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Signs & Symptoms of Swine Flu in Humans

Swine flu is a popular name people use for the H1N1 influenza virus strain. The virus is contagious. The majority of people who become infected will suffer only minor symptoms; however, some will require hospitalization and a few will die.

  1. Most Common Symptoms

    • Many swine flu symptoms mimic seasonal flu and include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue. Additional symptoms brought about by the H1N1 strain are vomiting and diarrhea.

    Means of Infection

    • Humans infected with the swine flu virus spread it by coughing and sneezing around other people. People also contract the flu from touching objects or surfaces covered with the flu virus and then touching their mouths or noses.

    Emergency Signs for Children

    • The U.S Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you seek emergency medical care if a child experiences fast breathing or trouble with her breathing, severe or persistent vomiting, if her skin adopts a bluish or gray color, she does not drink enough fluids or if she is extremely irritated.

    Emergency Signs for Adults

    • Seek immediate care for adults with pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, difficulty breathing or those who experience sudden dizziness, confusion, shortness of breath or severe or persistent vomiting. Get emergency care if flu-like symptoms improve, only to return along with a fever and a worse cough.

    Incubation

    • The incubation period ranges from one to seven days. Look for signs and symptoms of infection for at least seven days after exposure, longer if exposed by a child.

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