The H1N1 flu (or swine flu) was first identified in April 2009. It has since been reported in 208 countries, leading the World Health Organization to label the disease as a pandemic. One can prevent becoming infected with H1N1 by getting the H1N1 vaccine or practicing social distancing. People who are sick with H1N1 flu are infectious from 1 day before to 7 days following illness onset and any subsequent days in which they are symptomatic. While it may be difficult to identify a person who has the flu, particularly if they are carrying the disease but showing no symptoms (which is likely during the first days of infection), people infected with H1N1 usually present with at least one of the following symptoms.
Fever
Fever is classified as a temperature at or above 100 degrees. Generally, people with a fever will alternate between feeling very hot and then having the chills as the body fights to keep the body from cooling excessively. Fever, however, may not occur in all H1N1 cases.
Cough and Sore Throat
Coughing is one of the reasons flu is so contagious. Respiratory secretions are released into the air when a symptomatic flu carrier coughs, putting those in the surrounding area at risk. People who have the flu should cover their cough with their arm or shoulder. Sore throat is another tell-tale sign of viral respiratory disease and, since the flu is a virus, sore throat is present in almost all cases of flu.
Runny or Stuffy Nose
The body attempts to rid itself of disease by creating excessive amounts of mucous. Along with a cough, runny nose is a main cause of flu transmission and a common symptom of the illness. People who have the flu should contain their runny nose as much as possible and wash their hands frequently.
Aches and Fatigue
Muscle aches and headaches happen because the body is slightly dehydrated when it is battling the flu. The combination of fever and runny nose cause dehydration. Fatigue is the body's natural response to the symptoms of flu. Sleeping allows your body to spend all its energies fighting the illness.
Gastrointestinal problems
GI symptoms are rare in influenza, however, a few people diagnosed with H1N1 have reported vomiting and diarrhea. It is important to guard against dehydration should you experience these symptoms. If staying properly hydrated is a problem, a doctor should be consulted.
