Symptoms of Swine Flu and Precautions

Symptoms of Swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 – Swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 – Swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, Swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

 

Typical Symptoms of Swine Flu

In children emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Fast breathing or trouble breathing

* Bluish or gray skin color

* Not drinking enough fluids

* Severe or persistent vomiting

* Not waking up or not interacting

* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held

* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

* Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

* Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen

* Sudden dizziness

* Confusion

* Severe or persistent vomiting

* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough

 

Swine Flu Precautions

Individuals should focus on protecting themselves and their families.  They should stay informed. Health officials will provide additional information as it becomes available. They should also take these daily steps to protect their health and lessen the spread of the flu:

·       Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the  tissue in the trash after use.

·       Wash hands frequently, especially after you cough or sneeze. Hand disinfectant cleaners can help.

·       Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth to reduce spread of the virus.

·       Avoid close contact with infected people.

·       If sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for 7 days after onset of symptoms or until you have been Swine flu symptom free for 1 day, whichever is longer. This will reduce infecting others and spreading the virus.

·       Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoid crowds and other social contact whenever possible.

 

Swine Flu Symptoms