Swine flu symptoms Warning signs to look out for
Most people who contract swine flu will experience only mild symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu, and some people will not exhibit any symptoms at all. Unfortunately, a small number of people will have a more severe reaction to the virus. Children may show additional symptoms and need to be monitored closely. Listed below are handy check-lists for each case.
Mild symptoms
Swine flu symptoms are similar to those for seasonal flu. The most common are:
Sudden fever (body temperature higher that 38C or 100.4F)
Sudden cough
Again, like seasonal flu additional symptoms include:
Headache
Tiredness
Chills
Aches in muscles and joints
Sore throat
Runny nose
Sneezing
Loss of appetite
Swine flu may also cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea, which is unusual in seasonal flu.
Severe symptoms
Doctors recommend to look out for more severe symptoms which may require immediate medical attention. These are:
Difficulty in breathing
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Severe or persistent vomiting
A high temperature lasting more than three days
Symptoms in children
For children, as well as all of the above, also look out for:
Difficulty in waking up
Lethargy
Lacking alertness
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms you should immediately contact your GP.
Swine flu and meningitis
Most people who contract swine flu will experience only mild symptoms similar to those of seasonal flu, and some people will not exhibit any symptoms at all. Unfortunately, a small number of people will have a more severe reaction to the virus. Children may show additional symptoms and need to be monitored closely. Listed below are handy check-lists for each case.
Mild symptoms
Swine flu symptoms are similar to those for seasonal flu. The most common are:
Sudden fever (body temperature higher that 38C or 100.4F)
Sudden cough
Again, like seasonal flu additional symptoms include:
Headache
Tiredness
Chills
Aches in muscles and joints
Sore throat
Runny nose
Sneezing
Loss of appetite
Swine flu may also cause stomach upsets and diarrhoea, which is unusual in seasonal flu.
Severe symptoms
Doctors recommend to look out for more severe symptoms which may require immediate medical attention. These are:
Difficulty in breathing
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Severe or persistent vomiting
A high temperature lasting more than three days
Symptoms in children
For children, as well as all of the above, also look out for:
Difficulty in waking up
Lethargy
Lacking alertness
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms you should immediately contact your GP.
Swine flu and meningitis
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