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Swine Flu Symptoms in Humans

Swine flu, or novel H1N1 virus, is a new influenza virus that is causing illness among humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this virus was first found in people in the United States in April 2009. Although it was originally called swine flu, this is a human virus, and the only way to get it is from another human.

  1. The Facts

    • Seasonal influenza occurs annually. Each year, the viruses change, but from past exposure people have some immunity to the circulating viruses. Swine flu is a new virus, and people have little or no immunity to it. This gives it the potential to become a pandemic, which means it has the ability to cause a global outbreak.

    Diagnosis

    • Symptoms of swine flu resemble those of other types of influenza. They include sore throat, runny nose, body aches, fever, chills, headache and fatigue. Some people with swine flu have also experienced diarrhea and vomiting. Since these symptoms closely resemble other illnesses, only lab tests can definitively show whether you have contracted swine flu.

    Significance

    • Swine flu is as contagious as seasonal flu. According to the World Health Organization, it is spreading particularly fast among people between the ages of 10 and 45. Severity ranges from mild flu symptoms, such as fever, cough and headache, to severe illness that can result in death.

    Considerations

    • With seasonal flu, children under twelve months of age, elderly people and people with immune suppression are considered at high risk of developing serious complications. Also at high risk are people with existing medical problems, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, liver disease and metabolic disorders such as diabetes. People with existing medical problems should seek medical care as soon as flu symptoms develop.

      The H1N1 virus differs from most seasonal flus in that its course has been most severe in people under 25. People older than 60 may have some immunity to the disease, as this virus or a similar virus may have circulated in the population years ago, producing antibodies.

    Prevention/Solution

    • A vaccine for H1N1 virus is not currently ready, but is in production. Everyday habits can help stop the spread of germs that cause H1N1 and other illnesses. Cover your mouth when you cough, and throw tissues away. Wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer frequently. Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth. If you have flu-like symptoms, stay home for at least 24 hours.

    Warning

    • Seek medical care immediately if you experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if you have a fever that lasts more than three days. A child with swine flu may require urgent medical attention if he experiences rapid or labored breathing, convulsions, grayish skin color, extreme irritability or fails to interact or wake up. Medical attention would also be indicated if you or your child has flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with a fever or worse cough.

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