In 2009, the big difference was that when the swine influenza A virus known as H1N1 first appeared, it was new and most people didn’t have any immunity to it. That’s why it so easily became a pandemic virus and spread all over the world. Now this strain is included in the annual flu vaccine.
Frequent Symptoms
Like other seasonal flu viruses, common symptoms of swine flu (H1N1) develop between one and three days after you’ve been infected and can include:
Fever, which is usually high, but is sometimes absent Cough Runny or stuffy nose Sore throat Body aches Headache Chills Fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme Diarrhea and vomiting occasionally, but more commonly seen than with other strains of flu
Serious Symptoms
Serious symptoms are rarer. In children, they can include:
Fast breathing or difficulty breathingBluish or gray skin colorNot drinking enough fluidsSevere or persistent vomitingNot waking up or not interactingIrritability so great that your child does not want to be heldFlu-like symptoms get better but then come back with fever and worse coughRash with a fever
In adults, serious symptoms include:
Difficulty breathingChest pain or pressureAbdominal pain or pressureDizzinessConfusionVomiting that’s severe or won’t stopFlu-like symptoms get better but then come back with fever and worse cough
If you notice these, don’t panic right away. It’s important to coordinate with a healthcare provider or your medical team for prompt attention, and they can help you resolve the issue and its underlying cause.
Complications
Most people who get swine flu recover within a few days to two weeks after first having symptoms, but some people may develop complications.
Potential complications include:
are pregnantare younger than 5 or older than 65 years oldhave a chronic illness such as asthma, emphysema, diabetes, or heart disease
Worsening of a chronic conditionPneumoniaBronchitisEar infectionConfusionSeizuresRespiratory failure
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Most normally healthy people can recover from the flu at home and prevent spreading it by avoiding other people. However, if you have a chronic illness like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease or have a suppressed immune system and you think you have the flu, you should see your healthcare provider so he or she can properly diagnose you and treat your symptoms accordingly.
You may get a course of antiviral medications that are used for high-risk people to help lessen the length and severity of your illness.
You should seek emergency care if you or your child has any of the serious symptoms listed above and/or you’re getting worse. This is especially true if you or your child has a chronic illness as well.
There was an error. Please try again.
The flu can be a life-threatening disease for children, especially those 5 years of age and younger, people over 65, and those with chronic conditions, so getting medical care as soon as possible for these populations is important.
Unable to eatNo tears when cryingHaving difficulty breathingFewer wet diapers than normal
FeverChillsCoughSore throatFatigueBody achesHeadacheStuffy or runny noseRed, watery eyesDiarrheaNausea or vomiting
Worsening of asthma symptomsOtitis media (inner ear infection)Encephalitis (brain inflammation)Myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation)Acute heart failureHemorrhagic bronchitisBacterial or viral pneumoniaAcute respiratory failure
