The swine flu or H1N1 flu has common symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue and may include vomiting and diarrhea. It may be treated with antiviral medication, though many patients will get better with simple symptomatic treatment including pain and fever medications, cold medications such as decongestants and antihistamines along with bed rest and fluids. A number of other respiratory infections may be diseases with symptoms that are confused with the swine flu.
Seasonal Flu
The seasonal flu is caused by one of a number of Influenza virus types. As the virus is not identical to H1N1 but is very close, common symptoms are similar to the swine flu. Symptoms include fever, body aches, headache, sore throat, chills and fatigue but do not usually include stomach symptoms. Depending upon the patient's age and medical condition, antiviral medication may be given along with medications to relieve pain, fever, nasal discharge and congestion.
Common Cold
The common cold also called an upper respiratory infection (URI) has some symptoms similar to the swine flu. It is caused by one of a number of different viruses including rhinovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Symptoms similar to the swine flu include include scratchy or sore throat, irritation of the eyes and fatigue. Other symptoms may include hoarseness and cough, runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion. Sometimes a fever may occur but it is usually mild. In most patients, the disease will resolve within one week. Many patients will benefit from symptomatic treatment including analgesics, nasal decongestants and antihistamines
Bacterial Pharyngitis
Bacterial pharyngitis is an infection of the throat including tonsils, throat and lower sinus passages. Streptococcus bacteria are responsible for many sore throat infections in a condition commonly known as "Strep throat". Though the hallmark symptom of bacterial pharyngitis is a severe sore throat, it may have some symptoms similar to the H1N1 flu such as sore throat, cough and fever. The tonsils may become red, swollen and may have pustules or spots on them. The larynx or voice box may be infected causing hoarseness or loss of voice and in rare cases a rash may develop. Bacterial pharyngitis will be treated with antibiotics due to the threat of spread of the bacteria to the heart in a condition known as rheumatic fever. Pain and fever medications are commonly given along with oral anti-inflammatory steroids which help to relieve inflammation and pain.
Acute Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a lower respiratory tract infection that is generally caused by a virus, but may occasionally be caused by bacteria. It is an inflammation of the bronchial tree and has common symptoms that may be confused with the swine flu including fever, fatigue and coughing, however the cough is generally more severe and often produces mucous. Bronchitis may also include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and wheezing. It may occur shortly after a cold or may develop on its own. Most symptoms will resolve within a week; however a lingering cough may be present for several weeks. Some patients will be given cough suppressants, oral steroids and bronchodilators to reduce coughing and ease breathing. Antibiotics may be given if a bacterial infection is suspected.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs which causes flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, fatigue, weakness and may cause gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Some patients will also experience difficulty breathing, chest pain and rapid heartbeat. Pneumonia may be caused by viruses or bacteria but the infections caused by viruses are generally less severe. Pneumonia caused by bacteria will be treated with antibiotics which may begin to ease symptoms during the first several days of treatment. Complete recovery may take several weeks.
