The swine flu was initially named because some of its genes were found similar to a virus that strikes pigs in North America. Yet this flu virus also included genes from swine in Europe and Asia as well as human and bird flu genes, making it distinctive.
Better named H1N1, the CDC noted the virus was infecting people in the United States in April 2009. H1N1 spreads via person-to-person contact, as does any cold or seasonal flu. This happens when someone coughs or sneezes on you or when you touch or shake hands with someone and then touch your own nose or mouth.
Early Symptoms and Signs
Within one to five days of being exposed to H1N1, if you are going to get sick, signs or symptoms will begin, although some people will have the flu and pass it on while never realizing they were ill. If you experience symptoms, the average time from exposure to feeling sick is about 48 hours. The Merck Manual points out you may have a runny nose, sore throat, cough, fatigue, fever, vague headache, chills or body aches.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
With swine flu in particular, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or nausea may predominate.
Cold Symptoms versus Swine Flu
Sometimes it can be hard to tell if you have the flu or a common cold. Some of the ways to tell the difference are that colds do not usually cause a fever over 100.4 degrees F. Simple colds do not cause significant headaches, widespread muscle aches, troubling fatigue or gastrointestinal upset.
Danger Symptoms and Signs
Some people, especially young children, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses (especially respiratory problems like asthma or emphysema), the elderly and the infirm, are at greater risk from influenza and its complications. This is true of swine flu as well. Evaluation of any persistent fever over 100.4 degrees F for the high-risk groups outlined above is critical and should not be delayed. Get help right away if you experience any shortness of breath, rash, blue color to the skin, chest pain, ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, decreased oral intake or decreased urination (which can indicate dehydration), abdominal pain, severe headache, listlessness or exhaustion.
