are feeling ill. These early symptoms are mild and may seem to be the result of the common cold.
Flu Symptoms
As time goes on after an infant or toddler has contracted the swine flu, he may begin exhibiting more signs of illness. Body aches and pains, a lack of interest in playing or fussiness in infants may suggest the presence of the flu instead of a common cold. Adults may develop respiratory symptoms like wheezing and breathing difficulties, but children or infants may not, according to Flu.gov.
Infants and children may appear to get better at some point but then seem to fall ill again. This time, a fever may be present. Temperatures may rise well above 102 degrees F. A high fever that does not respond to fever reducers or methods approved for an infant may require emergency medical attention. Infants and toddlers who are generally healthy can recover from the flu at home with normal treatment consisting of pain relievers, fever reducers and plenty of fluids and rest. Young children with health complications may require medical intervention.
Serious Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends emergency medical treatment for infants and children who exhibit any serious symptoms of the swine flu. Examples include breathing difficulties, rapid breathing, shallow breathing, blue discoloration of the skin, pain in the chest, sudden dizziness, confusion and severe or persistent vomiting. When a child or infant refuses to wake up or interact or experiences a high fever with a rash, the CDC indicates this to be a medical emergency. Infants and children may not be soothed or comforted even when held by a caregiver when they are extremely ill with swine flu.
Symptoms including dry mouth, lack of urination or wet diapers and thirst may signal dehydration. This can be a serious side effect of swine flu. Small children and infants can become dehydrated rapidly. A high fever, vomiting and refusing to eat or drink can increase the dehydration.
