Symptoms of Swine Flu
H1N1 is just another type of influenza virus, just like that causes our typical seasonal fever. The big difference is that the current outbreak of this virus has components of pig and bird influenza viruses in it, so that humans have very less or no immunity to it.
These symptoms include :
*fever, which is usually high, but unlike seasonal influenza, is sometimes absent.
* cough.
* runny nose or stuffy nose.
* sore throat.
* body aches.
* headache.
* chills.
* fatigue or tiredness, which can be extreme.
* diarrhea and vomiting, sometimes, but more commonly seen than with seasonal flu.
Nearly everyone infected with H1N1 show atleast two of these indications but only lab tests can definitively show whether you are infected or not. State health departments can do these tests.
Higher Risk Individuals and Complications Of H1N1.
People with chronic medical problems infants and the elderly are ususally thought to be mostly at risk for serious infections. H1N1 high risk groups i.e, people who are thought to be at risk for serious, life-threatening infections are:
* Pregnant women.
* Young children.
* Age of 65 years or older.
* People with Chronic health problems (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease).
Complications (for all patients but especially for those at higher risk) can include:
* Pneumonia
* Bronchitis
* Sinus infections
* Ear infections
* Death
Symptoms of swine flu are like normal influenza diseases, that means you and your doctor can’t know just based on your symptoms, if you are infected with H1N1 virus. Health care professionals may offer a rapid flu test, although a negative result doesn’t necessarily mean that you are not effected.