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H1N1 Swine Flu – Symptoms and Warning Signs

The H1N1 Swine Flu is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. The virus is spread from person to person in the same way that regular seasonal influenza and common colds spread. The USDA reminds consumers that all meat and poultry product are safe to eat when properly prepared and cooked.

H1N1 Swine Flu is an influenza virus causing mild to severe symptoms. The vast majority of people contracting the H1N1 Swine Flu have recovered on their own without a doctor or hospitalization. It should be noted, however, that death has occurred as a result of contracting the H1N1 Swine Flu in a few people.

The H1N1 Swine Flu has most, if not all, of the symptoms of seasonal flu. Seasonal influenza symptoms usually include fever, headache, aches and pains, fatigue, cough and chest discomfort. Sometimes you may have a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat and sneezing. The H1N1 Swine Flu has three distinct differences from seasonal flu – the symptoms may be more severe, and a significant number of cases have reported vomiting and diarrhea.

These symptoms are different from the common cold. The common cold usually has a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough and occasionally some chest discomfort. Aches and pain can occur, but are typically slight compared to the flu. It is rare to get a fever or headaches with the common cold.

To complete the comparison of symptoms – Airborne allergies usually have sneezing and runny or stuffy nose. Sometimes a sore throat and cough might occur along with fatigue. It is rare to have chest discomfort or headache with an airborne allergy. Aches, pains and fever are not considered symptoms of airborne allergies.

When should you become alarmed?  The warning signs for children with H1N1 Swine Flu include: fast or troubled breathing, bluish or gray skin color, severe or persistent vomiting, extreme difficulty waking up, not drinking enough liquids, not interacting with others, extreme irritability – not wanting to be held. You should be very conscious is the flu symptoms improve; then, fever returns quickly and the coughing worsens.

The warning signs in adults are similar and include some additional symptoms such as: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, pain or pressure in your chest or abdomen, sudden dizziness, confusion, and severe or persistent vomiting. As with children, adults may show improvement and a sudden return of fever and increased coughing.

The H1N1 Swine Flu, just like the common cold and airborne allergies can be slight, mild or severe. Everyone reacts differently. 70% of the patients hospitalized with the H1N1 Swine Flu have had one or more medical conditions that placed them in the ‘high risk’ category. High risk includes: pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, asthma and kidney disease.

Take an inventory of your symptoms to see if you have influenza, common cold or an airborne allergy.  Knowing what you have makes it easier for you to treat.  The severity of the influenza symptoms could mean that you might have the H1N1 Swine Flu.