Swine flu is a popular name for the H1N1 influenza virus, according to the Mayo Clinic. Swine flu is a respiratory infection that differs from the seasonal influenza virus. The virus responsible for swine flu is made of genetic material from the human, swine and avian flu viruses. The Mayo Clinic reports that H1N1 has many symptoms in common with the seasonal flu, including complications of existing health conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports many symptoms and hazards of swine flu.
Mild Symptoms
Swine flu begins like the common cold with sneezing, coughing, sore throat, runny nose and possibly a headache. The CDC reports these side effects as mild and common but warns that the virus progresses rapidly.
Moderate Symptoms
Within three to five days of contracting the virus, the CDC reports that individuals will likely experience a fever, nasal congestion, body aches, chills and fatigue. These symptoms will be more intense than those of a common cold. The individual will likely recognize that they have contracted something more severe, like a virus. Some individuals may experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Severe Symptoms
As the flu progresses, the symptoms become more intense. The CDC indicates that users may experience difficulty breathing, extreme fatigue and possibly dehydration. Infants may not wake easily and are at a higher risk of dehydration. Any individual who experiences an extremely high fever, severe vomiting or diarrhea or trouble breathing should receive emergency medical care. Infants who will not eat or drink should receive medical attention to prevent dehydration, which can be fatal.
Individuals who are considered "high risk" by the CDC are more likely to experience severe complications with the swine flu. These populations include people over the age of 65, children younger than 5 years of age, pregnant women and any person with certain chronic medical conditions. Examples of medical conditions that can be complicated by swine flu include diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.
