What Are the Signs & Symptoms of the Swine Flu?

The swine flu (also referred to as novel H1N1 virus) is a "new influenza virus causing illness in people," states the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention. First diagnosed in humans in the U.S. in April 2009, the World Health Organization warned that a pandemic was under way. Be sure to know the typical symptoms.

Sudden Fever, Cough

• Typical symptoms of swine flu include a sudden fever--temperature above 38 degrees C or 100.4 degrees F--and a sudden cough. These signs may or may not be accompanied by other aches. It is best to consult with your physician if you do run a sudden temperature and start coughing.

Other "Cold" Symptoms

• Aside from a fever and cough, a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and sneezing are signs of regular flu. They could, however, be signs of swine flu.

Other Aches

• Body aches, aching muscles, limb or joint pain, and headaches sometimes accompany the fever and cough.

Fatigue, Loss of Appetite, Chills

• If you are constantly tired and are not hungry, or if you suffer from chills, it could be an indication that something is wrong.

Diarrhea, Stomach Upset, Vomiting

• Although less common in swine flu cases, these problems usually indicate that something is wrong.

Time Frame

• The U.K.'s National Health Service reports that each (swine) flu case is different. The severity of symptoms and how long they last vary depending on treatment and individual circumstances. In the U.K., most people affected with swine flu have been able to recover within one week from relatively mild cases.

Protection

• To help protect yourself, wash your hands frequently and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Also, avoid contact with sick people and try not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth, as they are the direct entry points for viruses. A vaccine is expected to be widely available by the fall of 2009, according to the CDC.