Symptoms of the swine flu are similar to that of the normal flu, but not the same. Early signs of swine flu include sore throat, fever, and sneezing. Coughing, runny nose, and head and body aches are also common signs of the swine flu. The disease may progress in some people to include vomiting and diarrhea, symptoms not as commonly seen with normal seasonal flu.
Swine flu, also called H1N1, is actually a mutation of the original virus strain found in pigs. This mutation has enabled it to be transmissible by human to human contact, usually from coughing or sneezing. The strain still found in pigs, and therefore communicable by pigs, is not the same swine flu strain that humans pass from one to another.
Most people are affected by swine flu in a manner similar to the ordinary flu, and do not need medical attention. Generally, anyone experiencing the early signs of swine flu should stay home and take measures to recover and prevent spreading the disease, such as resting, drinking fluids, and disinfecting hands and surfaces. Sick individuals should, however, see a doctor if the condition worsens because it is possible for swine flu to develop into a very serious case of viral pneumonia.
The viral pneumonia sometimes caused by swine flu is not as treatable and therefore more dangerous than more common bacterial pneumonia. Due to the potential for high fever and pneumonia-related deaths, people should exercise caution and attempt to prevent spreading the illness. Washing the hands and covering coughs and sneezes are behaviors imperative to reducing transmission of the virus. It is also important to stay away from crowds and avoid work or school when sick with swine flu.
People with pre-existing medical conditions, pregnant women, and infants or young children should also take special notice if the early signs of swine flu are detected, and see a doctor if the disease gets worse, because these are the groups most likely to be severely affected by the illness. Symptoms that develop after the early signs of swine flu may be more serious and indicate that the illness is progressing. For instance, chest pain, rashes on the skin that accompany a high fever, and dehydration are warning signs that medical attention is needed. Even in otherwise healthy adults who are not pregnant, medical attention should be sought if the fever lasts for several days or breathing becomes labored and difficult.