Swine flu symptoms closely resemble those of regular seasonal flu. It’s crucial for everyone to be able to recognize these symptoms early on in case you, your family, or friends become infected.
Common symptoms of swine flu include:
- Fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F)
- Extreme fatigue
- Headache
- Cold or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Decreased appetite
- Muscle aches (myalgia)
- Stomach upset such as diarrhea or vomiting
If someone has a fever or high temperature (over 38°C/100.4°F) and experiences two or more of the symptoms listed above, they may have swine flu.
It’s important to contact a physician promptly if:
- You have a serious underlying disease that weakens your immune system (e.g., cancer, chronic kidney disease)
- You are pregnant
- Your sick child is less than one year old
- Your illness suddenly worsens
- Your symptoms are severe, or there’s no improvement after seven days (or five days in children under 16)
Urgent medical care should be sought if:
For children:
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
- Bluish skin color
- Inadequate fluid intake
- Lethargy, difficulty waking up, or poor interaction
- Severe irritability or inconsolability
- Recurrence of flu-like symptoms after improvement, with worsening fever and cough
- Fever accompanied by a rash
For adults:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest or abdominal pain or heaviness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Continuous or severe vomiting
- Recurrence of flu-like symptoms after improvement, with worsening fever and cough